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03/11/2010: "Muivah mulls Nagaland visit OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Muivah mulls Nagaland visit

OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima,: NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah is expected to visit Nagaland soon to meet Naga leaders in quest of a solution to the imbroglio.
According to sources in the NSCN (I-M), Muivah, who is currently in Delhi, was meeting top policymakers to push forward the almost stalled Naga peace process. “He is expected to visit Nagaland, but we cannot disclose everything just now,” A.Z. Jami, kilonser (minister) for information and publicity, said. “He is meeting Indian leaders in New Delhi,” Jami added.
He, however, said the date for the next round of talks with the Centre’s interlocutor, R.S. Pandey, has not been fixed. The newly appointed Prime Minister’s interlocutor had the first round of discussions with the NSCN (I-M) leaders on proposals submitted by the Naga leaders and the Centre’s 29-point counter proposals.
Sources said Muivah’s visit to Nagaland would also depend on the progress of talks with leaders in New Delhi. Though there were reports of the Centre rejecting the outfit’s demand for sovereignty and Naga integration, a senior NSCN leader, who was part of the recently concluded talks, said there was considerable progress in the talks. Both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and home minister P. Chidambaram have expressed their sincerity and commitment to continue with the Naga peace process to hammer out a honourable and acceptable solution for both sides, he added.
Nearly 70 rounds of talks have been held between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) since August 1997, when truce was declared. Another reason for Muivah’s likely visit to Nagaland is the need to find a replacement for Khadao Yanthan, who died recently, leaving the post of vice-president vacant. The group’s leaders are tightlipped over who will succeed Yanthan.
In another development, the Joint Working Group of the NSCN (I-M), NSCN (Khaplang) and Naga National Council (Singnya) today agreed to cease all offensives and all Naga army commanders have been requested to abide by this decision.
Call for reunification of divided Naga people & land morungexpress
Dimapur, March 9 (MExN): The Netherland based Naga International Support Centre (NISC) has pointed out that after forced separation of its land and people, reunification of the Nagas was a natural desire and that there was nothing strange in the demand. “It is also true that the Nagas do not claim anybody else’s land; they only want their land and their people reunited to live under one umbrella. So, according to the Nagas all lands, which were theirs before the British colonised and administered a small portion, are to be reunited”, stated a press note issued by the NISC.
The NISC observed that protests against reunification of Naga areas and peoples have once again begun and pointed to the statements coming from the United Committee of Manipur (UCM) and also from Arunachal Pradesh where there had been protests against conceding any land to the Nagas for its “new sovereign State of Nagalim”. “No doubt Assam will follow suit. The protests against reunification, persistently called by the press and the Government of India integration of Naga inhabited areas, hardly ever show the substance of these protests and so the question is: On what basis do the politicians of these states think they are entitled to rule over the forcibly separated Nagas?” the NISC questioned.
Making a reference to history the press note claimed that there were no states whatsoever in the Northeast of India when India became independent and that in fact it was Nagaland State which became the first state in 1963, much to the regret of the NNC and many a Naga. The NISC went on to lament that the emergence of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur States brought further divisions among the Nagas because along with what was left of Assam they were then separated and administered by four different states and that “political unity among the Nagas had ceased to exist”.
Stating that Nagas had never been conquered by any alien force and never signed an agreement conceding their lands to an occupier, being British of Indian in nature, the NISC therefore pointed out that this must have meant that “no one ever ruled over them”. Further adding that the Nagas are a peace-loving people, the press note stated that Nagas wanted justice and that they were actively seeking an end to the political conflict but within the international system of justice. “What is the harm in allowing them to settle this long-standing case without bloodshed? The Nagas want justice and the Nagas want peace. Let it be known that the Nagas, by declaring ceasefire, want to settle the political problems caused by Great Britain, India and Burma through peaceful means, through peaceful negotiations”.
The NISC stated that the politicians in Manipur are afraid that the integrity of their state will be jeopardized. The press note however wanted to know as to whether the Nagas had agreed to be part of Manipur any time in the recent of remote past and whether they had conceded territory to the King of Manipur or if they had been conquered by the Meiteis or further still whether they had agreed to be part of Manipur State. “The answer is no”, the NISC stated and affirmed that Nagas have every right to be reunited. “It would be a matter great injustice if this can only be accomplished the hard way”.
On the subject of ceasefire between the two parties i.e. Government of India and Government of Nagalim, the NISC observed that “it is not a ceasefire with territorial limits” and since the “Manipuris, Meiteis, are no party to this ceasefire so there is no particular issue with them”. “Or is it that the Manipuri Meiteis want to frustrate the political negotiations for an honorable settlement between the Government of India and the Government of Nagalim because they want to rule over the Nagas in Manipur?”
NISC has therefore called on all concerned to take history, rights to self determination and inalienable rights to land at heart “before screaming from the rooftops that not an inch of Arunachal, Assam or Manipur should go to Nagalim, on the premise that this will jeopardize the integrity of the relevant states of the northeast”. “Let’s settle this without bloodshed and work for a northeast where the people live in harmony because all their basic and collective rights are protected and defended”, the NISC suggested.

