By Swati Deb

New Delhi, Aug 20, 2020: Complexity is an inherent part of Naga characteristic. Nagas are accommodating and friendly but would appear ardent and uncompromising the next moment.

This feature is reflected in more ways than one in the ongoing tussle in the peace parleys between various Naga militant groups and the Government of India.

If National Socialist Council of Nagaland faction led by Thuingaleng Muivah, a Tangkhul Naga, has hardened their stance and reiterated the demand for a separate Flag and Constitution, an umbrella organization of seven rebel groups the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has cautioned against the idea of reviving the insurgency.

“The general notion that is infused into the Naga Society is that ‘If the talks fail, we go back to jungles’. This is easier said. The resultant of this move would be disastrous to our Naga brothers and their families,” convener of the NNPGs, N Kitovi Zhimomi said in a statement.

“Should we continue to shed blood?,” he emphasized his viewpoint in favour of a lasting solution and peace.

The Naga history since 1947 and also since 1963 – when statehood was granted – has been violent and marred by killings of thousands of people including a huge number of footsoldiers – the Naga underground guerillas or militants.

Thus, there is a lot of merit in what Kitovi Zhimomi has tried to underline.

“…we are ready for the final peace pact. In my ‘Naga Independence Day’ (Aug 14) message, I have been unambiguously clear — we are now prepared to sign the Indo-Naga Agreement ‘any day and anytime’,” he says.

“Does long time confrontation amongst ourselves and with the Indian army and authorities smack of selfishness of some sections? This is my concern,” he says adding, “This concern is definitely shared by many common Naga people who have sacrificed a lot in the last three decades and more.”

He further said, “…we ought to act. It is time to act for the restoration of peace in our land.”

Apparently, the Government of India and peace interlocutor R N Ravi, who is also state Governor, are pleased with such stance and optimism of the NNPG leadership.

Therefore, given the complex challenges, it is presumed Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a deadline of September 2020 to finalize a comprehensive peace accord.

In a crucial development, the ruling alliance in the state comprising the NDPP, the BJP and Independent legislators has welcomed the initiative of the Government of India to “resume the Indo-Naga political dialogue.”

A statement issued on Thursday evening said, the ruling combine and the state government will continue to play the role of an active facilitator in order to create an atmosphere that is “conducive to the realization and successful landing of the political solution”.

However, there has been a temporary setback to the efforts for consensus as the opposition Naga People’s Front has walked out of the Joint Legislators’ Forum constituted to work for peace.

“When the ruling dispensation does not have confidence in the Legislators of the Naga Peoples’ Front, there is no valid reason why the Naga Peoples’ Front should continue to remain as part of JLF,” the opposition party said in its statement.

There is also political one-upmanship in the entire game as the NPF is led by two former Chief Ministers Shurhozelie and T R Zeliang and the NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio (present Chief Minister) is their bitter rival.

Thus, a green signal has been given from the right place and talks have now been initiated about surrender of weapons and cadres, rehabilitation of the members of the outfits and foot soldiers and some good economic package for the state of Nagaland and two possible autonomous councils in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

Substantial ehnic Naga groups reside in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Much to the delight of the school of thought that wants an early solution, the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) , a conglomerate of seven militant groups, and their convenor N Kitovi Zhimomi have agreed on all the major issues.

“Past must help the Nagas move forward, not drag the Nagas into abyss. It is time to collectively plan a better future for our younger generation. Let us be practical and lay the first bricks for future Nagas.
…..We cannot burden our young men and women with monotonous fairy tale stories that satisfy one’s ego only,” Zhimomi has said in his ‘Naga Independence Day’ message on August 14.

But does it mean, one section will be left behind ?

However, northeast watchers caution that Prime Minister Modi could end up doing the mistakes of the past when disgruntled elements could easily revive militancy in the 1970s with tacit and strategic support from their patrons in China and countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.