No written missive yet from Delhi to AP, Assam and Manipur, but picture of pact emerges
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi/Imphal, November 03 2012: Even though the Centre is yet to give the proposals reportedly drawn up with the NSCN (IM) in writing to the Governments of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, a highly reliable source has informed The Sangai Express that the six pact proposals, as reported in the media in the recent past, is the most likely model being worked out.

According to the source, the important points in the proposals mooted after the 15 years long political negotiations include;
I) Extending Article 371 (A), which is in force in Tuensang district of Nagaland to areas inhabited by the Nagas in the three States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

II) Pan Naga Nationhood in for Nagas are settled in the said three States.

III) Plan outlay to be worked out by the Union Planning Commission of India for areas specified as Naga inhabited areas.

IV) Greater autonomy to District Councils in areas specified as Naga areas.

V) Increase the strength of Nagaland Legislative Assembly to 80 by adopting a Bicameral system and allow representation of areas which do not fall under State of Nagaland.

VI) Form Naga Army to absorb cadres of the NSCN (IM) .

Talked to TSE : Gaikhangam, Tarun Gogoi and Nabam Tuki

The source said that this model comes close to the Alternative Arrangement demand raised in Manipur.

In the face of the strong pressure exerted by the NSCN (IM) to bring all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit, the State Government had earlier written to the Centre that there is no district in Manipur which is solely inhabited by the Nagas, added the source.

The State Government had specifically pointed out that Chandel, Senapati and Ukhrul districts, which have been claimed as Naga inhabited areas, are also home to other tribes, notably the Kukis.

Tamenglong which is dominated by the Zeliangrong tribe is also home to other communities, the State Government's missive had pointed out, said the source.

With Chief Minister O Ibobi away on a 20 day trip to Australia, the focus of Delhi may shift to newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, said the source further.

Talking to our Delhi correspondent today evening, Gaikhangam said that he has not seen or received any documents in connection with the proposed pact worked out between the Centre and the NSCN (IM).

Gaikhangam however did not deny that some proposals are in the offing but added quickly that the proposals are still unclear.

No concrete suggestions or proposals have come till date, so there is no question of the State Government responding or not responding or accepting or not accepting the proposals, he added.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also had the same response.

Speaking to our Delhi correspondent on the sidelines of a press conference, Gogoi said that he has no idea about the draft nor has been informed about it.

When The Sangai Express raised the question to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Nabam Tuki at its State Bhawan, he said "We have never been consulted, nor have any idea about the draft or negotiation over the ongoing process" .

It may be recalled that the Centre's draft proposal was to go to the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur for their approval before the final deal is inked.

Gaikhangam said that the State Government welcomes the Centre's initiative to resolve the issue with the NSCN (IM) and other groups but reasserted the State Government's stand on "no compromise" on territory.

On the ongoing negotiation with the Kuki groups under the Suspension of Operations agreement, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it is an agreement between the Centre and the groups concerned, "We are the facilitators" said Gaikhangam.

Gaikhangam, Congress ministers and MLAs from Manipur, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and his team, the Assam Chief Minister and his team are here in New Delhi to participate in the rally and All India Congress Committee meet tomorrow at Ramlila Maidan.