Centre may adopt 'stick only' policy on Peace parleys
NSCN (IM) urged to be 'realistic'

Nirendra Dev *

The BJP central leadership and Union Home Ministry have already got in touch with the Manipur government and state BJP leaders preparing for some kind of a peace pact with the Naga militants. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Leader of the Opposition T R Zeliang, also a former CM, met a NSCN (IM) delegation in Delhi and passed on some important 'messages'.

This meeting apparently came after Home Minister Amit Shah gave them a green signal. During their meeting with Shah, the Union Home Minister also clarified that the NSCN (IM) demand for a separate Constitution and a Flag were outright rejected as these twin issues could not be negotiated.

Home Minister Amit Shah has been reportedly mandated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to do the final rounds of spade works. Shah has instructed Naga leaders including former Chief Minister T R Zeliang to pass on the message to NSCN (IM) that they should be "realistic" in facing the challenge.

NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah has been specially sent in a message to this effect by the Home Ministry. Elections are due in Manipur by February-March 22 along with big states such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

Sources said Shah is keen to ensure that the states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh should be on board once Nagaland peace pact is inked. In October 2019, in fact it was Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh who had approached Shah and had urged him to 'delay' the final announcement.

The NSCN (IM) with its organisational presence among Tanghkhul Naga tribe has hold in parts of Manipur and hence the Meitei leaders are often cautious about Central government's 'give it all' approaches towards the NSCN (IM).

"Amit Shah has faith in Manipur CM and thus things are being worked out accordingly," a source said. Nagas have significant presence in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam also.

But now that the Naga peace talks has passed off so many years since 1997 (as many as 24th year now); one wonders -- Are the deadlines set by the Government of India from time to time and phrases like 'acceptable and honourable' are just sound and fury. Or do they really signify something ?

There is talk of yet another deadline. The NNPG leadership of seven militant groups under N Kitovi Zhimomi has communicated to the PMO that the "very success" of the Naga peace pact would have a direct link to the Prime Minister's Act East Policy.

It is being circulated that once the business of elections and their results and government(s) formation are over by May 2 and beyond, especially in Assam and West Bengal, the Modi government would come to the board room for final peace parleys. Importantly- things should move as a few months of delay would again bring in 'Manipur elections' as another delay-tactic or at least a reason for the same.

The Home Ministry has also asked BJP leader and Nagaland deputy CM Y Patton to make use of his good office and 'influence' to bring all concerned on board to solve the long pending problem. From the Government of India point of view, it has been made clear that mushrooming of so called 'more and more Naga armed groups' is neither appreciable nor acceptable.

There are already 11 Naga militant groups. Seven of them operating within the state of Nagaland have come under one umbrella organisation, NNPG headed by N Kitovi Zhimomi and these groups are keen for an early solution and signing of a pact.

The Naga history has been witness to several attempts for solution through accords inked in 1960 and also in the 1970s. However, the Shillong Accord signed on November 11, 1975 had triggered off fratricidal killings and creation of new groups.

Any solution to the Naga problem cannot be based on somewhat an undependable 'premise' that a single pact would cure a multitude of socio-political problems. The solution should be inclusive.

The agony of Nagas is well known; and their concerns are real. Nothing should be done on grounds of ethnicity and tribalism. The Government of India is firm that such a tendency would only breed further inequality and conflicts.