Ravi on framework agreement

On separate flag and passport for the Nagas, Ravi said “these are issues of sentiments”. While not fully rejecting the demands made by NSCN (I-M) or admitting that such demands were not possible, Ravi maintained that “the government of India respects the sentiments; however, these can only be addressed within the realm of the possible.”

Putting to rest speculations that Pan Naga Hoho will govern the Naga areas, the Interlocutor said the interpretation of it as a “super-government” was “inconsistent” with government of India’s position.

 Excerpts of the interview:

Nagaland Post (NP): Nearly a year into signing of August 3, 2015 “Framework Agreement” between government of India and NSCN (I-M), do you see a perceptible progress and a road ahead between the two negotiating parties?

R.N. Ravi: The Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 lays down the fundamental principles of our relationship. It fully respects the Nagas’ aspirations of recognition of their uniqueness and commits both sides to a peaceful co-existence in an inseparably inclusive relationship on the basis of sharing the mutually agreed sovereign powers . Within this Framework, details are being worked out.

NP: Many have been quoted saying that contents of the agreement are being deliberately kept a secret. This has created so much speculations amongst the Nagas and the country as a whole; don’t you think Nagas deserve to know the content of the agreement meant to bring lasting solution to the Naga issue? 

Ravi: To say that “contents of the agreement being kept a secret from the public” is a big fat lie. It is being said mostly by the free riders who are reluctant to face the truth and take responsibilities. I have painstakingly explained the contents, bit by bit, to, by and large, every stakeholder.

I am grateful to the Hon’ble Speaker, Nagaland Assembly and Hon’ble Chief Minister, Nagaland for acceding to my request for arranging a briefing of the legislators on the contents of the Framework Agreement soon after it was signed. I am also grateful to all the Nagaland legislators for actively participating in an about four hours long briefing session on August 27, 2015 at the Legislature’s Complex. I explained, at length, the contents of the Framework Agreement and clarified specific queries and doubts of the Legislators. The briefing session concluded only after there was no more questions from the Legislators. I also, separately, met several tribal hohos, tribal leaders and civil society entities and some Naga armed groups and explained them the contents of the Framework Agreement.

I also collectively invited all the Naga Tribal Hohos and briefed them in an over four hours long session on December 8, 2015 at Kohima. There were over 70 delegates from various Naga tribes. There again I explained, bit by bit, the contents of the Framework Agreement and responded to their queries till they had no more question to ask. All these are on record. How can it be said that the contents are secret?

Yes, the Framework Agreement has not been published as yet. I have made it clear to all the stakeholders that the Framework Agreement is not the final settlement. Hence, it would be premature to release it in the public domain. I also said that it would be published along with the full agreement as and when reached. There is no question of keeping the public in dark.

NP: There are reports that government of India and NSCN (I-M) have now agreed upon four points such as -Pan Naga Hoho, Regional Autonomous District Council for Nagas inhabiting Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, special Naga Law to be incorporated in the Indian Constitution wherein all natural resources found in the Naga areas -below the ground and on the surface would belong to the Nagas. Is there any truth in all these talks doing the round?

Ravi: I have seen some media reports. These are largely speculative. At times these are mischievous. People should not be misled by them. People should wait for an official statement.

NP: In a recent interview with a national daily, NSCN (I-M) Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah has been quoted saying that the group has not given up on its demand on sovereignty. What is “sharing sovereign power” according to you or to both the negotiating parties?

Ravi: ‘People are sovereign’ is the universal principle of democracy. It is also the core of Indian democracy. There is no question of Nagas giving up sovereignty. Nagas are not colonized people. Sovereign power is an abstract noun. In reality it is a spectrum of powers. Sharing sovereign power means sharing the spectrum of powers between the government of India and the Nagas.

NP: NSCN (I-M) Ato Kilonser was also quoted on separate Naga flag and passport for Nagas saying that it was not just a “demand” but a right as the “Nagas were never under Indian rule.” What do you have to say on this?

Ravi: I have seen media report about NSCN (I-M)’s position on flag and passport. These are issues of sentiments. The government of India respects the sentiments; however, these can only be addressed within the realm of the possible.

NP: Can you please shed some light on Pan Naga Hoho–its functions, limitations and whether it will eventually govern over the Nagas or not?

Ravi: A Pan Naga entity as a concept of a common platform for the Nagas to strengthen their identity is under discussion. However, an interpretation of this entity as a super-government is inconsistent with government of India’s position. We are trying to reach a convergence.

NP: Nagas of Nagaland and their land and resources are protected under Article 371 A of the Indian Constitution. However, the same does not cover Nagas of Manipur, Arunachal and Assam. Will Article 371A now cover Nagas living in these areas?

Ravi: Article 371A of the Constitution of India is specific to Nagaland. We are trying to evolve a system for the Nagas outside Nagaland to be self-governing in their everyday affairs.

NP: If Naga inhabited areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are created into Autonomous District Councils, how are they going to function? Will it be under their respective state governments or Pan Naga Hoho or will it function independently? 

Ravi: Naga areas outside Nagaland should have genuine democratic self-governance. Their architecture is to be worked out. Nothing should be done to negate the democratic principle of peoples’ empowerment. It would be pre-mature to talk about the details at this stage. 

