Strange bed fellows attempting to cohabit
- A New Avatar -

SK Singh *

The recent call of the Centre to both National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN -IM) and Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to work together is a giant step towards an amicable settlement of the Naga peace deal. Strangely both factions have pledged for reconciliation, work together in the spirit of love, and desist from all forms of armed violence.

According to news reports, they went to the extent of issuing a joint statement where they met on Wednesday, Sep 14 'in the spirit of belongingness' in the presence of Forum for Naga reconciliation in the interest of pursuing genuine understanding among the Nagas and incrementally progressing forward.

They even went to the extent of declaring that the Covenant of Reconciliation of June 13, 2009 signed by the late Isak Chishi Swu, late SS Khaplang and Brig (Retd) S Singnya will be honored in letter and spirit and accordingly renewed pledge to work together in the spirit of love.

In early October, 2019, the strong man of the IM faction, Th Muivah took strong exceptions to the importance bestowed to and recognition laid on the NNPGs by the Centre through the courtesy of RN Ravi. Muivah thundered, "The GOI betrayed us by talking to other groups".

He was referring to the talks RN Ravi had understandably initiated though clandestinely. Muivah's grouse was however on the issue of 'a solution only for state of Nagaland' vis-à-vis his demand for a greater and integrated Nagalim.

In an article by this writer on Oct 9, 2019, captioned, "Hard Facts About the Betrayal", I penned, "The grouse of Muivah is perhaps because of the reported GOI's stand of taking the NNPGS on board, which perhaps undermines his authority in seeking the final deal. Muivah takes claim that the NSCN (IM) was and still is the sole stake holder in the protracted peace process."

It may be recalled that the Union Government had been engaged in two parallel parleys, one with tha IM Group since 1997 and NNPGs since 2017. This later conglomeration is the one the IM had been thundering as clandestine.

Realizing that the bone of contention between the Centre and IM is the demand of the IM for a separate 'Flag' and 'Constitution', the present turnaround of the IM is most welcome across the Naga people and organizations.

The GOI is mulling to incorporate the Naga Constitution, the –Yehzabo-,into the Indian Constitution. The Centre also has reportedly agreed for a 'civil and cultural flag' for the Nagas. These are sizeable come-down on the part of the Union Government.

Those days Muivah talked about how the then PM Narasimha Rao in Paris in 1995 on the occasion of Peace Talks held there, reportedly asserted that the Naga issue was with the IM group as Muivah had proved and therefore would talk with him (Muivah), for an honorable solution.

When Muivah again reportedly asked the PM to talk to the other groups as well for a meaningful settlement, the PM was recalled as having said that the issue was not with other groups and so he would not talk to them. Recalling this epoch view of the then PM about the importance the IM group wields, the all powerful General Secretary then fumed that Ravi had clandestine talks with other groups mainly NNPGs.

The statement signed jointly by VS Athem on behalf of NSCN(IM) and Alezo Venuh on behalf of Working Committee of the NNPGs further said that both the groups were aware of prevailing differences and hence would guard themselves against rifts that further could further divide the Nagas.

They even went to the extent of asserting that they would be committed to hunting ways and means to transcend differences as and when they rose through cooperation, to be worked out in future meetings, on the basis of the Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR). The joint statement appealed to all organizations and even individuals to refrain from all forms of rhetoric, assumptions and agendas that are divisive and that such culture must end immediately.

They called upon the institutions like Churches, educational institutions, civil society organizations and roped in even conscientious individuals to lead light and command for an integrated approach.

True to the wishes so comprehensively conveyed, a number of Groups, Organizations have pledged support and compliance mire than ever before. Notably the Zeliangrong Civil Organizations (ZCOs) consisting of the three main factions, Baudi, Youth Front and Students union welcomed this Sep 14 joint Accordant.

The ZCOs hailed the decision of joint effort and hoped faster and more amicable contribution in the days to come so that the Nagas as a single body could breathe peace, respect and solidarity. The United Naga Council has too welcomed the signing of 'September Joint Accordant' in the presence of 'Forum for Naga Reconciliation' between the two factions.

The greatest news could be the decision of the IM group to proceed to Delhi to resume peace talks to iron out and resolve irritants to the Naga peace talks. This initiative is bold and most welcome knowing full well that the negotiations between the GOI and IM have been stalled since May. Thanks to the fresh initiative where two differing Groups are on the path of reconciliation.

More significant could be the ultimate signing of the long overdue 'Peace Deal' between the Nagas as a whole on one side and the Union Government on the other. Progresses are inching forward towards the goal. The good news is 7-Member team of the IM delegation will be holding talks shortly with the Centre. The team has already left for New Delhi . Good news about the reconciliation and the ultimate settlement of the longest insurgency movement is what is most sought after.

Strange bedfellows could also bring along more lasting relations as the two cohabit in the most uncertain situations, come what may. And such scenarios are not far to seek. These happen in our life. This is only human and let this relationship ever flow rich in the years to come.

So too, let the Almighty bestow upon the bed fellows enough strength and vigor to come to terms of each other by ceding away something here and gaining some others elsewhere.