Resolution of Naga political issue unlikely before polls

KOHIMA: Hoping against hope to resolve the Naga political issue before the 2023 elections in Nagaland, political pundits are, however, sceptical about settling the long-awaited Naga peace talks before the polls, which are just six months away.

Amidst the calls for the suspension of Assembly elections and the resignation of all 60 MLAs, various organizations, including the Nagaland People's Action Committee intensified their campaign in support of their demands.

Political commentator and writer Sushanta Talukdar, who closely monitored the Naga political development for a few decades, said that there is a remote chance to settle the Naga political issue before the Assembly elections, expected to be held in February next year.

"Like the 2018 Assembly polls, the slogan - solution after election - might return this time too. Though all the political parties, civil society organizations and NGOs are enthusiastically waiting for the lasting solution to the long-awaited Naga political issue, but there is a remote chance to settle the most vital issue," Talukdar told IANS.

He said that the Naga groups as part of their pressure tactics hoisted the 'Naga national flag' and held a large number of programmes in Nagaland and in many villages in the Naga-dominated areas of Manipur to celebrate the 'Naga Independence Day' on August 14, a day before the country's Independence Day.

The Naga groups dominated by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), celebrating the August 14 events in a big way once again demonstrated that there would be no solution to the Naga issue without a separate flag and constitution.

On the occasion of the 'Naga Independence Day', NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said: "All Nagas unite with one decision, one faith, and one politics on the principle of Nagalim for Christ."

He had said that the Nagas have endured 25 years of gruelling ceasefire living up to "our commitment for a peaceful solution of the Naga political issue".

"We have also waited patiently for seven long years after the historic Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015. We have not left any stone unturned for what it takes to bring a solution that is honourable, inclusive, and acceptable to both the Nagas and the government of India.

"The ball is now in the court of the government to make the right move and to fulfil the commitment given to the Nagas," said Muivah in his speech, available with IANS.

Referring to the Emergency National Assembly of NSCN-IM held on May 31, the NSCN-IM leader said that the meet was one of the turning points in the history of the Naga political movement.

"We have taken the stand before God and Naga people that NSCN will uphold and protect the unique Naga history and the Naga National principle at any cost. The Naga flag and constitution are indivisible parts of the recognized sovereignty and unique history. We believe the Indian leaders too understand it," the veteran Naga leader said.

The all-important core committee on Naga political issues headed by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed the Naga peace talks issue.

However, nothing was disclosed about the important meeting. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the convener of the BJP-led anti-Congress alliance of regional parties - North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) - was also present at the meeting.

Rio asserted that the NSCN-IM and the Centre's interlocutor AK Mishra would hold discussions to resolve the Naga political issues.

"I am hopeful that the Central government, the NSCN-IM and all other stakeholders would soon resolve all aspects relating to the protracted Naga political issues," said Rio, who is also the top leader of the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). (IANS)

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