The Government of India-NSCN (IM) peace process, which completed another round of ‘inconclusive’ talks at New Delhi, is in need of a serious push. The talks appear to have reached a stalemate with both sides ‘sticking to their stated positions’. It is obvious that if it had not been for the role of third party mediators, the peace talks would have run out of steam by now. Earlier it was through ‘mediators’ that the peace talks was kept afloat although New Delhi does not want to officially acknowledge this. But for all practical reasons, the presence of international third party groups and individuals is a reality although at the end, decisions would have to be theirs and no amount of expertise can aid the process if the parties refuse to budge or do not demonstrate reciprocity or the political will to resolve the problem.
As agreed upon in the historic ceasefire talks held at Circuit House Dimapur in July where both sides decided to extend the ceasefire in Nagaland ‘indefinitely’ subject to progress made in the talks, the premise to move expeditiously discussing all substantive issues must be honored. Both sides are reported to have agreed on a broad framework to resolve the Naga issue politically. However Delhi is taking too long to take decisions and this is not helping the peace process. It also raises concerns about the Government of India’s sincerity in bringing about an honorable solution based on the unique history and situation of the Nagas. If push comes to shove, the NSCN (IM) should seriously contemplate putting a clear timeframe for Delhi to reach a settlement.
The Government of India should be reminded once again that having traveled the peace road thus far, and having drawn in the Naga people as co-owners and partners to this journey, an added responsibility now rests on India’s shoulder to see to it that this cause for peace and friendship does not go in vain. Likewise the basic premise on which the process itself began—which was to find an honorable-negotiated-peaceful-political -settlement to the over 50 year long problem—be attended to without anymore delay.
Patience is running out for the people who are losing faith in the peace process. It goes without saying that both New Delhi and the NSCN (IM) must now work within the understanding arrived at—indefinite ceasefire extension subject to the talk’s progress—whatever that may mean which only the two parties can interpret. The Government of India must also be reminded that the Naga people’s commitment and investment on the ten year long peace process should not be allowed to go in vain. Failure to acknowledge this will bring to naught whatever goodwill has been generated by the peace process.
