'Solution unlikely before elections'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19 2013 :
Even though the election code of conduct has come into force in Nagaland, there is no definite indication that the Government of India and NSCN-IM can seal a final settlement to the 15 years old political dialogue ahead of the Nagaland Assembly election.
A noted figure of a Naga civil society organisation told TSE that Naga people put faith in the Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde's assurance that a solution could be worked out before Nagaland Legislative Assembly election, and also Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's statement that settlement can be reached within a year.
Taking serious note of the Home Minister's assurance and the Prime Minister's statement, Naga people and leaders were confident that the assurance would be translated into action.
Nonetheless, the Government of India has not yet made any intimation about putting off the final settlement though the election code of conduct has already come into force in Nagaland, said the Naga leader who wished to remain anonymous.
Notably, Nagaland State Assembly election has been scheduled on February 23 and counting on February 28 as the five-year term for the incumbent Neiphiu Rio Government expires on March 18 .
The Government of India has been working hard and sincerely to find out a solution, said the Naga leader while asserting that the Naga solution now lies in the Government of India's goal mouth.
To a query about possible outcomes in case NSCN-IM and GoI could not come to an agreement, he said that Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah would have already thought about what they would do in the event of such a situation.
The consultative meeting held at Senapati on January 5 with Naga civil society leaders and NPF leaders decided to urge both NSCN-IM and GoI to expedite the peace process and come up with a solution.
Again on January 12 and 13, another meeting attended by Naga leaders, NPF MLAs and representatives of Naga frontal organisations resolved to further step up the UNC's demand for alternative arrangement.
Both Isak Swu and Th Muivah are currently camping at Camp Hebron awaiting Government of India's next course of action, added the Naga leader.