The desire to settle any conflict at the earliest possible time can be very attractive, but the big question here is: will the settlement be honourable, durable and acceptable to all stakeholders.
The Indo-Naga conflict for the past six, seven decades has witnessed untold miseries, irreparable damages and irrecoverable loss of lives on both sides. It has also witnessed the blatant lies and deception in the insincere agreements and accords which instead of solving the conflict has abetted the distrust and hatred between the two people (Indians and Nagas).
The settlement of conflict between two entities through a set of agreement or accords should be on neutral premises in the principle of give and take, but agreement or accord that is manipulated and imposed can never bring lasting solution. We must realize the futility of insincerity. How long will the right thinking Indians suppress their conscience and allow the selfish and arrogant schemers to exploit the naïve and impatient lot to sabotage their own aspiration. These manipulators in collusion with some vested Nagas have time and again sabotaged the honest and genuine desire of the Nagas to live harmonious neighbourly existence with India as two distinct entities ratified by the Framework Agreement signed on 3rd august 2015 and Preamble Agreement of November 17, 2017 between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) and 7 NNPGs. Now according to media reports the interlocutor and the signatory is deliberately misinterpreting the “Agreement” insinuating the negotiators as failing to comprehend the terms of “Agreement.” Now if the Government of India (interlocutor) recognizes the “Unique history of the Nagas” and agrees to “co-exist” as two “separate entities” with “mutual respect” what are the hidden meanings that cannot be understood?
The interlocutor must honestly reveal himself and his role as interlocutor, whether he represents the leaders of India who genuinely believe and respect humanity of different races and sincerely desire to champion the human rights anywhere in the world or opportunistic leaders who; while promoting their own interest, betray the nation’s true aspiration. If he represents the first group he should not take advantage of or try to influence and manipulate the less enlightened or hide behind the jargon of the language, but sincerely facilitate a solution that is honourable and acceptable to all as per the consistent stand pursued by the interlocutor himself for inclusive agreement.
Very importantly, a sincere and humble appeal to fellow Nagas particularly the civil societies and tribal organizations of Nagaland to ponder over the present stance of early solution. In our haste for settlement for the sake of solution are we exerting undue pressure on negotiators who represent us and paving the way for the adversary to impose their will, ignoring or rather trampling our right and leave us marginalized?
Y Aheto Sumi, Kushiabill, Dimapur
Khesheli Chishi, Kohima
Kakugha S Rotokha, Zunheboto
Hukuto Khulu, Bamanpukhuri, Dimapur
Hukavi T Yeputhomi, Dimapur
K Himahito Chishi, Padampukhuri
Betoka Swu, Dimapur
