(A personal political analysis)
Fifteen years into torturous and tedious lndo-Naga dialogue indication of with the clear NSCN(lM) softening its stance on certain contentious issues, speculations are rife among the onlookers as to the formidable pronouncement of the final verdict, keeping their fingers crossed. What possibly could be the political ramifications of the noteworthy phrases, such as ‘The uniqueness of Naga History’ or ‘out of the box settlement’? A logical conclusion to the protracted lndo-Naga conflict that is mutually 'honorable'. Either election or solution? Is the thought provoking question of the hour! The least expected, unholy-nexus between the ruling, DAN and opposition, Congress (JLF) towards this effect is more or less a move to give a final blow to an age old parallel governance twinned with an effort to avoid spending crores of rupees, facing the assembly election due early next year, without an iota of certainty of serving the next full term (The formation of JLF is nobody's mean achievement, but it could be attributed to the best possible demand of the prevailing circumstances).
The term, lndo-Naga speaks of two distinct entities - the lndians and the Nagas, quite relevant so long as Naga issue was under the purview of ministry of external affairs (GoI). Under that given situation any negotiated settlement could have been inked, counter-signed and made known to the world through joint declaration. ln case of controversy, it could have been defended the way lndo-US nuclear pact had been defended on the floor of the house (Parliament) by the then congress led UPA-I government, amid stiff resistance. It is pertinent to mention here that the so called 'six round of talks' between Gol headed by Late. Smti. Indira Gandhi and Nagas headed by Late. Shri. Kughato Sukhai where remarkably 'round table conferences' signifying and dignifying the equality of status of the leaders of the two nations. There has been a paradigm shift in the negotiating terms ever since the Naga issue was dubiously brought under Ministry of Home Affairs, thus reducing the status of Nagas to the level of ‘underdogs’ or ‘underlings’ and their aspirations became 'a mere domestic problem of the Indian sub-continent’. This very feeling is well ridden in the 'psyche' of most Indian leaders today. This is Nagas own unmaking, marked by disunity, ignorance and short-sightedness. To this, I daresay, that the next generation patriots are slowly picking up the remnants of the past rejuvenating them into their strength and tomorrow, even if the present rung of leaders fade away, they will carry the flag forward, held high, until they reach where they meant or want to be.
Now, who is the GoI (Government of India)? Is it HM, Sushil Kumar Shinde?
Is it PM Man Mohan Singh? Is it UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi? Yes, they are the key players, no doubt. However, the wholesome and sole embodiment of GoI is none other than the Parliament (Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha) and so whatever the parliament deemed necessary is a shared responsibility of both the ruling and opposing parties at the centre. In other words, what ever bill or amendment of bill necessary to accommodate the demand of the Nagas is subjected to the ratification of the parliament. Therefore, the demand of the situation is either a strong ruling party at the centre that could muster the requisite quorum necessary to introduce, pass and enact the bill in the parliament or the consensual decision of the parliament to hammer-out a permanent solution to the vexed Naga political problem. The need of the hour is ‘strong political will’, ‘utmost sincerity’ and ‘magnanimity’ on the part of GoI, before the world community to end the six decades old Indo-Naga political imbroglio, gracefully.
Recently, a BJP National leader, Nitin Gadkari blamed it squarely on the congress party for its failure to expedite the peace process. Nevertheless, once the subject is introduced on the floor of the house (parliament) BJP, as a national party, will be equally responsible in the decision making. While dealing with sensitive issue, 'careless utterances' should be avoided and ‘political mileage’ need not be sought lest the over all situation is jeopardized.
Will the congress, as it is, bogged-down by so many problems (Lok Pal Bill, 2G Spectrum, Coal Block allocation, fuel price hike etc), dare to take the plunge, calling-off the election to the Nagaland state assembly; seeking solution? Solution will be worked out sooner or later but the immensity of the task ahead points towards the inevitability of the next assembly election in Nagaland, according to my personal observation.
Should we, then, be prepared to the hilt-lock, stock and barrel for the next election?
Y. Hetokhu Awomi
Residency Colony
