A time for peace

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 Recent speculations in some national media about the impending solution to the Naga political issue and at home, the demands from the legislators as well as various Naga civil society groups on early solution has created some confusions. Deputy National Security Advisor and Interlocutor to the Naga Peace Talks R.N. Ravi has an unenviable mandate- to finalise an agreement that is “inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all”. The Framework Agreement signed between the government of India represented by R.N. Ravi and the NSCN/GRPN represented by Its general secretary Th. Muivah on August 3, 2015 in New Delhi provides the contours. The inclusion of other Naga groups under the Working Committee and comprising of -GPRN/NSCN, Federal Government of Nagaland, Naga National Council (parent body), National People’s Government of Nagaland of the NNC (Non Accordist), NSCN (reformation) and Naga National Council/Government Democratic Republic of Nagaland in the negotiation has not only widened the ambit but also the hope and expectations for peaceful solution. The NSCN (K) led by Khango Konyak which had abrogated the cease fire towards the end of March 2015.Thereafter, the group indulged in ambushes and was listed as a proscribed organisation by the government of India. Now that the NSCN (K) led by Khango has also joined the negotiations, the way is thus clear for an inclusive solution. However, it is easier said than done. According to Ravi, who had visited Kohima recently on a two-day consultative meeting with various NNPGs and Naga civil society groups, the ball is in the court of the Naga groups. He specifically mentioned that what holding up signing of the final agreement are the demands for a separate flag and constitution. According to Ravi, the union Government has made its position very clear to the negotiating parties on these issues and it is now up to them to take a call. Ravi further explained that the government of India having made it very clear on what it can offer on the demands for a flag and a constitution and it was up to the negotiating organizations to take the decision. Ravi was implicit in his remark that once the Naga groups agree to the offer of the Government of India, then the final agreement can be signed any day. IT may be mentioned that there have been more than 80 negotiations between the government of India represented by its Interlocutor with the NSCN/GPRN led by Th. Muivah. There has been some flexibility on the part of the Naga groups with regard to sovereignty and then integration. The demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution (Yehzabo) has been under negotiation. Now it seems that the government of India has spelt out what it can offer with regard to these two demands. The Naga public had been urging the government of India to bring a solution within the earliest possible time. The present expectation is that this should be before Lok Sabha polls. This is however now not possible unless the Naga groups decide on something significant. However, there has to be some transparency over the negotiations so that Naga public can give their backing and blessings for a peaceful and honourable solution.

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