If ever there is a list of events which is made for the most awaited event then “The Wait for The Solution” has to be amongst the top ones. The whole state and society has been engrossed and obsessed with the process of working and waiting for the elusive Solution. “The Solution” is supposed to be the harbinger of all good things for the people and the society. In the past there have been numerous occasions when the solution was very near and about to be inked. But could not materialise due to some last minute hiccups. Now the search is for finding an all acceptable meeting ground for all the stakeholders. A solution which satisfies all the diversities of the state and more. Will we ever achieve such an utopian environment? Isn’t this what requires a serious review by the people.
The various stakeholders and Naga National groups have their own axe to grind. But can they do so at the expense of the general aspirations of the people. Can the Authorities keep on delaying the peace agreement on the pretext that “we are looking for One Solution for All”. It is preposterous to believe and try to satisfy everybody. Is it possible or even plausible? The common man is saturated to the brim waiting for the endless talks to finally culminate into a peace deal. I think it is time that the so called powers, realize that delaying tactics will not work. The deal needs to be inked in a realistic timeframe. On the part of the Naga National Workers they must realize the need to fall in line lest they are marginalised and lose their relevance. They may be shunted into oblivion if they fail to accept the ground and factual realities. It is incumbent on them to be pragmatic and accept certain stark truths which can’t be ignored. As a common man it is my sincere request to all the negotiating parties to stop beating around the Bush. It has been too long a time since all kinds of negotiations and ceasefire agreements have been in existence. Generations have changed over. Let us stop getting fooled by all this talk of negotiations nearing to an end and that the solution is about to be inked. A deadline needs to be spelt out for the peace deal to materialise otherwise the Government and Naga National groups will keep extracting and exploiting the common man. It is clear that in this situation of flux the beneficiaries are the negotiators and not the people for whom negotiations are being done!! So let us force these parties to bring about the Solution in the near future lest it is so late that another generation starts its wait...
Khumlamo Patton
