Romeo Maring
Come 31st January 2006 and the Ceasefire expires. “Should it be extended or not” is the talk of the town. From 1 year to 6 months: what should be the Peace Process look like this time? What is your sincere opinion my brothers? Is 9 years long enough to find solution to vex Indo-Naga problem of more than 6 decades? Do you think there is no positive headway in the Peace Process? Is Ceasefire heading for abrogation? Should it be abrogated? But why? Is it because tangible solution could not be arrived at in 9 years time? Fine, but how about the complexity of the problem? Is time the only criteria to measure when a mission should be accomplished? What should be the time limit for finding final solution to the vexed Indo-Naga Political problem?
Well, like any other Naga, I am also very serious with the Indo-Naga Political problem. I observe developments and press releases by organizations or individuals every now and then especially on the ongoing Peace Talk. To the best of my analysis, understanding and observation, I sincerely feels that the Peace Process is heading in positive direction. Therefore, Peace Process must be given chance by extending Ceasefire once again. Yes, I for one sincerely feel that the Ceasefire must be extended. I have my argument put across this way for public consumption:
1. Indo-Naga Political Talk: The first Ceasefire between the Naga National Workers and Indian Government was signed on the 6th Sept. 1964 but unilaterally abrogated by the Government of India (GoI) in 1967. Inability to continue with the Ceasefire simply speaks volume of questionable attitude and sincerity especially of the GoI. On the contrary, the present Ceasefire is running almost 9 years and is going strong with some landmark achievements. It has brought about conducive atmosphere under which Indo-Naga Talk once again has been revived with a momentum as a political talk with the following three conditions:
i. Without any condition: “Nagaland or Naga Ancestral Homeland is an integral part of India mainland. There is no compromise. Therefore, whatever the talk maybe, it has to be within the constitution of India”. This had been the strong argument and stand of the GoI. This means there is no question of Talk on Nagas Aspiration i.e. Nationality/Independence. Talk at any length, breath and width has no meaning to the Nagas as long as it is within the parameter of Indian constitution. It has been a constant, persistent and committed cry of the Nagas that there cannot be any meaningful results if the talk has to be constrained by the parameters of Indian constitution and there is no solution to Indo-Naga problem. Lately, the Naga leaders have succeeded in convincing the GoI to realize and accept that meaningful Talk cannot take place under condition. This is an achievement because the GoI had been made to accept that the Indo-Naga issue is not a mere law and order issue (which should be tackled under the provisions of Indian constitution) but an issue of ones right, the Nagas right being coerced/suppressed by might. The answer to this problem does not lie with the Indian constitution.
ii. At the Prime Minister’s Level: Here the word “Level” has a deep and serious political meaning/implication. In a country there is just one Prime Minister. “Prime Minister’s Level” is use in Nation-to-Nation talk/meeting/dialogue. Therefore, accepting the talk “At Prime Minster’s level” has implication of recognizing the Indo-Naga Talk a Nation-to-Nation affair between India and Nagalim. This is indeed a landmark achievement of the Peace-Process between the GoI and NSCN and a matter of solidifying the Naga cause and a matter of inching towards final solution.
iii. In a Third Country: The word “Third Country” signifies India and Nagalim as Nations to hold talk in different country (Third Country) other than India and Nagalim. Never had such reference being made by the GoI in the past.
2. Recognition of Unique Naga History: Every Freedom movement has history of its genesis. The Naga Freedom Movement also has history of its genesis totally different from Indian History. It clearly says about invasion and forced domination over the Indigenous Nagas and forced occupation of the Naga Homeland by the British, which was later on taken over by the Indians. It also says that the Nagas are not Indian and the Naga Homeland was never, is not (and will never be) an integral part of India. Who can deny this History? GoI used to deny this but not any more because truth prevails. The GoI has lately accepted and recognized officially the Naga History as Unique. This is a clear indication of acceptance of Naga History as genuine basis of the Naga Freedom Struggle.
Certainly along the Peace Process, there has been a certain development that clearly indicates/refers Nagalim as a Country/Nation by the GoI. So far so good, no matter how long it has taken to come this far. This is indeed boldness on the part of GoI to speak the truth on Indo-Naga problem and we must appreciate this.
We the Nagas need to understand that things just don’t come easy. And after all it is an issue of land and people- Nationhood; not just 9 years, we should be ready to go for more if necessary. I feel we need to give some more time, some more chance to peace process when we have seen developments where clear reference of Nagalim as Nation is being highlighted.
We need to learn how to understand and appreciate good things done by others. To my understanding, the collective leaderships deserves appreciations by one and all for their dedications, commitments and politics that has brought our National movement up to this stage. Now, no matter what setback may there come, the issue will never climb down below this stage where Nagalim has been referred with a status of a Nation because history has been written along the way and shall stand witness to generations.
Let us not say that the ongoing Peace Process is detrimental because it also talks on integration of Naga homeland. The issue of Integration is very genuine and must be supported by one and all Nagas. If this is not done there cannot be solution because a Nation that all the Nagas are dreaming of must comprise of land/territory having concrete demarcation/boundary and people. Big or small boundary must be specified within which plans and policies of a Nation shall be implemented. On this matter, I would like to implicate press releases by NSCN (K) where an Integration of Naga homeland has been kept in back seat and alleging that NSCN (IM) is compromising Sovereignty for Integration. In that matter does our NSCN (K) brothers fighting for sovereignty of the present Nagaland State or so-called Eastern Nagaland or some territory only? To my understanding, Integration of Naga homeland is must and it is a step towards the final solution. Therefore, not a single Naga should be against the Integration move. It should not be interpreted as a compromise of Nagas aspiration to live as free people.
The Indo-Naga Political talk is due one of these days. To extend the Ceasefire or not shall be surely discussed. Instead of cursing the Peace Process, lets all pray that wisdom and right attitude is being instilled in the heart and soul of both the party to the talk thereby more concretization towards final solution is being resulted. I wish all the best for the upcoming Indo-Naga Peace Talk.
Kuknalim.
