Naga leaders set deadline to solve issue
Source: The Sangai Express / TNN

New Delhi, October 16 2012: Resolution of the Naga insurgency seems critically poised as a high-level delegation led by Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio on Monday set a deadline for the Centre to find a permanent solution to the 60-year-old struggle.

The delegation urged Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to find a peaceful solution before the assembly polls are announced.

The term of the Nagaland assembly ends on March 26, 2013.Several rounds of talks since 1997, when NSCN (I-M) declared ceasefire, have failed to find a lasting solution.

"We have requested the Union home minister to expedite the talks with NSCN (I-M) and find a solution before the assembly election," Nagaland home minister Imkong Imchem told reporters.

All the 60 members of the Nagaland assembly are ready to resign for an alternative political arrangement, said a Congress MLA, who was part of the delegation.

"We, too, want more autonomy for Nagaland," he said.

Under Article 371A of the Constitution, no Act of Parliament applies to Nagaland in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, unless its legislative assembly by a resolution so decides.

Shinde promised to get back to the leaders of Nagaland after speaking to interlocutors and stakeholders, including CMs of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh that have Naga population.

The delegation also met insurgent outfit NSCN (I-M) chief Th Muivah here.

Sources said the Centre got clear indication that Muivah has reconciled to the fact that India won't agree to the "secession of an inch of its territory".

Insurgents also appreciate the difficulties in the integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas outside Nagaland, including those in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal, and redrawing state boundaries.

Naga insurgents are insisting on an "honourable settlement".

A political consensus must be built if the Constitution or laws need to be amended for more autonomy to Nagaland.

The Centre would also have to bring all tribes in Nagaland and other states on board.

Interlocutors, led by retired IAS officer RS Pandey, need to strike a balance between what the Centre can concede and what insurgents can accept for peaceful resolution of independent India's first insurgency.

Peace talks of the Myanmar government with Naga insurgents and involving them in development and democratic process have also raised hopes for resolution of the problem in India.

Comment