The upsurge of factional clashes after a period of lull is once again becoming a matter of concern for peace loving citizens. Unfortunately for everyone including the State government, there is nothing much that can be done except make the same reiterations—reminding New Delhi on revamping the ceasefire ground rules and appealing to the Naga factions to stop abetting violence. At the end it appears to be that the concerned authorities—the Government of India and even the NSCNs—are not in control of the situation allowing it to drift towards a point of no return. At least people had expected the Naga groups to show more restraint and uphold the strong sentiments for peace building. Given this dangerous trend of all the concerned parties refusing to entertain the peaceful resolution of the intending conflict, the Naga people can only wonder in awe as to what is fundamentally wrong with the current peace process itself and whether the ceasefire is a ploy to prolong the conflict and create more ruckus within the dynamics of factional politics.
For the government of India and its agencies a clear message has to be conveyed i.e. to stop fomenting trouble and instead work to bring about an honourable and permanent solution acceptable to all sections of the Naga people. And the foremost thing that it needs to do is to revamp the ceasefire ground rules. It has been observed that factional clashes in the State are occurring due to the underground groups not staying in their respective designated camps. It is therefore suggested that such designated camps be identified immediately and the UG cadres be asked to stay in their respective designated camps. Delhi should not drag its foot on this issue any longer if it is sincere in the peaceful resolution of the Naga problem. Further, the State government has already called for an “implementing mechanism” to the ceasefire ground rules. This is extremely important if the same is to be observed in both letter and in spirit.
On its part, the warring Naga underground factions should show greater political maturity to work in cohesion in order that the rights of the people can be respected and honoured as a legitimate claim in the eyes of the world and India. It has been rightly pointed out by the UK based Naga Solidarity Group that in order to legitimize the Naga political rights in the world community, Naga national groups are encouraged to resolve their differences through peaceful means. And this can be achieved only if the Naga underground groups give up violence against each other and stand together on a common platform and thereby allowing the transformation of the current volatile situation into a more comprehensive and stable peace process that is people-based, non-violent and democratic thereby reflecting the sentiments, values and principles important to all Nagas—to establish a genuinely pluralistic political society, in which all individuals and groups are free to engage in peaceful competition for political power through non-violent democratic means.