NP: In our first interview in 2015, you have ruled out existence of any private militia but there have been speculations that Indian government and Nagas would have a mechanism on “shared defense”. Is there some truth in it? 

Ravi: The question of any non-state militia after the final agreement does not arise. The territorial defence is the primary responsibility of the government of India; however, Nagas have an important role in it. Settlement of armed cadres will be done on the basis of a mutually agreed formula.

NP: A report is being largely circulated stating that you have promised 5000 BSF jobs to rehabilitate NSCN (I-M) cadres. What do you have to say on this?

Ravi: Report is totally false, mischievous and malicious. It is planted by some vested interest through some ill informed and irresponsible person. 

NP: Time and again you have made it clear that any solution will be a Naga solution and not NSCN (I-M) or any Naga Political Groups’ solution and that talk will be inclusive. However, so far you have not invited any other Naga Political Group for talk, why is it so?

Ravi: I am aware of the fact that an enduring Naga solution will have to be inclusive. I have publicly invited all the stakeholders including other Naga armed groups. Some of them have responded positively. The stakeholders should also be aware of their obligation and come forward.

NP: It is said that government of India had agreed not engage any other NPGs while it is in talk with NSCN (I-M). Is this preventing you from inviting other NPGs?

Ravi: Nothing can stop the government of India from reaching out to all the stakeholders.

The NSCN (I-M) leaders took the bold initiative in positively responding to the government of India’s proposal for a peaceful solution of the Naga issue. The engagement has created a climate of peace and restored somewhat normal life in Naga areas. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to resolve the Naga issue. I have been reaching to all the stakeholders. I would welcome those coming forward with sincerity and determination to resolve the issue.

NP: Are the government of India and NSCN (I-M) willing to sign the final agreement without including the other NPGs?

Ravi: I would welcome all the stakeholders to be on board in our common enterprise and would continue making my efforts in this regard. However, if someone chooses to be aloof, we cannot wait indefinitely.

NP: On the one hand, government of India is negotiating with one Naga Political Group to settle Naga problem terming the issue as “unique” while on the other hand, is has banned one as a “terrorist” group. Does this not betray a dichotomy in addressing the issue? 

Ravi: NSCN (K) unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire in March 2015. I made public appeal to them to come back to the peace fold. Various Naga tribal bodies and civil societies made fervent appeals to the NSCN (K) leadership. Government of India restrained itself to the NSCN (K)’s provocative manoeuvres till, in successive ambushes, they killed some 30 Indian soldiers and formed an alliance with other armed militant groups of North East. When the appeal of the Naga people and utmost restraint by the government of India met with a series of provocative violent acts and manoeuvres, the government responded according to the established law.

NP: You have met many Naga leaders–legislators, tribal leaders, GBs, civil society organisations–most of them have publicly requested you to include other NPGs into the talk. How receptive are you and NSCN (I-M) about the appeal made so far?

Ravi: I have clarified, time and again, that the ongoing negotiations are to resolve the Naga issue and not about the NSCN (I-M). For the last over 19 years the NSCN (I-M) leaders have shown maturity and foresight and provided leadership of the Naga people in the dialogue with the government of India.

 NP: Recently, Governor of Nagaland and Assam PB Acharya stated that solution to Naga problem will arrive this year-2016. Is there any timeframe? When is it likely for the negotiating parties to sign the final agreement?

Ravi: While we are working hard for an early solution, laying down a definite timeline would be unrealistic.

NP: Is there any possibility of the talks getting affected by the election of a new chairman of NSCN (I-M) at this juncture when it is assumed that final agreement between the two parties is to be inked soon?

Ravi: Sir Isak Chishi Swu was a great visionary and one of the tallest Naga leaders who always had in his mind the best interest of Naga people. He believed in peace and peaceful settlement of the issue. People will remember his great contribution to the Naga cause for which he had dedicated his entire life. Future generations will also remember his role in bringing out the Framework Agreement. His departure is a huge loss to all of us but we need to move on as we have the responsibility to resolve it. Talks will continue.

NP: Do you have a message for the Nagas?

Ravi: Nagas are a proud people with a strong sense of identity. It was this spirit that illuminated the Naga political movement. During the initial years it created a set of idioms, expressions and rhetoric needed for the political mobilisation. However, over the last half a century this has changed profoundly; so have the Nagas. The pace of change is getting ever faster. From single digit literacy then, they are among the most literate people today —over 80% literacy. Brilliance of Naga scholarship is manifest in the universities around the world. Naga administrators are among the best in India.

Unfortunately, the dynamic of the protracted vicious armed conflict has taken a heavy toll on their moral, intellectual and emotional orientations. Nagas today are far more apprehensive of each other than of the government of India. They are watchful and labored to be seen politically correct in their public utterance. They seem afraid of facing the truth. Many of them talk about Naga political solution without willingness to take responsibilities. For some others talking about the Talk is the cynical politics of survival. It is unfair to the Naga people. They must seize the finest ever historic opportunity today for ushering a bright, prosperous and proud future for the Naga people.