The Government of India appears to be in a hurry to get on board as many armed groups from the troubled Northeast region into the negotiating table. Following the success of keeping the Naga armed struggle quiet ever since the announcement of ceasefire agreement in the 1990s, New Delhi obviously sees the benefit of bringing about truce with the numerous armed groups and enticing them into the negotiating table. Many from the security establishment at first argue against the so called dialogue process with armed groups pointing out that this only allows the latter to regroup and rearm. While this argument may hold some water, it is equally true of the fact that Delhi’s call for truce and dialogue is also a ploy to wear down the groups either into submission, frustration or division. The case of the Naga ceasefire and dialogue process is prove enough that even after more than a decade, the Government of India has failed to actually deliver a concrete peace settlement. While it is a fact that internally the Naga armed groups must first come together to sign any peace deal, nevertheless the seriousness of Delhi towards a political solution is simply not there. It is in this backdrop that the Government of India is now pursuing the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) into the negotiating table. The question therefore is whether Delhi has the will to resolve the longstanding ULFA or for that matter other problems in the region.
While this column has always supported the need to pursue the path of peace and dialogue even with regard to the ULFA, nevertheless a word or two of caution here. Whether it is the Naga or Assam problem, both are emotive issues for people. In the past, the Naga issue has been politicized especially in the run up and during elections. Rather than helping the situation, the attempts by political parties to cash in on the emotive issue should be discouraged as it will create more division. Recent reports in the media suggest that the latest move to release the jailed ULFA leaders and thereafter start peace talks is “with an eye on the forthcoming assembly elections in Assam”. This offer to the ULFA may also be extended to other tribal armed outfits in Assam like NDFB and DHD so that they can also opt for peace parleys. The political parties and civil society in Assam should take a leaf out of the recent attempt in Nagaland to form a joint platform of all elected representatives inclusive of all parties with the Chief Minister and Opposition Leader as co-convenors. It is now the declared policy that the Naga issue is above politics. The Assamese people should also push its government and leaders towards such a declaration to keep the emotive Assam issue above party politics.
The Government of India on its part must demonstrate sincerity and resolve to address all issues without taking recourse to delay or divisive policy. Delhi’s approach in handling the region should focus on understanding of the ground realities and also communicate with the people. This includes listening to people’s aspiration and working out mutually acceptable solutions. A note of caution; dialogue must not be used as a ploy to keep the region in uncertainty. Given the complex situation in the region and the sensitivity in relation to ethnic identity and land rights, the GoI must realize its own responsibility to ensure that things are handled with great care. Sometimes people in the region doubt the sincerity of the establishment in Delhi. Let’s hope that the level of trust will improve so that the establishment in Delhi and the people of the region can talk and listen to each other.