The Road to Naga Settlement Charles Chasie MorungExpress
One has been keeping silent for quite sometime in order to give the space that may be required by those in the thick of things. One has even resisted the urge to comment when some people thought another Naga Accord was in the offing very soon. How one wishes a settlement could come at the earliest. But an entrenched Issue/Problem of so many decades cannot be solved so easily. The ground situation is also still not changed although important strides have taken place like inter-party resolutions by the State political parties and seemingly determined moves from Government of India as well as Naga public urgings to settle the Issue once for all.
I am writing this piece, at this time, because I believe that the time has come for everyone to voice their opinions/views. The future of our people is at stake. And if we do not speak now, it may become too late later on!
The main issue is what is it that the Naga people want? The NSCN-IM says nothing short of sovereignty although apparently there have also been admissions that in a globalized world, the concept of sovereignty has changed or words to that effect.
On the other hand, the Government of India says Naga Sovereignty is out of the question. For that matter, Government of India says even physical integration of Naga inhabited areas is not possible. Seemingly, there is no meeting point. What is clear is that both sides want a solution to this oldest unresolved conflict situation in the world. This is the positive on which all of us have to move on. A festering wound does not help anyone except to cause further pain!
How do we reconcile these seemingly irreconcilable positions? Are they mere political posturings with both sides jockeying for possible advantages in coming negotiations? May be; may not be. Clearly, unless there is give and take, there will not be a solution.

Give & take
Which are the areas that Government of India and Naga sides have to give and take?
Let us first consider Government of India’s side. In one’s humble opinion, Government of India has to travel further more from its earlier acknowledgement that Nagas have a “unique history”. This was good when it came and the statement was accepted by all Nagas with gladness in their hearts. But this is really neither here nor there! Which community/society/people does not have a “unique history”?! The uniqueness of the Naga Story, in the context of Indian Independence, and formation of Indian Nationhood, has to be acknowledged in clear terms especially since the Naga Issue has become so mixed up with the other “insurgency movements” in the region and on the mainland. All or most of the other “insurgencies” sprouted after India got Independence – in that sense these other “insurgencies” are “secessionist” in nature wherever the demand for sovereignty is included. The Naga Issue/Problem pre-dated Indian Independence. What does this mean for Indian Polity and Nation Building as well as its heritage and future as a world leader?!
Secondly, how does Government of India expect to negotiate with Nagas about their future with all the extra-judicial legislations like the Nagaland Security Regulation Act, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Assam Disturbed Areas Act and the Assam Maintenance of Public Order Act still in place? What message is the Government of India sending to Nagas? That GoI will negotiate with Naga faction/s, because they have become too much of a “law and order” problem but that the GoI will retain the right to kill any Nagas with impunity and also reserve the right to impose “concentration camps” and deny Nagas the right to private property etc?!
Thirdly, apropos of the second point above, it should be appreciated that the Naga Issue, despite several factions today, unlike other “insurgencies” in India, was a people’s movement. The twist by some that only a handful of `misguided elements’ have been causing problems is to simply state an untruth and make more difficult the pursuit for a permanent, or at least durable, settlement. This is despite the fact that many who proclaim they are fighting for the Naga Cause have, sometimes, made Naga people unhappy with the way they treat their own people.
Fourthly, Government of India has often failed to show gratitude and support to those who had stood by her! What Government of India has usually managed to demonstrate is that it pays attention only to those who create problems or demonstrate trouble-making potential. The end result is few people have faith/trust in GoI and everyone thinks they have only to gain by making trouble! GoI will do well to remember that even enemies trust those who are true to their friends! A durable agreement is unlikely without some level of implicit trust.
Fifthly, Where do Naga people fit in, in the scheme of things of GoI? Surely, the vast majority of Nagas would like to have some idea because this will decide their future as a people as well as individuals and families. How does GoI envision the future of Naga people within the Indian Union since GoI is saying Naga Independence and even Naga Integration is not possible. Usually most people are more interested and pay better attention to those who vision for them and try to help them to achieve their highest potentials and pay little or no attention to those who will haggle and contest with them!
Last but not least, a proper re-visitation of history, based on above points, among other things, may become essential before an adequate and durable settlement may become real. This also means creating awareness among Mainland Indians about “Indo-Naga” history. Restitution and Reparation may also need to become part of the negotiations?!

