E-Paper
The niggling Naga problem
The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has extended its ceasefire by six months. Although New Delhi wanted the NSCN to put hostilities on hold at least for another year, under the circumstances even this short extension is preferable to trying to talk peace amidst violence.
The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has extended its ceasefire by six months. Although New Delhi wanted the NSCN to put hostilities on hold at least for another year, under the circumstances even this short extension is preferable to trying to talk peace amidst violence. This brings hope for some sort of a peace settlement to what’s probably Asia’s longest running separatist movement. Provided, of course, the NSCN leadership becomes less inflexible in its negotiations with New Delhi.
When the Bangkok round of talks between the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN and New Delhi’s peace negotiators in December didn’t produce any breakthrough, the immediate concern was to maintain the status quo, leaving room for talks. The ceasefire first took effect in June 1997 when the rebels decided to explore the possibility of a settlement through dialogue. Not that New Delhi could ever seriously consider the NSCN’s demand for a ‘Greater Nagaland’ comprising Naga-inhabited areas of neighbouring Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Apart from the fact that these states vehemently oppose the idea, such issues lie outside the country’s constitutional framework. Also, the mere suggestion of unifying the areas is enough to create unrest in the neighbouring states.
It’s unfortunate the NSCN always seemed to be in too much of a hurry to reject the government’s earlier offers, which included autonomous status for Nagaland under Article 244A. This would have given the state jurisdiction over all subjects except defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications. Instead, the NSCN is apparently keen on limited sovereignty, and for the Nagas to be recognised as an independent entity that could enter into a special federal arrangement with India. Such a rigid stand could only lead to the revival of insurgency elsewhere in Naga areas of Manipur, spreading more violence in the region.
