Why Silent? Despite many resenting speeches and statements made by neighbouring communities, intellectuals and heavy weight politicians in relation to the recently signed Naga Peace Accord or Framework Agreement, the apex Naga bodies (like Naga Hoho, UNC, & NSCN-IM) did not give any direct counter statement or rejoinder but kept silent for the reason best known to our leaders. The reason could be that the Naga leaders feel it unworthy because the talk is at the highest level or that the time has not yet come to give rejoinder. Or the silence could be due to failures of many agreements and accords signed in the past. Anyway, as much as the anxiety of the neighbouring communities, the Naga public also wait with enthusiasm and restlessness to see the next course of action to be taken up by Naga leaders. Although the Framework Agreement of 3rd August 2015 has kept everyone in perplexed state, it is hoped that the content of Agreement is according to the time and situation which meets the aspiration of present Naga nation and neighbouring communities.Urgency of Intervening Time: The signed Framework Agreement between the GOI and NSCN-IM has prompted many responses and suggestions from Naga intellectuals, civil societies, neighbouring non-Naga communities and government machineries which would be of great help in formulating the final agreement in desirable and acceptable manner to all. That itself spoke volume of the success of the Framework Agreement although the public has yet to see the content of it. By keeping silent on the content of the Framework Agreement, the GOI and NSCN-IM has provided to public a wide space and time to raise their voice, share their opinion and debate on what they think is best for Naga people and the neighbouring communities. The concerned parties (NSCN-IM & GOI) have kept aside sufficient time between the already signed Naga Peace Accord and the yet-to-come final agreement. The extent of success or failure of this consultation will immensely determine the nature of and time required to reach the final agreement. Hence this ‘intervening time’ is decisive and challenging period for NSCN-IM and other Naga apex bodies to consult with various sections of Naga people and neighbouring communities.
Importance of Building Confidence: With the signed Framework Agreement, one of the crucial tasks that lies ahead before inking final agreement is building confidence amongst the Naga public as well as the neighbouring communities (the Meiteis, the Assamese and the Arunachalese). For many years, the rights and aspiration of Naga people have been kept unfulfilled due to lack of confident building measure among various communities in the region. The fear and apprehension of some of the NPGs and neighbouring communities that had been expressed through media needs to be taken into consideration seriously. In the meantime, one can only hope that the wisdom of collective NSCN leaders and negotiating team of India will bring out the best solution for all the affecting communities in the region. Therefore, during the on-going consultation meetings between the Naga public and NSCN-IM, the discussion should not limit to the agenda of Naga political solution but thrust can be towards empowering Naga individuals, civil society and state machineries to actively employ all the available resources in building confidence and trust among the neighbouring communities. As long as there is ‘trust deficit’ among the various communities, the amicable and final solution to the protracted Naga political issue will be delayed.
Benefits of Neighbouring Communities: Our neighbouring communities need not be frightened by whatever solution the Nagas are going to settle soon with GOI. They (especially the Meiteis) always say that the Nagas and Meiteis are brothers and sisters. There is no logic in showing sign of resentment when a brother or a sister is going to be more prosperous, develop and grow. They should be happy and supportive to the cause and wellbeing of the Naga people. The same yardstick applies to the brothers and sisters of Assamese and Arunachalese because the Naga people will be able to develop themselves and help them too. If 80% per cent of geographical territory of Manipur and some districts of Assam and Arunachal came under the purview of Indo-Naga talk, then one can, in a positive way, think that large territory of NEI will be developed. For the greater common good and interest of the region, the intellectuals of the neighbouring communities (kukis, Meiteis, assamese or arunachalese) need to find ways and means to negotiate for link/understanding with the emerging structures of Naga nation. Once the Naga people attained their rights to self-determination, the whole North East region will reap the fruit of peace and development which until now remained as one of the most undeveloped region of India. Gradually the Naga nation can help the neighbouring communities like the Meiteis who want to implement of ILP or get tribal status or get certain autonomy according to their historical rights. The aspiration of the whole people of NEI cannot be solved all-at-once due to various reasons. Hence, what is important right now is not the opposition to the Indo-Naga peace talk but to support with creative suggestion to enable the Naga people to get their historical rights from India and the dividend of it can be shared by neighbouring communities.
What Naga Public Should Do? As for the Naga public and especially the various Naga Political Groups, it is high time to seriously weigh the viability of full independence or sovereignty and sustainability of the Naga people in modern world. Also the Naga public should realise that any agreement reached between two parties cannot satisfy 100 per cent to every individual or tribe or nation. With strong government at the Centre, the Prime Minister and interlocutor giving full interest in settling the Naga issue, God might have answered the prayers of thousand believers who longed to see peace and freedom in our land. Naga churches must stand up and help in the process of reconciliation and confidence building measures among various tribes, NPGs and neighbouring communities. Now is the right time to help the engaging parties in Indo-Naga talk to hammer out the best deal. The collapse of present talk may lead to endless and meaningless talk for many years leading to loss of many precious lives and bring untold hardship to common people in the name of freedom movement.
Suggestion: The immediate need of the hour is to start identifying clearly all the Naga-inhabited areas of the neighbouring states of Nagaland and brought them under the Sixth Schedule (desirably with more autonomy) and form district autonomous councils or regional councils in which the Naga Hoho (or any other such competent Organization/parliament) would have a say in their running. The emerging structures could then negotiate their linkages with the present state of Nagaland (such as extension of article 371 (A) or with more autonomy to all Naga inhabited areas). This will consolidate the identity of the Naga people presently outside Nagaland. The Naga Hoho (representatives of all Naga tribes from Assam, Manipur, Arunachal, Nagaland & Myanmar) can then introduce common form of administration in all Naga inhabited areas by establishing indigenous form of governance. Territorial integrity of various states would thus be preserved but the Naga communities would be united emotionally and would be self-governing within the existing states. Peace and social security can thus be achieved. Economy and natural resources can be protected and enhanced. Nagas will be politically empowered to a great extent but without disturbing other communities. Cultural identity and uniqueness of Naga history can be maintained. Lastly, the present peace accord between the NSCN-IM and GOI will not be an end but will usher the Naga into a new chapter of its freedom movement wherein the responsibility of Naga Political Groups (Underground Groups) will be shifted to civil based organisation to pursue and achieve the full right of self-determination of the Nagas.
