Peace accord More time needed, many opine
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 07 2015 : It would take sometime before all the differences are thrashed out and details of the Naga peace accord are worked out.

The peace accord was signed on August 3 between NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and interlocutor RN Ravi based on a broad framework consolidated by mutual confidence between the two sides, according to MoS (Home) Kiren Rijiju and DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra.

To thrash out all the differences and give a final shape to the peace accord would require tactical manoeuvres of great skill, informed a highly placed source.

One key Kuki leader, on condition of anonymity told The Sangai Express that it would not be an easy task to work out all the details and implement the Naga peace accord.

Notably, the Kuki leader is a keen observer of the 18 years old Indo-Naga peace process apart from taking key roles in bringing Kuki militant groups under tripartite Suspension of Operation pact with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur.

A draft proposal which should be the main body of the peace accord was already prepared.

However, some modifications have been made to the draft proposal in the last couple of days.

The modified draft proposal has not been made public as yet.

The Government of India may suggest installation of a pan-Naga Government or a pan-Naga Development Council while maintaining status quo of the territorial boundaries of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh as and when the peace accord comes into force, speculated the Kuki leader.

It appears that the Government of India is aware of the possible fallouts if any arrangement to fulfil the demands of NSCN-IM affect the three States.

Keeping this awareness in the backdrop, the Government of India may suggest formation of a pan-Naga Government or pan-Naga Development Council and their development funds may be sanctioned through the Government of Nagaland.

At the same time, the Government of India is quite aware that such an arrangement would be opposed tooth and nail by the Government of Manipur.

Apart from the Government of Manipur, NSCN's Khole-Kitovi group, Reformation group and NNC would also oppose any such arrangement.

There are many areas of incompatibility between these groups based in Nagaland and NSCN-IM.

As such, it would be premature at the moment to predict any concrete outcome of the peace accord, said the Kuki leader.

Another option under consideration is giving 60 per cent of all development funds to NSCN-IM while the remaining 40 per cent is shared among NSCN-KK, NSCN-R and NNC.

It is also not clear whether other rebels groups of Nagaland would accept the peace accord which is signed by interlocutor RN Ravi.

The Mizo Accord was signed between Laldenga and the then Union Home Minister, added the Kuki leader.

However, one Naga leader who has been taking significant roles in the Indo-Naga peace process said that the peace accord is appreciated by the Naga people.

Notably, around 5000 people took out a rally at Tamenglong welcoming the peace accord.

The 'thanks giving' rally was an unmistakeable indication that the Naga people yearn for a solution to the 60 years old Naga nationalist movement which has claimed more than 40,000 Naga people.

It would take some months before the peace accord is given a final shape.

Nonetheless, the accord is a significant step towards peace and development and this is the general perception of Naga people, said the Naga leader.

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