By invitation : S C Jamir, former CM (Nagaland) and ex-Governor (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha) ::: Sept 12 Kohima Resolution is bereft of political reality & is dangerous

 Sept 12 Kohima Resolution is bereft of political reality and dangerous

S C Jamir

The people of Nagaland had been witnessing for the last more than 20 years with utmost curiosity the outcome of the political talks between the Government of India and the Naga underground organizations. But at no point of time neither the underground nor the state government have thought of consulting the people of Nagaland on the political issues that were being discussed with the government of India. 

But after a lapse of more than two decades after the signing of two political agreements between the Government of India and the underground groups, suddenly the leadership of the state  convened the Consultative meeting by inviting all tribal bodies and civil societies without any set agenda(s). 

Somehow some resolutions were adopted duly signed by the Chief Minister and others. 

On the basis of the body of the resolution, let us carefully examine as to whether the said resolution conforms with the present status of the political agreements or not.

History is a living witness to the decades of stormy and perilous Naga political voyage during which the Nagas have lived a life of monumental struggle and sacrifices for the cause dear to their hearts. The untold pains and miseries have been unknown to and were unattended by the outside world. 

Yet the 'gaping wounds' and the deepest scars are still crying for justice and peace. 

The 1960s saw a new generation holding the reins of Naga political movement with a vow to carry on the movement on the footsteps of the older generation. However, time is changing and new socio-political imperatives are emerging, although Naga movement has tried to remain relevant deliberately ignoring the contemporary realities. 

But after more than 20 years of protracted negotiations with the representatives of the Government of India, all the stakeholders decided to hammer out an honorable political framework. Taking all the circumstances including Naga history, tradition, culture, policies and economics as well as the Constitution of India, in a holistic manner, a political arrangement known as the

Framework Agreement was drawn up and signed on 3rd August 2015 between the NSCN(IM) and the Government of India in the presence of the Prime Minister, Home Minister and National Security Advisor.

'Eastern Mirror'

Similar agreement known as the Agreed Position was also signed between the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) a conglomerate of multiple Naga armed groups and the Government of India on 17.11.2017. 

The significant feature of these two agreements is that the question of complete sovereignty and Integration do not figure in the said agreements. 

These two agreements changed the character of Naga polity, hence this achievement can be treated as the watershed in the tumultuous and boisterous Naga political odyssey.

In view of this political realities resulting in a paradigm shift in the Naga political odyssey, the Govt of India now needs to call the signatories and ink the finality of the problem. 

In the mean time led by the elected government of Nagaland, all tribal organizations should press both the Govt of India and the Naga Underground organisations to implement whatever had been mutually signed without any further delay. 

Let the people of Nagaland be rescued from the present nightmarish situation and let them live in peace as any normal citizen of the country. 

It will be ridiculous at this critical juncture to talk about appointment of a new Interlocutor.

ends