Could it be that the tall claims made by the ruling NPF and Opposition Congress that Nagas want early solution not election is actually just a populist slogan or is there an honest intention to forgo election? Whatever the leaders of both groups are proclaiming, on the ground it will seem that party workers are actually preparing for another round of costly and bitter election battle. If in the late 1990s, the Nagas, including the political parties, except the Congress, had the determination to seek solution and not election why, this same determination can’t be exhibited now. If Nagas really want early solution, shouldn’t the present 60 legislators go ahead and resign en-mass and start an all out campaign for solution? Taking such a bold step (and not merely giving assurance to resign) will in fact force the issue on the Government of India and demonstrate that Nagas are very serious and determined for early solution and not election. Looking at the statements especially from the ruling NPF and Opposition Congress, one can say that there is unanimity that they want solution before election. There is also the agreement that all 60 MLAs from Nagaland are ready to quit in the event of a solution or alternate arrangement being worked out as a result of the political talks. The above position has been taken by both parties through the collective platform of the Joint Legislative Forum (JLF).
The question is when the government or legislators should actually resign as they have repeatedly assured. Here, going by the latest reports coming out in the media, the ruling NPF has now taken the stand that they will not resign before the solution or in other words they are ready to dissolve the government only in the event of solution coming. The position of the Congress on the other hand is still not clear other then the common stand taken through the JLF that they will also resign to pave way for a settlement. In fact the Naga public should not be fooled into believing that the current stand of the NPF and Congress is something of a tectonic shift or ground breaking. Hasn’t this been the stated stand of all previous political dispensation? That they will step down to pave way for a political settlement? Former Chief Minister SC Jamir repeatedly espoused this line of thinking and his successor Neiphiu Rio has followed suit. The only difference perhaps this time is that all 60 MLAs cutting across party lines have for the first time expressed willingness to quit.
The concern raised by the Chief Minister about imposition of President’s Rule is no doubt valid. However this has to be seen in the context of a larger sacrifice—to forego power for the sake of solution. In fact a brief spell of President’s Rule may be inevitable if at all solution comes before election. In any case if solution comes, the ruling government (in this case the NPF) has to resign. Quitting power after solution comes is actually insignificant and does not mean much. If at all our elected leaders want to sacrifice their chair as they all claim to do, then why can’t they forgo the reins of power at an appropriate time, perhaps after the New Year. Naturally for those in the Opposition Congress this will be easier to do. The NPF on the other hand will no doubt be tempted to cling on to power as it has many more resources and privileges to enjoy while in power. This is going to be a test especially for the current dispensation headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The Naga public will be closely watching the two NPF and Congress and the elected leaders on their true intention vis-à-vis solution and election.
