Nagas Must Come to a Meeting Point
The numerous Naga national groups have been observing Naga Independence Day on August 14 for the last so many decades. During such times all the groups expound on the inalienable rights of the Naga people. However the tragedy is that there is no unity in purpose when it comes to fighting for the historical and political rights of the Nagas. Mere speeches on such occasion will not bring about any thing unless the groups realize the pre-requisite necessity of presenting a common political voice to the Government of India. Some may also argue that Nagas are not demanding anything from Delhi but only asking that their rights and sovereignty be respected. While this may be true historically, yet it has to be clearly understood that one cannot pretend as though the Government of India is non-existent or it has no role to play. During the ceasefire in 1964 and the subsequent political talks under the undivided NNC/FGN, Nagas presented their case to the Indian leadership. Since then the churning of events and political change has taken place both within India and the Naga homeland. The 1990s saw the signing of ceasefire agreements with the NSCNs. Delhi has also been having peace talks for the last more than one decade with the Isak-Muivah led NSCN. Just as the NNC/FGN in the 1960s, the NSCN/GPRN is negotiating with the Government of India. Tomorrow who knows that more parleys may continue under different Naga and Indian leadership if the present trend continues?
Nagas, especially the national political groups must realize that talking endlessly for another ten-twenty-thirty year is something that Delhi will not complain about. After all it suits them strategically to keep the Nagas engaged in ceasefires and peace talks without any time frame. Delhi will always argue that it remains sincere to finding an honorable solution with the Nagas. However if Nagas do not wake up and come together, the Government of India will find another excuse to drag the peace process. After all that has happened—the missed opportunities of the past, the failures and achievements, a new awakening for unity—this is a golden opportunity for the Naga political groups to seize the moment of history and to create a new chapter for the Naga nation so that Nagas can find their rightful place and to shape their own political destiny. The three political groups NSCN/GPRN, GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN who are signatories to the Covenant of Reconciliation must now find the political will to take forward the positives and engage in talks among its top leaders so that the agreed upon journey of common hope reaches it conclusion. As stated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in its latest statement: as per the covenant “Nagas are reconciled in principle” yet the consummation has not occurred. This is indeed a paradox. The sooner our political groups come together, the better it is for the Naga people. And this is without any doubt what every Naga wants. At the same time the Naga reconciliation process must become truly broad-based and inclusive. Other/s willing to become part of this historic Covenant and the vision for a common shared future should not be denied their rightful place. The time is here. Let us not miss this opportunity. Let us not wait another 50 years. It is now or may be never!
