Govt of India keen to mount pressure on Naga CM Rio to deliver Solution

Nirendra Dev *

Unlike what is being presumed, the central BJP and the Union government are not much keen to talk about portfolios and the size of the saffron party's share in the new Rio-led dispensation.

Sources said the centre is keen to mount pressure on Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to deliver on peace front and Solution to the long pending Naga imbroglio. The state government under Rio during the last five years could not provide the "necessary spadework" to expedite the peace process and bring it to a logical conclusion, a source said.

"It was so close and yet it remained so far....Now that elections are over, the real governance issues and peace process are in the central government's mind," the source said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are keen for resolving the long pending Naga insurgency issue and analysts say they gave hints about the same during the election campaign and also on the polling day. On the voting day on Feb 27, Mr Shah referred to the Peace process.

"While Nagaland goes to vote today (Feb 27), I urge sisters and brothers of Nagaland to ensure that the peace process that has already been initiated does not face any hurdles," tweeted the Union Home Minister.

Sources point out that while Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio enjoys good rapport with NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma, both the leaders will meet central leaders on the formula of power share and other issues.

"For Nagaland the government formation was much easier given the clear mandate yet there are hiccups. We do not want just a government for the sake of it. The Nagaland government with BJP ministers has to focus on virtues of good governance. The demands and grievances of Eastern Nagaland also have to be looked into," the source said.

There is a section of analysts suggesting that the NDPP-BJP performance during the last five years has been far from satisfactory and alleging discrimination seven tribes from Eastern Nagaland are already clamouring for a greater autonomy for the region.

The Home Ministry special panel on Nagaland has already assured the ENPO delegation to grant the Frontier Naga Territory with adequate administrative powers.The ENPO leaders favoured adequate financial powers as well, sources said.

When contacted, social activist Theja Therieh told 'Nagaland Page':
"Election is a constitutional process which has to take place and so it is done but the objective of delivery and sustenance of peace in the region remain the core issue. the Govt of India had recognised Naga issue as political issue and therefore, the issue must be settled at political level without which every other effort is temporary. "Thus, these goals have to be achieved to ensure a progressive and prosperous Nagaland".

The BJP contested eight seats in Eastern Nagaland leaving 12 for its ally NDPP. While a strong saffron party prevailed in these constituencies, presence of multiple candidates including an element of sabotage by 'pushing' NPP and NCP has harmed BJP prospects. In the end, the Lotus party could win only four - Tuensang Sadar I, Longkhimchare, Phomching and Tizit.

The NDPP that fielded candidates in 12 assembly segments was able to pick up five. The central BJP leaders are assessing the party performance in these seats and are probably "not hundred percent happy". The NCP won three from the region while the NPP of Conrad Sangma out of five seats it won could also win three. RPI(A) won 2, LJP (Ram Vilas) bagged 1 and there were two Independents.

In many places the BJP footsoldiers alleged that NCP and NPP were contesting the battles as NDPP-B team(s).

The centre will also be keen to take concrete and more result oriented steps to curb extortion as the Prime Minister himself in his Feb 24 election speech diagnosed the malady.

For the Naga insurgency issue, of course, PM Modi has yet again promised on Feb 24 : "Whatever I have promised to the Gaon Burras, I will like to fulfill those".

A section of state leaders has already expressed skepticism over such remarks with the refrain being, "I think nothing is expected before five years".

The Union Home Ministry officials and other concerned people will soon touch base with the NSCN-IM and the NNPG to resume the peace parleys. At the political level, the party strategists think more emphasis was given to 'power politics' and the organisational works were neglected.

In these situations, the saffron party will be keen to revamp the party organisation in Nagaland and also in Meghalaya and Tripura. There was not much emphasis given during the last five years to organisational revamp and this drawback came to light more than once during election campaigns in many assembly segments.

Compared to Meghalaya, the BJP is doing better in Nagaland for two consecutive terms. The fact that the Naga Peace talks are still hanging fire could be the principal reason for this as Nagas want the Modi government to deliver on its promises of peace and solution at the earliest.