'IM solution' : Significant term : Asserting one's legitimacy
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: October 31, 2012 -

The K in the other NSCN faction may just amount to something more than just the name, SS Khaplang.

There is something very profound in which the faction headed by him has given the term 'IM solution' to the settlement that is reported to be in its final stage after 15 years of negotiation with the Government of India.

In many ways this is a statement that the Khaplang group of the NSCN does not view the solution that is being touted as a settlement to the Indo-Naga issue, but a settlement with one faction.

With one term, 'IM solution', the NSCN (K) has delivered an important political statement and apart from asserting its significance in the Naga political arena this is also a message to Delhi and to all the stake holders that the 'IM solution' cannot be equated with settling the issue of a people.

This is what should be read between the fine lines.

On the other hand, Mr Khaplang has also taken pains to explain that his group is not against any settlement or solution that the Government of India may arrive with the group headed by Messrs Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.

A significant statement that the NSCN (K) should not be seen as an obstacle to the ongoing dialogue between Delhi and the IM group.

How well this stand goes down with the Naga people is something that only time can tell, but with just one term, the NSCN (K) has delivered an important political stand and perhaps Delhi may not like to overlook this.

A demonstration of statesmanship or scripting a formula on how to assert oneself without rocking the boat, which has raised the hopes and aspirations of the people. This is what Mr Khaplang and his men have managed to do.

With at least four armed factions in the Naga political arena, each group asserting its own legitimacy, the Government of India will need to walk the tight rope and this will not be easy.

It is here that the 'accommodative spirit' which Delhi has asked from the State Governments of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, will need to be extended to and within the great Naga society.

How long a distance will the different groups be ready to walk to accommo- date each other, is the question that will be interesting to observe and watch.

As things stand today, the Khaplang group is yet to start an official dialogue with the Government of India, though there may have been preliminary sittings.

So is it going to be another one long round of talk with another faction, which has claimed legitimacy to speak and act on behalf of the Naga people, not only in India but also in neighbouring Myanmar ?

In the interregnum, how will this impact on the settlement, that is reportedly ready to be inked with the IM group, sooner than later ?

Apart from 'IM solution', 'sovereignty in the global arena' is another slogan that has been raised by the Khaplang group.

How Delhi deals with this particular clause still remains in the realm of speculation, but it will nonetheless be interesting to see the political cards being played by either side.

Whatever the case, what is important to note is that the Khaplang group of the NSCN now seems ready to take the ceasefire pact one step forward-to the negotiating table.

This is what is important.