Centre may soon direct Nagaland Govt or Political Affairs Committee to meet 'sincere organisations' to pursue next moves vis-a-vis Naga Peace Talks

Can FNTA move put the Naga 'rapprochement' process into higher gear ?  

Every meaningful advancement we have in a society has been possible because someone 'refused' to accept things as they were.

Time to work. 

Time to bring a much needed 'ideological alignment'. And more so in north east India and in the case of Nagas.

If the Union Minister of State for Home-led panel has been really constituted as the historic speech of Nagaland chief minister on the solemn occasion of Independence Day suggests - entire debate in different.  

If it is yet to be notified (or not yet constituted); analysts in Delhi suggest the Central Govt should also include 'representatives' of the state Govt. in the panel.

The idea cropped up during informal meetings with former uniformed and civil (retired) government officials. It is also being maintained that the proposed committee should have representatives from NSCN-IM and also NNPG - both the factions. 

If it is not done or not being done --- the message is clear there is no need of any such committee especially after the great split in the NSCN-IM.

It is more so because the 'Eastern Flank' now claims that the Ceasefire too no longer holds water.  I visited some parts of Manipur in July - there exists virtual war-time tension in some areas. 

Nevertheless, New Delhi has enough knowledge of statesmanship - and that says it is always 'easy' to handle a toothless tiger. 

What comes next ? - The role of the civil society. The self-styled Peace makers and Solution pact workers in the 'meta physical' club are also as good as the Status quo club. They too have been exposed. 

The mantra has been 'delay-derail' and then dinner= with our without prayer sessions etc etc. Therefore, now the onus falls on other organisations - a few bodies which are not much interested in Bolero rides. 

The centre may soon direct the Nagaland Govt to meet 'such sincere organisations'. Reportedly efforts are on for last few months. In fact, let us - the Delhi wallah experts - plain manus - and bloggers -- suggest that the meeting should be held between Political Affairs Committee and such civil bodies. 

Those in the know of things - however - lament that not much has happened or is happening either.  

Obvious question is why ? The answer is not coming soon. So we may have to take the debate to the level of 'how'. 

First - the Nagas will have to make up their mind; come 2028 elections -- what should they do. That means a 'Timebound' structure may be presented or worked out. 

The Political Affairs Committee is headed by the chief minister Neiphiu Rio and so to decide things about such a meeting "is in his own will and hands".  And he does not need to wait for any green signal from any quarter. 

Time to show the will in action.

The 'sincere organisations' should also present things before the Committee in a strictly non-partisan manner keeping matters  above any divisions like factionalism, tribalism or district level factors or so on. 

Following the FNTA breakthrough; the Nagas of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur will have to take a 'closer view of things'. 

This may mount pressure on Naga underground groups as well to expedite activities. The Status quo club will slowly be cornered further more by circumstances and there would be no need of any extra effort. 

There is clear intention now to deflect people from real issues and bring in non-issues. 

Is there is a hidden Congress-NPF 'conspiracy' on Vande Mataram ? 

The BJP leaders in Nagaland either report things clearly to high command or let the sleeping dog sleep. 

The PAC means a panel of politicians; and the Neta class knows it best on how to read 'people's pulse'. 

A few of them (junior ones or even veterans) may believe money and Bolero rides can tilt the balance in their favour. But such views and prism may not work any longer. Of course, the FNTA will still take some time and even spin masters may push a line that a new institutional body is no panacea to all ailments. 

The fact of the matter is -- everyone seems to know this. There are certain other things to know and reflect upon.  

Democracies require visionaries, but at times they may also bank on sceptics. Power must remain accountable to something larger than the power itself.

Nagas might have already realised that Institutions matter more than personalities.   

Can Muivah grow younger again ? 

Hope is what rebuilds nations. The question is do we still have it.  

Nagas must know what is that 'force' that can move them forward. Is it 'hope' ? But hope is always different from day dreaming. 

enda