Naga side
On the Naga side, the Nagas will have no choice but to admit that they have become too insulated in their thinking. Many Nagas, including Indian/State Government officials, still keep thinking and talking as if Nagas can survive, and thrive, on their own. Nagas are part of both North East India and South East Asia. Nobody can take these away from Nagas. Nagas also cannot survive without the above regions. So, within this context, what is the Naga Plan for the future of the Naga people? This may turn out to be even more important than Naga Independence – indeed, the question of Naga Independence/sovereignty or otherwise, and justifications if needed, may depend on how Nagas answer such questions!
Secondly, the issue of physical integration of Naga inhabited areas in different states of India is a big issue. This has been an important issue for Nagas all along. What is surprising is the attitude of some who are hesitant, even unwilling, to meet with neighbours. Neighbours are always important – in the unlikely event of Naga Independence, neighbours would become even more important! So, what are Nagas saying when they are not willing to talk with neighbours but want its apparent enemy, the GoI, to impose an agreement on neighbours?! What would happen if Nagas had understanding with all neighbours and present its case to GoI as a fait accompli?! For example, in the unlikely event of Manipuris and Meitei’s willing to have a workable solution on the integration issue for the sake of Naga Settlement, and the larger interests of the country, what can GoI do? Suffice to say that such an unlikely scenario can only result in win-win situation.
Thirdly, Naga factions are still so divided. NSCN-IM obviously still does not want to include any other Naga faction to make a final/workable settlement of the Naga Issue. The NSCN-IM has already proved its mettle and ability. It can afford to be magnanimous enough to include others and, for the sake of Naga people, show that it respects everyone’s contribution. In any case, the other factions are also all expressing the same beliefs. So, ideologically, there is hardly any difference among them. The Underground must come together and accommodate each other. If Naga factions want GoI to respect them but they are not willing to extend the same kind of respect to each other, such a position would be devious and hypocritical which is not good for anyone. Naga division must not only stop but Nagas must move forward in unity and understanding for the sake of our people.
Fourthly, it is not just Underground division that worries one. It is Naga division in general. There cannot be an adequate, peaceful and durable solution unless everyone is included, including the Overground politicians and political parties – basically the Overground and the Underground are the two main factions! They both enjoy tremendous influence over our people. We are lucky, we are going through a period when that clash is not so openly seen or experienced. The Overground in Nagaland is also obviously cooperating for a final settlement. But the time is coming (has come?) when the Underground and Overground must sit down together and seriously discuss the future of the Naga people.
Fifthly, Naga Reconciliation has now become acceptable. This is good because without Reconciliation, Nagas will have no future as a people given the make-up of its people-hood and the present goings-on in society. “No future without forgiveness” is the unqualified statement of Bishop Desmond Tutu who recently kindly wrote to support Naga Reconciliation. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation, as written on several occasions earlier also by this writer, has made great and commendable strides towards Naga reconciliation. The work must not only continue but gain the needed momentum so that when a settlement comes, it will have a good chance to work!
Nagas may be comparatively small but Naga Society is amazingly complex and defies definition, even imagination, by/of most people – many just go back from Nagaland without understanding. Very often, Nagas remain divided because they do not meet and do not know one another; it seems Nagas prefer to remain suspicious and fearful of one another from a distance! Dr Abraham Lotha’s recent piece on Khodao Yanthan must be a revelation to many; it was to me! The best part of the article was that it powerfully brought out Khodao, the man.
The hope of Naga Nationhood, and especially possible contributions, is that if such a complex Society can work then there is hope for the world! I am sure we all still remember the UN recognition of Nagaland’s Communitization Programme as it is still so recent. This is the time for Naga Christians to demonstrate their Christianity! To paraphrase Peter Howard, British Olympian, this is the time when The Lord’s Prayer must become real and not remain a pious drone!

Other hurdles to cross
Meanwhile, there are some other areas that everyone must concentrate on so that Naga society may become healthy and strong again. These have less to do with politics and more to do with making Naga society functional!
1. Repair and restore structures of society which have been dismantled, or left wounded, in so many years of entrenched conflict. Reparation, Restoration and Rehabilitation, they say, are the needs of a society such as ours.
2. Create the needed respect for Rule of Law as required in civilized organized society. This has much to do with creating a sense of security and equality for all. National Security must mean the security of all citizens. Some people must not remain more equal than others! Part of this is to remove injustice whenever and wherever they become visible.
3. Build/repair/support democratic structures in society.
4. All factions must rein in their cadres and also take responsibility for the actions of errant members. This will restore trust in public.
5. Extortions and worse actions must be stopped forthwith. Certainly, there should be no more killings.

Clearly, the hurdles before a permanent Naga Settlement can take place are still huge. But given goodwill and political determination on all sides, one is confident that a workable and durable settlement will take place. GoI must remember that the Naga Issue cannot be modeled after other similar Issues, past or present. Naga leaders must also know that while they may be squabbling about who is more important or more powerful, the Naga people are restive about an early settlement so that they may be able to go ahead with the business of living their lives wholly.