Things are no longer 'united' and dormant as it has been since Oct. 2023
New Delhi's patience working .... Now time for Big Jolt ?
New Delhi
Mandarins are at work; and so are various agencies. But the candid observation will be - nothing can work better than 'Patience'. This is what New Delhi policy makers and others will counsel when asked about the 'slow and steady and sometimes unsteady policy' pursued vis-a-vis the Naga peace talks.
"We are already witnessing some turmoil and we will expect more. Why slow? Well, it is always wise to try to get a bigger slice of the cake even if it is delayed" -- this is a refrain --but none would go on record.
So, what's all happening ? Mandarins would still say - we have nothing to add to "your information" kitty. Time is the best drug.
One cannot agree more. In the case of Naga peace parleys that started in 1997 -- Time is all the more imperative. A boy born in August 1997 is now a man and possibly also a frustrated youth !
Many players are no longer players or stakeholders and as the 'time' and nature of life journey goes -- many are already dead. For example two former Prime Ministers I K Gujral and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A few others may die later.
Then what happens ?
One apprehension by agencies is that things may fall like a pack of cards. There will be utter chaos for sometime. Another optimistic declaration is that such a situation will expedite the process to resolve the long pending Naga issue.
Slowly desperation has caught up with everyone. The umbrella organisation NNPG lately had an issue between its powerful convener N Kitovi Zhimomi and his onetime trusted lieutenant Alezo Venuh.
On the other hand, some developments have been reported from 'eastern Nagaland' vis-a-vis some powerful underground leaders.
From a potent Naga armed group, an internal paper has been circulated and it has reached those who matter in Delhi.
For all practical purposes things are no longer 'united' and dormant as it has been since October 2023.
Some of these players have a nexus with the Myanmar junta and it is anybody's guess now that possibly there may be announcement of creation of new groups.
These will probably complicate things both on ground and even for New Delhi policy makers.
The 'Manipur mess' is a big negative spot for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
The opposition has attacked it numerous times and would continue to do so. Hence, developments related to Naga peace talks is something - everyone is eyeing at.
However, things are not as simple as they could appear. New Delhi needs to be more than cautious and any kind of flamboyance or authoritative steps may boomerang. This is one reason, the government is displaying the all important patience.
A former bureaucrat rightly says there is a cobweb of issues and complex clashes of community interests involved.
Arunachal Nagas are also demanding a council or an autonomous body. In Nagaland, there is already a demand for an ENPO separate body. .
Even in Manipur many tribes and communities are already hostile to certain groups for their alleged wrong policies.
The Lok Sabha election mandate in Outer Manipur that ensured defeat of NPF candidate is yet another reminder that problems are many.
Poumais are not on the same page with other communities in that region.
The government also needs to take precautions to handle the United Naga Council - and it has considerable influence in the state.
Congress candidate Alfred K Arthur defeated NPF's Kachui Timthy Zimik by a margin of 85,418 votes.
Last month in a rare and dramatic development the United Naga Council (UNC) barred Congress MP Arthur and two other candidates, S. Kho John and Allyson Abonmai, from public platforms and leadership roles in Naga society for seven years.
This action was reportedly taken as the three leaders allegedly defied UNC's position in the Lok Sabha polls.
On the other hand, the militant leaders operating in 'eastern command' have a nexus with the Myanmar junta and New Delhi cannot ignore this for strategic reasons.
Kukis have their own grievances and the Zeliangrongs are apparently talking to the Govt of India for a 'separate solution'.
These splintered ethnic groupings and separate demands go counter to the cherished desire of Naga unity. This is a challenge before Nagas no doubt and it adds to problems for the government apparatus in Delhi also.
In the words of veteran Naga leader S C Jamir: "Not only in Christianity but in politics Nagas showed the way to the rest of the tribals that they also can have their separate polity to shape their destiny according to their traditions and ways of life.
Nagas were the leading light for the emergence of a tribal state in the country. What then is the world of the Nagas today?"
There are merits in what the seasoned man is trying to say.
ends
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