Dr.Piketo Achumi
Asian College. 6th mile Sovima Dimapur
The positive response to the clarion call of FNR for reconciliation among the Naga groups was unprecedentedly unique and a clear victory for the Nagas. The well attended meeting signified the will of the Nagas to reconcile and amicably settle the protracted Indo-Naga political impasse.
For the ongoing peace process Nagas may appreciate the initiatives taken by the government of India. The recognition of unique history of the Nagas was perhaps the acceptable step for which Isak-Muivah has entered into cease fire agreement with the government of India effective from 25 July 1997. Since then 84 times peace talks had taken place both within and outside India
According to the statement of Naga leaders during reconciliation meeting, government of India has ruled out the words “Sovereignty and Integration” from the parameter of peace talks. Further, Shri Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India had stated to Mr.TH. Muivah to go extra miles for settlement of Indo-Naga political issue. The terms “extra miles and settlement outside the box” require to be examined and worked out for further talks. In short the proposed Naga concordant should accept the responsibility to work out the conditions for honorable settlement.
According to the press statement of G.k. Pillai of Home ministry I quote “None should be able to turn around and say after some years that they were kept in the dark” Yes it is a responsible caution note for the Nagas. However expecting cent percent result of unity maybe too high a standard to fulfill. Because working differences will always be there as in the case of Indian National movement and many others. Ours is a developing society where we generally have differences in our way of doing things for ourselves. With such perception, if we achieve 75-90% unity that will be more democratic and acceptable way of tackling our problem. Definitely there will be always some mediums to come up in the name of XY&Z. Therefore sooner or later if we expect 100% unity to settle Naga issue we are expecting the impossible thing to happen.
The government of India is expected to take the advantage of the present congenial situation in Nagaland and be more pro-active for early settlement. Centre government should also review the past agreements with the Naga leaders. If the ongoing peace talks also fail as in the past there will be less credibility to have further talks. The consequences will be equally painful for both the people of Nagaland and the government of India.
In the final analysis the Nagas should never look back to the past tactics of subduing or eliminating one another. For that approach had failed resulting in self inflicting sufferings all over the Naga country. As long as Naga’s aspiration remains the same reconciliation should be the logical end for all. That will be the only wise move for Nagas leaving behind all our past records of good and evil. However the core issue will be the terms of settlement which chapter still remains unopened. Towards that unfinished task Ngas must uphold FNR as our supporting role for lasting peace and settlement.
