Talk date with SoO groups on Aug 22 : The count down begins
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: June 20 , 2014 -

Peace talks or political negotiations between the Government and rebel groups who once raised the banner of revolt come with its fair share of extra-baggages.

We have already seen it in the ongoing negotiation between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India and in the strong demand raised by the KNO, one of the umbrella organisations to sign the Suspension of Operation pact with the Centre and the State Government, to start a political talk.

It may be a little extreme to say that the Government of India was taking the SoO signatories for a ride by failing to come up with a date for the talks, but definitely the KNO had every reason to feel slighted at the prolonged delay in sitting down across the table and starting a political negotiation.

The Suspension of Operation is just the cessation of hostilities between the rebel groups and the Government agencies, read the security personnel.

It is not the solution, but the first stepping stone towards coming to a resolution acceptable to both parties.

If memory serves us right, the SoO pact was first signed between the Kuki rebel groups and the Centre sometime in 2008 with the State Government becoming the third party a year or two later.

Nearly six years down the line and what has been the progress made so far ?

In 2013, the KNO raised its decibel demanding the start of a political negotiation with Seilen Haokip, the spokesperson of the outfit articulating their stand effectively.

In fact matter came to such a pass that the KNO first refused to sign the extension of the SoO pact, on the ground that the ritual of extending the pact has no meaning if there is no political negotiation.

The stand of the KNO is clear.

The UPA, the other umbrella organisation of the Kuki armed groups, was not as vocal as the KNO in demanding the start of a political negotiation, but it should be clear that this was what both wanted.

Delhi on the other hand dilly dallied and the State Government did not have anything to say.

Many things can be read into the studied silence maintained by the State Government, but it should be clear that Imphal was not in a position or willing to push the envelope.

Maybe it is the change in regime at New Delhi or maybe it is a continuation of the policy and programme followed by the UPA Government earlier, but it is nevertheless heartening to learn that Delhi will engage in a political dialogue with the SoO signatories on August 22.

The role of the State Government is not very clear, but since the SoO is a tripartite agreement, representatives of the State Government are scheduled to be present at the talk on August 22.

Certain points need to be set straight at this juncture. As said earlier, the SoO pact is but just the first stepping stone towards starting a political talk with the Government.

The second important step is the move towards a solution is yet to go ahead full steam and there have been more hiccups than progress since the SoO pact was inked, but then peace or political settlement cannot always be smooth sailing.

Hopefully the scheduled talk on August 22 should be able to break the ice and make some headway, or else the very purpose of inking the peace deal will fall flat on its face.

This is between the SoO groups and the Government of India and the State Government, but there is however another very important point that needs to be addressed.

The recent uproar and the series of verbal duel over the setting up of a designated camp for the KNLF at Semol in Chandel district is a case in point.

This is more than indicative that the SoO groups not only have to deal with New Delhi and Imphal but also amongst themselves.

It is up to the leadership of the SoO groups to settle the matter amongst themselves or let it overshadow the more important question of putting their points to the Government.

A divided house will never be in a position to state a strong stand and surely after all these years, the SoO groups and the Kuki people would not want this.

Remember India gave Kautilya Chanakya to the world, who pioneered the policy of divide and rule and which was later picked up by the British.