The six-decade lingering Naga problem is yet to find a final solution. Periodic ceasefire agreements between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M), though brought peace in the insurgency trodden Nagaland, a full solution is yet to be achieved. On Friday, the Naga apex council, Naga Hoho and the NSCN (I-M), hinted at certain pre-conditions to be made before extending the on going ceasefire in the outskirts of insurgents headquarter near Dimapur.
The persistent demand of the NSCN (I-M), for a greater Nagaland, called Nagalim comprising the Naga inhabited areas of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal and Assam is vociferously opposed by the other states of north-east India. The violent demonstrations in Manipur, dissuades Government of India for any objective commitment to the NSCN (I-M). This keeps a tangible distance between the impending peace and on going ceasefire.
The next round of discussion between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) representatives, is scheduled to be held on July 30 and 31st at Dimapur. But, the advice of the Naga civil society groups asking the NSCN (I-M) not to extend the ceasefire in the absence of any commitment by the Government of India towards a solution is certain to flare up the possibility of army-insurgent fight and increasing violence in the north-east.
There are many conjectures and conditions demanded by the Naga groups certain to kill the peace initiative. It is difficult to extend the ceasefire as demanded by NSCN (I-M) to the Naga- inhabited areas in Manipur on the face of possible aggressive protest by the ethnic Methai population there. The Khaplang faction of rival NSCN and many other insurgents are operating from the dense forest areas located on Indo-Myanmar border and a ceasefire there is certain to kill the operational ability of Indian army action in coordination with the Myanmar army to flush out the guerrillas.
On the other hand, the Thankul dominated NSCN (I-M) that derives its support base from Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, is reasonable in its demand to include those areas in the ceasefire. In fact, the Prime Minister of self-proclaimed government of Nagalim, Mr. Muivah belongs to that area. But, the Indian Government fearing large scale violence and springing of more-ethnic self styled armies in the volatile north-east is very cautious before taking any decision.
The complexity of Naga problem is inherited from the British days, and the last 10 years ceasefire has brought considerable peace and progress in the insurgency hit region. Both the Government of India and the Naga civil society before being reluctant to give any concession to each other on the negotiation table must take into account the peculiar situation in the northeast and presence of a number of ethnic groups.
Via: The Hindu
