(From right to left)
Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Swu of the NSCN (IM), Gen Khole and Kitovi
Zhimomi of the NSCN (KK) and Brig. Singnya and Zhopra Vero of the
NNC/FGN at the meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation on 29
February
“The biggest hurdle in finding a solution to
the 64-year-old Indo–Naga dispute is that the Nagas are confused. They
do not know what they want; how will a solution ever come?” explained a
government official to TEHELKA less than two weeks ago. However, on
Wednesday 29 February, in Dimapur, Nagaland, 52,000 Nagas from all walks
of life spoke in one voice and ratified four resolutions presented in
the landmark meeting of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
Spearheaded by the Naga National Council (NNC)
in 1946, the Naga struggle for sovereignty, which they claim based on
their historical rights, has seen many twists and turns. The movement
that started under one leader, Dr AZ Phizo, the NNC has many claimants
today, in seven different ‘underground’ groups. Despite a ceasefire with
the Centre, infighting between the groups has ensured that peace and
relative normalcy in Nagaland remains elusive.
What compounds the problem is that though the
negotiations between Government of India and Th Muivah and Isaak Swu of
NSCN (IM) are in their ‘final stages’, a lasting solution is only
possible if all seven groups as well as the Naga people endorse the
solution. In light of this, Wednesday’s meeting could be a step in the
right direction.
Three ‘underground’ groups—National Socialist
Council of Nagaland [Isaak-Muivah] NSCN (IM); National Socialist Council
of Nagaland [Kitovi-Khole] NSCN (KK); National Socialist Council of
Nagaland [Khaplang] NSCN (K); Naga National Council/Federal Government
Nagaland (NNC/FGN)—along with 52,000 Nagas from different civil
societies, villages, churches and states have ratified four resolutions.
The main thrust of which are:
1: Admit that the long
history of the Naga conflict has inflicted deep and inexpressible pain
to the Naga people, own up to their own sins, acknowledge and support
those who have apologised and sought forgiveness.
Impact: This admission of
guilt and subsequent forgiveness has been seen as the first step to
burying years of bad blood and reconciliation.
2: End all armed conflict as of 29th February 2012.
Impact: For years now, bad
blood between the groups has resulted in violence. Sporadic violence
continues, but the people of Nagaland are committed to peace, that is
the need of the hour.
3: They acknowledged the
role, commitment and contributions of the Naga National Counil, AZ
Phizo, SS Khaplang, Myanmar-based chairman of NSCN (K), Gen (Retd) Khole
and Brig (Retd) Singnya.
Impact: While this may seem
trivial to some, it is a big step. Phizo, Khaplang, Khole and Singya
have all played a significant role in the struggle and cannot be
sidelined or forgotten. This seems to be a move to placate hurt
sentiments and bring them into the peace process. This is also important
in light of the recent statement made by the NSCN (Khaplang) leadership
who want to re-engage in the reconciliation and peace process.
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4: They agreed that
sovereignty lies with the Naga people and their will is supreme. Any
negotiation process must focus on how the Nagas can determine, safeguard
and exercise their historical and political rights in a contemporary
and inter-related world.
Impact: Sovereignty has been
an uneasy topic amongst the Nagas, and with globalisation, the idea of
sovereignty itself has changed. It is believed that ‘absolute’ or
‘complete’ sovereignty is no longer possible, but a special arrangement
with the Centre which allows the Nagas to govern themselves could be the
way forward.
The biggest impact of this meeting was the
recommendation made by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) to form
an expert body or common platform. The body will comprise experts and
intellectual who will debate, discuss and chart the next step in the
Naga journey. Though the recommendation was not ratified, if created it
will allow the Naga people to join and shape the peace process. The most
important factor in any ‘peoples’ movement are the people. No solution
is possible without them and though peace still remains elusive, this
meeting— with its resolutions and recommendations—will make the groups
accountable, and give the Naga people a stake in their future.
Avalok Langer is a Correspondent with Tehelka. avalok@tehelka.com
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