Meetings between government interlocutors and NSCN-IM representatives must be used to break the deadlock
Posted Date – Sat 4/15/23 12:15am
Meetings between government interlocutors and NSCN-IM representatives must be used to break the deadlock
Hyderabad: The restart of peace talks with Naga rebels after a long standoff has raised hopes of a resolution to what is believed to be Asia’s oldest insurgency, which has caused great suffering to people in the sensitive border region. A closed-door meeting in Dimapur between central government interlocutor AK Mishra and representatives of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) was an encouraging development in efforts to find a durable political solution to this thorny issue. With China able to wield greater influence in the region through a docile Myanmar, it is important that India’s peace efforts in Nagaland bear fruit. The goodwill generated by this new beginning must be used to break the impasse and step up efforts to find a quick solution. Reassuringly, shortly after the latest round of talks, both sides expressed a willingness to seek a solution based on the framework agreement signed eight years ago. A quarter of a century on, since the NSCN-IM signed a ceasefire agreement with the Center in 1997 at the start of the peace talks, the talks are still not over. The center signed a framework agreement in 2015 to find a solution to Naga politics. The impasse is over two demands from naga representatives – an independent constitution and a flag. However, the central government has made it clear that these requirements cannot be met.
NSCN(IM) rejects all alternatives – such as replacing the national flag with a cultural flag and dealing with constitutional issues after the final agreement is signed. That means the flag and constitution are still outstanding issues. Other issues on the table include the Naga army, currency and Nagalim (integration of Naga settlements into the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur). A spat between the then Nagaland Governor RN Ravi and NSCN(IM) complicated matters and led to a stalemate. The central intelligence agency fears that the remaining insurgents, mainly in Manipur, share an umbilical cord with Nagaland. Poor governance only fuels resentment. The repeal of Section 370 in Jammu and Kashmir has sparked fear not only among the Nagas but also in other northeastern states governed by Section 371 (a derivative version of Section 370). Seven different groups, which have agreed to accept a political solution and continue the dialogue, have been strictly demanding a separate flag and constitution from NSCN-IM. This stance is delaying a final settlement in decades-long negotiations. Representatives of both the government and Naga groups must take an inclusive approach to reach an agreement. Without resolving the Naga issue, peace will continue to elude the Northeast.
