Inching ahead in Naga peace talks, Centre may ultimately make a 'short list' of Militant bodies who are keen for Solution ::::: "Interest of one group or the other must not ignore Naga people's interests"

The Status quo club vis-a-vis Naga peace talks may be snubbed and ignored.

Possibilities are there that things may have reached a stage wherein the Govt of India may have to ultimately make a 'short list' of Militant bodies who are keen for Solution.  

There are 'multiple ways' being applied to derail, delay and sabotage the last stage - that is the Solution to the Naga peace talks. The Govt of India has now seen between the lines and these 'developments and understanding' might have created nervousness in some quarters. 

Attempts being made to raise debate and discussions on old issues such as plebiscite and a memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 now do not make much sense for an elected Central government in Delhi in 2025. 

Analysts in Delhi favour early preparation of a Common Draft -- taking key points from the 2015 Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position of 2017. 

Those who are not in favour of an early Solution may find it difficult to give any convincing reason. 

The competencies under Framework Agreement inked on Aug 3, 2015 with the NSCN-IM still does not have details in public space, the Status Paper prepared under the principles of Agreed Position inked with NNPG has certain details.  

Amid slow but gradual progress in Naga peace parleys, the Modi government is certain about one thing that there will not be any compromise on the "basic structure" of the Constitution.

Peace is on cards but the 2017 Status Papers agreed in principle between the Govt of India and stakeholders that is the NNPG will never dilute or change the basic structure of the Indian Constitution -- is a refrain among mandarins.

Founder of Naga movement: A Z Phizo

Some notable points have been discussed more than once. One such phrase is 'mutual coexistence'.

This phrase 'mutual coexistence' does not readily imply what the Govt of India would tell for example to the US government or Pakistan. In the context of Nagaland, it essentially means "equal partnership" of the two.

This also means empowering each other -- that is Nagas and the Government of India through political and democratic process. This actually will mean addressing the mutual concerns of "both sides with equal status, trust and

respect".

In more ways than one, the calendar of patience is being followed and there are positive talks definitely. 

The proposal to set up an Upper House of elected members for Nagaland

is finding acceptability more in terms of principle.

In 2017 Status Paper between Govt of India and NNPG had laid down clearly that - "The democratically elected Nagaland Legislature shall be the Lower House known as Leacy Hoho having 80 members with a term of office for five years".

The present strength of state assembly of 60 members will have to be increased to 80 members.

As part of 'special provisions' it has been maintained that Nagaland will be 'exempted' from Customs Duties, Cess and Taxes on import and transit of equipment and machinery for industrial, agricultural and energy sectors.

The Government of India will of course provide adequate funding to Nagaland to establish Tatar Hoho, Village Councils, the Secretariat and Residential complexes.

Top level meetings are on cards but no contentious issues will be raised again and again. 

   

There are now over 24 factions of Naga underground groups. Such big numbers have only led the official agencies raise alarm about the growing menace of extortion. In fact, when R N Ravi flagged this as the Governor -- an impression was created that he was confronting the elected NDPP-BJP regime.

But now everyone seems to realise that extortion is a growing menace. The centre may therefore encourage 'unification' process among various factions. In fact, the announcement by a prominent Kuki ultra leaders C Singson and Lanjakam Haokip that they would back the leadership of N Kitovi is seen as a positive development.    

The factions willing for Solution may at best come down to 8 to 10 and the militant groups are apparently able to appreciate this vital fact of life. 

Last month speaking to reporters after meeting centre's emissary, one key pro-Solution militant leader Isak Sumi had said:

"For too long, the Naga people have been kept in suspense. Disappointment and disillusionment have crept in due to the delay...We impose the interest of particular groups over the Naga people's interest... We make a sincere apology to the Naga people for all the wrongs that have been done". 

ends