DK Zeliang
1. Why the peace process can and should succeed?
The current Indo-Naga peace process can and must succeed with the Naga peoples support because it is based on definite distinctive features. The basis on which Indo-Naga peace process has embarked upon cannot pull back our historical right and it has not foreclosed the way forward for achieving our aspirations. This has been deduced from the following facts:
a) The terms of agreement for the Indo-Naga political dialogue were:
1. The talks shall be without conditions from both sides.
2. The talks shall be at the highest level; that is, at the Prime Minister level.
3. The venue of the talks shall be anywhere outside India.
b) In the talks at Amsterdam between the GOI and the NSCN, a Joint Communiqué was issued on 11 July, 2002 which recognized “the unique history and situation of Nagas.” A portion of the Joint Communiqué read: “The Government of India recognizes the unique history and situation of Nagas. It is agreed that talks should proceed in an accommodative and forward looking manner so that a lasting and honorable solution can be arrived at.”
The unique implications are
Firstly, the way forward for negotiation on the Indo-Naga conflict is not foreclosed anymore. Any past agreements that has foreclosed the Naga issue is now without foundation. Secondly, The Naga issue is not an “internal law and order.” States policy of military solution and repressive measures are ruled out now. Thirdly, Settlement will be only through “political negotiation and through peaceful means.” Fourthly, Solution will be based on the “Unique history and situation” of the Nagas which means, respect and recognition of the Naga right to self-determination as peoples. Lastly, Therefore any group who assert that they represent the Nagas cannot go below the parameters that have already been achieved in the Indo-Naga peace process.
2 Forgiveness is the heart and the beginning of Reconciliation
3 What is Forgiveness?
In the Biblical perspective.
a) Forgiveness is not forgetting.
b) Forgiveness does not mean overlooking sin or tolerating it. Christ forgives but does not tolerate sin.
In the Naga context.
c) Forgiveness in the Naga context does not mean tolerating activities or behavior that undermines and contradicts our God given historical rights to exist as peoples.
4 The PRINCIPLE of RECONCILIATION entails RESPONSIBILITY
a) In the biblical context reconciliation may follow after forgiveness but – if only the offender assumes their responsibility to be reconciled with God.
b) In the Naga case the parties concerned must – assume responsibility to uphold the national issue and principle.
5 Why is there a conflict?
In the Biblical perspective normally conflict arises because of,
a) Value difference
b) Perception difference
In the Naga context
a) There are two sets of Nagas.
i. Those who value their historical rights and those who do not
ii. Those who believe in the Nagas and those who do not.
In conclusion, the Nagas themselves must decide on the values and perception they have about their own peoples. They themselves must exercise their God given inherent rights to exist as a nation. The position of the CNSC is that, Nagas have done well to uphold and protect their historical rights and in the fullness of time we have been blessed enough that India has admitted the mistakes of their approach to the Indo-Naga issue and “recognized the unique history and situation of the Nagas.” That has to a large extend healed the wounds of the Naga peoples and it is on this foundation the Nagas and India are seeking “peaceful political solution through political negotiations.”
India must seek peaceful solution with the Nagas amongst the living and not amongst the death politics of the past. India must know that the foundation of relationship both for India and the Nagas must be sought not through appeasement and sidetracking the real issue which ahs already been achieved in the current Indo-Naga peace process. If India fails to clinch a peaceful negotiated political settlement with the Nagas she will miss the golden opportunity and it will be a repetition of another historical blunder because today when the Nagas are ready for a peaceful negotiated political settlement, India failed to grasp the chance.
At this juncture of history a peaceful negotiated political solution between India and the Nagas is the only way that can bring lasting peace in the region.
(Paper presented at the informal exchange of views on the Naga political issue on the invitation by Ministers in the Government of Nagaland and members in the Consultative Committee for Peace on 26th July, 2006 through No. CMN/81/ccp/2006 17th July, 2006 CM’s secretariat, Nagaland)
