To, The Governor Nagaland Raj Bhavan, Kohima
With due respect and honour I as a laymen but a concerned citizen of Nagaland state and also having been given the privilege of serving the esteemed National Party BJP as a state president for two tenures would like to bring to your honourable notice and kind consideration the present scenario of animosity between the Government of India and the proscribed group NSCN (K).
Sir, as you are well aware that the Government of India, under the able leadership of our Elongate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, and several factions of Naga Political Groups are under ceasefire agreements including the historic 3rd August 2015 peace accord framework signed between our government and the NSCN (IM).
These developments have given immense hope to the people of Nagaland who have endured decades of violence and bloodshed. And I also believe it has bolstered the effort for a journey towards a peaceful and developed North East which is a cherished dream for both Government of India and the denizens of this beautiful region. Unfortunately, Sir, the breakdown of ceasefire and talks with the NSCN (K) faction has brought a pall of gloom over the whole effort.
It is pertinent to note that the people of Nagaland, especially the younger generation, are tired of the violence and the tensions in their land. They are now more focused on jobs and economic development. With the advent of Internet, cell phones and social media, and also with a high percentage of literacy, the youth are now voicing their feelings and "asking questions" like never before. I also want to make a point that it is not that the educated people of Nagaland were not aware of wrongdoings and shortcomings of the consecutive state governments, including the union government. But due to a peculiar tribal social system that exist here the methods of voicing displeasures by the people have been often misunderstood. So I feel that the policy of the government of India in dealing with the problems in Nagaland should not be according to the face value or as per the general social concept of our country. But the approach should be with sincerity and empathy. Nagaland is a very small state and a small population. It can be turned into a "Singapore" or a "Hongkong" within a few years if things can only be done in the best way.
Coming back to the issue of the NSCN (K) it is my understanding that it would be of negative consequences to engage them in hostility. The independent movement in Nagaland is an IDEA and we all know that we cannot defeat an idea with a gun. Even if all the other factions come to a settlement with the Government of India, leaving behind a small thing unresolved will again germinate into another dangerous entity because it will become the solace of all disgruntled individuals in the future. Not only that, the upcoming generation of Nagaland will still grow up under the shadow of the gun, which is the very thing we all want to avoid.
Therefore, Sir, I strongly believe that it is a rightful time to extend the olive branch to all concerned. Take for example NIKI SUMI, the commander in chief of NSCN (K) army. He is a tall leader and a citizen of Nagaland. It would be wise to study his circumstances and engage with him in the best possible way for a positive result.
The Honourable Governor, being the head of state, has special powers under the constitution and his endeavor to bring peace and stability to the state would be highly appreciated. The people of Nagaland can only look up to the sagacious and empathetic role of your honour.
Dr. M Chuba Ao Former State President BJP Nagaland
