Opinion - Editorials   

Get more assertive on Naga front

The search for a formula, at least an interim one, to address the conflicting and seemingly intractable positions on the Naga issue should not be allowed to weaken. Nor should ambiguities regarding the Government's writ remain unattended. Judging by New Delhi's silence, the latest round of talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaak-Muivah) in Amsterdam has failed to yield any positive result. (The previous meeting in Bangkok concluded with a joint communiqué and an extension of the ceasefire.) The NSCN (I-M) has blamed the Government for not playing a "pro-active" role and even questioned its "sincerity." It appears that in the talks, the NSCN (I-M) took a hard line on its demands for the "unification" of the Naga-inhabited areas and also for a "special federal relationship" — which is only a new cloak for the longstanding "sovereignty" demand. The rebels are clearly restless. Recent weeks have witnessed an increase in clashes between the cadres of the NSCN (I-M) and the rival NSCN (Khaplang). The former's 30-point `charter of demands' is on the table, even if most of it seems to be untenable. The time may have come for the Government of India to segregate the feasible from the infeasible on this list, give priority to demands relating to development, and try and achieve some measurable progress within the framework of India's unity, sovereignty, and democratic structure.

There have been some 50 rounds of talks over the nine years of ceasefire. The Army has repeatedly complained, not without cause, that the rebels have exploited the ceasefire to gain ground and consolidate themselves. The acts of extremist extortion have continued, although in a more `orderly' fashion. There have been open recruitment drives for the `Naga army.' The Government will be obliged soon enough to do something to curb these activities. However, while the rebels will be able to retain their disruptive capability, the popular mood in Nagaland is clearly against a recrudescence of violence as well as separatism. Civil society movements supporting peace have grown stronger. Under the circumstances, it would be best for the Government to level with the public about where the two sides stand on the core issues, without breaching the confidentiality that is essential to the success of a negotiating process. Unless this is done and the Government takes a more assertive and pro-active stand, it will not be possible to remove apprehensions from the minds of the people of Nagaland and other parts of the Northeast or to counter the feeling that the situation is deteriorating.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Get more assertive on Naga front
Ending the mosquito menace
The search for a solution in war-torn Iraq
Not a dog's life catering to pets
Striking a balance
"Even other Muslims turn and look at me"
Corrections and clarifications
Protect creamy layer
Exclude it
Statue for Narayan

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu