Can Naga leaders of Manipur bat for 'upgrading' Art 371 (C) ?

Nirendra Dev *

Some developments are unfolding in Manipur involving Naga leaders and a few premier organisations. But these may not impact territorial integrity of Manipur state. Obviously there are differences in versions coming out as well. Of course these are nothing new as far as Naga society either in Nagaland state or outside are concerned.

Lately, sources say some problems have surfaced as differences have come to light related to an Aug 2 meeting reportedly between a few influential Naga leaders and NSCN-IM top guns. One version that has come to light now is that -- "these were not at all official deliberation".

Another version that was reportedly shared or even went viral on social media was a statement that stated among other things that the Naga leaders of Manipur are in favour of "upgrading of Article 371 (C)".

Obviously, the government of India has taken cognizance of the developments and various agencies are trying to collaborate the information on what really transpired at the Aug 2 meeting held "probably near Dimapur".

A clarification was issued by 11 prominent Naga leaders in their own right. They include among others -- Rev Simon Roumai, Dr R Chance, Pastor Johny Shimray and Athon Gangmei. And the statement states: "We are deeply regretted and sorry for the viral statement being circulated on social media and the team has no knowledge about the statement".

Meanwhile, as the central government as well authorities in both Manipur and Nagaland are closely monitoring the episode and related developments; the apex United Naga Council (UNC) has convened a meeting on Aug 9.

A communique from the UNC (available in Delhi) says the UNC Executive Council has convened an emergency meeting of senior leaders of UNC, presidential council and also senior representatives from ANSAM, NWU and NPMHR (S) besides other social activists and intellectuals.

The Centre is not quite sure which way the meeting could lead to. But it is clear the deliberations will discuss matters related to "socio-political condition" in Manipur.

The Govt mandarins in Delhi or even in Imphal and Kohima are keeping their fingers crossed. All these are happening at a time when the BJP leadership wants to reflect and also prove to one and all that things are "under close monitoring and control".

Following the 'Manipur mess' in 2023 and massive electoral setback in 2024 (losing out all three Lok Sabha seats - two in Manipur and one in Nagaland) - the Union Home Ministry is now expected to pull up the sleeves.

The central government has also received a letter from the Tirap, Changlang and Longding People's Forum from Arunachal Pradesh and it states that: - "The geo strategic locations of the three districts is such that it serves a safe corridor for all the insurgent groups from Assam, Nagaland and other northeast India to infiltrate and exfiltrate to and from Myanmar".

This letter addressed to Home Minister Amit Shah and the 'reported' Aug 2 meeting that says that there is a "...need of dialogue between Nagas and Kukis and also between Meiteis and Nagas at different levels" have forced authorities to take a closer look at things.

Coinciding with all these come the developments related to two key Naga underground leaders vis-a-vis a potent Naga armed group. The Bangladesh crisis has not yet unfolded anything major but continued trouble times between various stakeholders along the India-Myanmar border is certainly a matter of deep concern.

On the other hand some internal rift in Manipur has also surfaced. The Poumai Naga Union in a statement on July 31 stated that "any indictment order" by the UNC against Poumai leaders "is unacceptable and uncalled for".

These show the problems have their own complexities and this is a challenge for the Govt of India. But New Delhi, which so far adopted a 'Go slow and not solo' approach vis-a-vis Naga peace talks, extortion and also the challenges in Manipur may suddenly find that things could be slippery and move out of their own hands.

But a section of analysts feel any stance taken by public leaders for "upgrading Art 371 (C)" should be welcome. This could also mean a crucial step towards establishing the Territorial Council. These if handled carefully can actually help the organisations climb up the ladder.

But it is certain these could help put the process of inking a Naga peace pact on a much faster track then being presumed so far.