[Assam] assam Digest, Vol 24, Issue 58

[anitak goswami]

                10-year-old NSCN-IM truce brings peace to Nagaland
By R Dutta Choudhury (The Assam Tribune, July 24,2007)
 GUWAHATI, July 23 – Nearly ten years have passed since the cease-fire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) came into force and it will take some more time before a final agreement is reached with the militant outfit. However, formal talks with the NSCN (K) are yet to begin though the outfit has also signed a cease-fire pact with the Government of India.

Highly placed official sources said that the cease-fire pact with the NSCN (I-M) came into effect from August 1, 1997 and the present term of the agreement would expire on July 31. The Government of India and the outfit, in a meeting held in New Delhi on July 20, agreed to extend the term of the cease-fire pact by one more year and the formal agreement in this regard is scheduled to be signed in Kohima on July 31.

Sources said that though signing of a formal agreement with the NSCN might take some more time, there were quite a few positives that were visible in the last ten years and the leaders of the outfit also softened their stand on several key issues. The biggest positive aspect of the ongoing peace talks is the restoration of peace in Nagaland. Sources pointed out that though there have been instances of attacks and counter attacks by the militants belonging to the rival factions of the NSCN, the common people of the state have not been affected and the State and the Central Governments could also take advantage of the peaceful situation to embark on development activities. The people of the State have also been able to take active part in development schemes, which is another positive outcome of the cease-fire agreement.

Over the years, the NSCN leaders have also softened their stand as series of meetings helped in melting the ice. There was a time when the leaders of the NSCN only talked with the Government on foreign soil, but now they have started coming to India for talks. The cease-fire agreement also gave a chance to the top leaders of the NSCN to visit Nagaland and hold talks with the common people to know their feelings, while, on the other hand, it also gave the opportunity to the Nagaland civil society to voice their opinion before the NSCN leaders. Sources said that different social organizations of Nagaland and even the common masses could now put pressure on the NSCN leadership to continue extension of the cease-fire agreement and to look for a peaceful political solution to the problems.

Giving details of the actual progress of the peace talks with the NSCN, official sources said that the Government of India had categorically told the leadership of the outfit that granting sovereignty would not be possible. “The Government has told the NSCN that solution to the problem must come within the framework of the Constitution of India and the NSCN has also agreed to give up the demand for sovereignty and they have agreed to remain as a part of India. The NSCN now agreed that they would agree to remain as a part of India under “a special federal relation” and on its part, the Government is also of the view that the Constitution is not rigid and it could be amended. Now discussions on this issue is going on,” sources said. Sources also pointed out that the Constitution of India already provided some special provisions for Nagaland on issues like right over land and resources and the special customary and traditional laws remained untouched.

On the reported demand of the NSCN for greater Nagalim with areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, official sources asserted that the Government of India would not agree to reorganize the existing boundaries of the States. The Government has made it very clear to the leadership of the NSCN that the Centre would not redefine the existing boundaries of the states without the approval of the concerned state Governments. It may be mentioned here that the Governments of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have already voiced their strong opposition to the demand for greater Nagalim by including the land of these states.

Sources also said that the Centre received allegations from the Governments of the North Eastern states that despite signing the cease-fire agreement, the NSCN members were actively supporting other militant groups of the region. The Assam Government has alleged that the NSCN was extending help to militant groups like the Black Widow. Official sources said that the Government of India has asked the NSCN to stop indulging in such activities. “Of course, the NSCN denied the allegations but the Government made it clear that such activities should be stopped,” sources added.

Sources also admitted that signing of any agreement only with the NSCN(I-M) might not solve the Naga political problem. But formal talks with the NSCN(K) are yet to start. Sources said that the NSCN(K) has not placed formal demands before the Government to start the ball rolling.
            
























        
























  

       
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