Canvassing support for Framework Agreement :: Delhi : From foe to ally
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: February 18 2016 -

Destination Delhi. Eyes, especially all eyes which are fixed on the Framework Agreement signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India on August 3 last year must be on New Delhi.

It is in line with this that a 19 member Parliamentary Working Committee of Nagaland Assembly including Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Speaker Chotisuh Sazo, are in Delhi to solicit support from Central leaders to the ongoing dialogue between the Naga rebel outfit and the Government of India.

Something very different from what it was before the ceasefire agreement was inked between NSCN (IM) and New Delhi on August 1, 1997. No permanent friends and no permanent foes.

This line should aptly define the relationship between the NSCN (IM) and the people they claim to represent and the Government of India.

If Delhi was the foe or the enemy before the ceasefire agreement of 1997, then today the enemy or the foe is someone else.

Underlining the point that more than 18 years of the guns going silent (at least officially) can have a profound impact on the politics of the day, especially in the North East which has seen one of the most protracted wars between the security forces of the Government of India and the numerous underground outfits.

Contrast this to how the State of Manipur responded when TR Zeliang openly termed the 3 Bills of August 1, 2015 as ‘anti-tribal Bills’ to get a better picture of the line that has just been drawn.

Obviously any solution will be between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India and this is where the need to cultivate ‘good friends’ in Delhi arises.

However it is important not to forget that neighbouring States like Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are all stakeholders.

Given this reality, it obviously will not make much sense to brush these States in the wrong light.

Difficult to say whether this point has registered in the minds of all concerned, but it would be best for all to not overlook this.

What TR Zeliang had to say at Ukhrul the other day was not obviously along this line for it was nothing less than interfering in the internal affairs of Manipur.

Wonder how the Chief Minister of Nagaland and the people would have reacted if O Ibobi say something on the internal affairs of Nagaland on the soil of that State.

The campaign in Delhi is positive for it is all about looking beyond the region to thrash out a solution to the decades old armed movement of the NSCN (IM) but it should not be forgotten that in making Delhi an ally it absolutely makes no sense to make any State or people the adversary.

This mindset has to go and the first step is to refrain from saying anything on the internal affairs of a neighbouring State.