The curtain of uncertainty has shrouded the state on almost all fronts with the opposition to the conduct of assembly elections led by the tribe and civil organisations with active support from the Naga political groups led by no other than the NSNC(IM) and the working committee/group of the six other groups. The NSCN (IM) is in negotiation with the Government of India(GoI) for the last 20 years. Through their actions of opposition to the polls, it is now clear that the NSCN(IM) expected that the final settlement as a result of the political talks would be announced before the assembly elections. This in substantiated again by the joining of the remaining six other Naga political groups opposing elections who also held some rounds of political talks with the Centre. It is clear now that the announcement of elections was received with dismay by the Naga political groups. The sudden trust deficit between the negotiating parties is really a cause for concern.
This column has tried on more than one occasion that the breakdown of constitutional machinery, a constitutional crises, is not the most favourable for both the negotiating parties at this juncture and most importantly for the people. Still there was optimism that something will come about, a middle path. However the GoI seems unmoved and it might not budge and it does not auger well, especially for the peace in the state and the region. The gazette notification date for the elections that is scheduled for Jan. 31 will be a crucial day when an indication of the intention of the Government of India will be known.
Tomorrow, if all the political parties and intending candidates agree not to file nominations but the electioneering process goes on then the political parties faces also imminent de-recognition from the Election Commission of India. It happened to some of the regional states parties in 1998. Anyhow, if this is the collective wisdom of the people then it surely will be a big statement to the country and to the world. This will also not be the first time Nagas abstained from elections. One important thing to note is that voluntary abstention is okay but any move to indicate the disruption of electioneering process may not be the right approach since it will be taken seriously by the government. A small law and order situation is will be the matchstick for the proverbial tinderbox. Is the collective voice ready to take such a risk after waiting for the last 20 years. Can’t waiting a few more months with more popular leaders than the present ones, with a fresh mandate, would have been more practical? If things go wrong, without our state legislators and the absence of a mandated house under the Constitution, who is left to protect and speak for the welfare of the people?
Moreover, if the many organisations and the sections that they represent are only looking for a hurried end to the peace talks or their intentions are jut to know the contents of peace talks then the Naga political groups are walking on a tightrope. The collective voice for solution not elections is now been heard by all but the collective voice of ‘we are ready for the solution’ is yet to be heard. It is important because the unity that is being displayed in opposing assembly elections needs to be permanent else the current exercise will be rendered useless. Can such an outcome of unity be expected from the coming together of almost all the organisations in the state?
