There's Political will for Solution to Naga issue; I can sense it : Ex- Eastern Command Chief, Lt Gen Abhay
- In Conversation -

Nirendra Dev *

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd)

Commissioned into Rajputana Rifles on 7 June 1980, Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) commanded entire Eastern Command. Prior to that he was Corps Commander at Rangapahar and also had three key postings in Nagaland and as many of them in Manipur. Now a geo-strategic expert of repute with a flair of good writing, he spent some time with senior journalist Nirendra Dev for this exclusive Interview:

Ques: On the Naga issue, we know the talks had reached critical stages and then almost at the final stage. That was way back in 2019 and things are still hanging fire. One really does not know the road map today?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) :: Some of the things we see in the media are mere rhetoric. Solution is the inevitable thing but it will require time. Now, how much time - I won't be able to tell you because I also do not know. But we are hopeful about a big time turn around. You ask me; I will say that there is a political will; and I think I can sense it.

Ques: So issues like Naga integration, separate Constitution and Flag ... all these are not happening. The Govt of India has made things clearer more than once. But there are people who have added the demand of Third-party international intervention?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd):: Well, these cannot be given. Ask me, it is not fair even to ask these... The purpose of negotiations and good will then do not work. No government in Delhi or no Prime Minister under the sky will be willing to give these.

As a former military man I can tell my Naga friends, one should be accommodating and understanding. The Govt of India has indicated that they’ll be happy to accommodate the flag as a cultural flag, just like how when you go to Karnataka, you’ll see the cultural flag of the state in use everywhere.

Solution awaits you and it is linked to Naga prosperity, advance in education and investments in the wellbeing of the next generation....you decide what are your priorities.

Ques: As a former army officer, you too might have heard a number of times that the angry rebels can go overseas and take the help of China. So, we may be again taking the clock back to the 1960s....?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) :: I look at your question in two different perspectives. One, it is a smart question. Secondly, please do not mind, it is also a stupid question. It seems those who are pushing these lines are not updating their general knowledge as also, their wisdom about the changing dynamics in diplomacy and India's foreign policy. China is not at all ready in 2024 or 2025 to try something silly.

Remember in the northeast, China has since 1965 or even a few years before provided material and logistical support to Naga rebels. Slowly other rebel groups also got such assistance. But those were in the past. In 2025 and beyond, these are not happening. Now this is an era of economic power play. There is also something called soft power - education, culture and so on.

Ques:- So, India and China are already friends and accommodating each other?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) :: It’s hard to call them "friends," but India and China, along with Russia, are showing a growing interest in working on mutual concerns. What are BRICS and SCO all about? They're platforms where these nations are collaborating and are looking to build a multi-polar world.

For instance, Indian and Chinese lawyers worked together at the WTO to challenge US and EU unfair agricultural subsidies and won the case. Or recently when the Chinese arrested a Khalistani leader and granted extradition to New Delhi. That’s cooperation in action.

China is dealing with several challenges, especially after the trade war with the US during Trump’s first presidency. And while tensions exist, they can’t afford to ignore India’s massive market. Honestly, I’m optimistic. At the same time, there’s pressure building elsewhere. Some guerrilla leaders have reportedly landed in Yunnan, seeking help from Beijing.

Ques: - What about the Tourism sector... This is the Hornbill Festival season in Nagaland now?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd): Tourism, you are right, is a very large and promising employment and revenue generating industry and the state has taken some very proactive steps in promoting it. The state Govt has done a great job in projecting Hornbill as a great stepping stone for a first-time visitor. They have taken many steps through producing documentaries, inviting international artists ....

But you cannot boost tourism of a State by simply inviting people for 10 days in the year. The rest of the year - your roads are bad, electric supply is erratic and piped water supply is nonexistent. Forget receiving adventurous tourists, even your ministers do not travel to border areas of the state.

Do not forget, the link between soft power and tourism potentials and economic goals is very significant. Treat the non-Naga rickshaw puller with respect; he is also a brand ambassador of your state.

Ques:- You were telling something about Soft power. Can it be helpful even to fight insurgency?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd):: Everything cannot be measured by the yardsticks of fight and battles. Soft power is not only a necessary tool in today's diplomacy. In Indian perspective and from New Delhi's point of view; Soft power can help even in minimizing the strife between various ethnic communities in the North East.

Any impression created in university days on issues sticks to individuals’ hearts and minds lifelong. Hence, the youth can be tapped and influenced. On domestic fronts; it has not been tried effectively. My point is do not patronize a culture. Show it sincere respect and love.

Thousands of students come and study in Delhi and other big cities. If these youths go back to Mizoram or Manipur with good will and good experience, they will be your friends for life. You do not need any magic. The 'outsiders' bashing will automatically vanish.