K Therie
Former Minister
Perhaps I am not the only one but the Nation has welcomed the restoration of J&K’s Statehood except for some friends in the BJP. However, the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court endorsing the removal of Art 370 for the reason that it is provided under Part XXI, Temporary, Transitional, And Special Provisions – Articles 369 to 392, is a threat to Art 371 (A) too. The action of GOI is part implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.
I have seen some light in the agreement between NNPGs and GOI regarding Oil and Natural resources and was hoping if implemented; the State would have full autonomy over oil and mineral resources. In today’s situation, BJP Government in the center is not under pressure to implement the political solutions. RN Ravi who was Interlocutor and the Governor of Nagaland, was removed by the State and NSCN (IM) for speeding up the implementation of the agreed political solutions. Thereafter, GOI did not even appoint an interlocutor because there was no more work. In the 2023 election, the people of Nagaland gave a mandate that endorsed Ravi’s removal. GoI is no longer under any threat or pressure from either Naga National Workers or from the NDPP and BJP Alliance Government. As such, hope of implementation of the agreed solutions is like chasing the wind.
Nagaland State Government has been struggling with GOI in respect of oil and mineral resources since 1992. Our claim is based on Art 371(A) while GOI claims oil and mineral resources fall under the Union List. The dispute continues for over 20 years while the people of Nagaland are deprived of revenue from oil and natural gas exploration.
AICC President, Mallikarjun Kharge on 22nd February 2023 assured that Congress will uphold Art 371(A) and given opportunity, will implement the agreed political solutions. Congress demanded that BJP issue an open statement to uphold Art 371(A) but in vain.
In the given situation, the way forward is for the Government of Nagaland and Naga National Workers to collectively work together to achieve the goal. In my view, the shortest route to achieve this may be implementation of the agreed political solutions.
