An effort is being made to create an unnecessary and unwanted controversy about the issue of integration of Naga-inhabited areas. There is nothing wrong in what the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has stated about the said demand. Chief Minister N. Rio has simply stated the view expressed by the Union Home Minister during his interaction with a Naga delegation. Yet, from certain quarters doubts were expressed about the sincerity of both the Centre and the State towards the issue. Allegations were levelled that both the sides have rejected the demand for integration which holds the key for an amicable solution of Indo-Naga political problem. Though Mr. Rio, through a press statement, has clarified his position in regard to the demand and what actually transpired between the Union Home Minister and the high-power Naga delegation. However, even after the elaborate explanation by the Chief Minister, the issue is still being talked about. It is clearly an attempt to fish in troubled water.
What did the Union Home Minister say about the demand for integration? As a seasoned politician Rajnath Singh had put stress on mutual settlement by all concerned for an amicable settlement of the issue. States like Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh should be consulted before taking a final call on the demand. As a matter of fact, the Union Home Minister has not stated anything new. The Centre is harping for a mutual settlement of the issue since the beginning of Naga peace process. Unfortunately, a mutual solution of the issue still continues to elude. But efforts are on to bring all concerned towards a consensus; A permanent settlement, which will be accepted by all. Moreover, to be fair to the Nagaland Government, the State has not much role in it as the responsibility to reach to a settlement about the issue lies with Government of India and other states where a sizeable number of Nagas have settled since long. The Centre is sympathetic to this demand of the Nagas, which can be judged from the fact that even in the 16-point Agreement signed between the two sides in early sixties, the issue of integration of Naga inhabited areas was mentioned.
So, for the sake of an amicable settlement of the Naga political problem, no one should jump to conclusions till the negotiations are over. Everyone should keep it in mind that such an act will cause more harm than good to the cause. We should not forget our responsibility. One should always be careful while making any comment on the peace process. One should always remember that Naga political issue and power politics are two different things. Mixing these two together will make the problem more complex and keep the solution away. If anyone wants to gain political mileage by using the Naga issue, he or she should be resisted. Irresponsible comments should be condemned. Any attempt for the sake of narrow political gains should be prevented. Rather, everyone should contribute their might in finding a solution to the vexed problem. This is the need of the hour.
