The situation in the Northeast region has improved relatively as compared to what it was about five years ago. The Naga groups are in ceasefire with the Government of India and most of the outfits in Assam have also joined the dialogue process. It is reported that even the ULFA which has so far refused the offer of talks will shortly begin a formal political process with New Delhi. Among the other States in the region Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim are quieter. Therefore with situation improving in Assam and Nagaland, the State of Manipur remains the only concern. With regard to Delhi’s approach in handling the region, no doubt it has improved a great deal. There is better understanding of the ground realities and also communication with the people has definitely improved over the years. To the credit of the GoI, it has now realized that problems in the region have to be resolved through dialogue and not just through its slogan of ‘peace and development’ (carrot) and armed forces (stick). This is therefore a good sign of Delhi’s growing maturity. And the dialogue route must be undertaken with all seriousness towards its stated objective. This includes listening to people’s aspiration and working out mutually acceptable solutions. Sometimes people in the region doubt the sincerity of the establishment in Delhi. Let’s hope that the level of trust continue to improve between the Centre and the people of the NE States.
A note of caution; dialogue must not be used as a ploy to keep the region in uncertainty. Given the complex situation in the region and the sensitivity in relation to ethnic identity and land rights, the GoI must realize its own responsibility to ensure that things are handled with great care. Hopefully Delhi is by now aware of the fact that each problem in the region has its own uniqueness. In the past, the thinking was to approach the problem in a uniform manner. Such a mindset continues to this day. Even the national media has a singular projection of the NE region that of a ‘disturbed area’. However, the context of a particular problem, the issues involved or the historical timeline are different and in no way the same for each case. This does not mean that common problem does not exist. For one, the manner in which boundary of States have been marked on the map is something that requires urgent attention. Almost all the Northeastern States adjoining Assam have disputes with the latter. This shows that boundaries were marked without the consent of the people and that it was done arbitrarily. The point is that Delhi will have to seriously consider the prospect of correcting the glitches if its slogan of peace and development is to have any bearing for the Northeast region.
While the Government of India’s several initiatives to hold talks with different groups in the region is welcomed, it is time to put a close to the long drawn Indo-Naga issue. The good news is that the political establishment in Delhi appears to be sincere and willing. It is important for the political leadership to take control of the peace process rather than leaving everything to whims and fancies of the security and military establishment. For too long, the Naga talks have been viewed from the narrow prism of security although the assurance of solving the problem through political means has been there. It has been the strength of the political system in India to have civilian control over the security and military systems unlike in Pakistan. Using this time tested democratic tradition; it is time for the political leadership in the country to take hold of the process which has been endlessly going on for over ten years. At the same time, the Naga political groups will also have to take a decision on whether it wants an early settlement or the uncertainty to and flux to continue.
