New Delhi: There is considerable progress in the Naga peace talks, and a breakthrough for the inkinga final Solution pact is close.
Amid hectic consultations between peace emissary A K Mishra, a former Intelligence Bureau official, and delegations of NSCN-IM and umbrella organisation NNPG separately, the Naga peace talks have made a forward movement with decks being cleared at various ends to take it to the next level. Sources said here.
While more interaction is on the cards, sources say from the Government of India’s point of view, there is a hurry as the “entire region, and the Naga people are looking for a solution”.
The “Election for Solution” was BJP’s slogan and pledge in the 2018 assembly elections in Nagaland. The sixteenth state of the Indian union is again set for the next round of assembly polls in February 2023, along with Meghalaya and Tripura. Thus, the saffron party’s leadership is keen to deliver on the election promise.
Sources also say some issues and points in the discussions at the negotiations table are being repeated. The Government has made it clear to NSCN-IM that a separate Naga Flag and Constitution are unacceptable.
“But what is essential is that there is forward movement as both sides, including the Government of India, are making sure things are clear. It will therefore be erroneous to say that only the NNPG or a few NGOs want Solution. The fact of the matter is the entire Naga people and the society wants a solution,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra visited Myanmar last week and met senior leadership in the Southeast Asian country.
Importantly from a long-term perspective, during his meetings, the Foreign Secretary “expressed India’s continued support to people-centric socio-economic developmental projects”.
Sources said some of these projects could be taken up along the India-Myanmar border.
Ethnic Naga and Mizo people reside in Myanmar along the international border. Thus, even the ‘no man’s land’ in the thick bushes matters greatly from national security and strategic points of view.
India has also reiterated its commitment towards the expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway.
The Foreign Secretary also discussed the maintenance of security and stability in the border areas and raised the issue of human trafficking by international crime syndicates in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar.
The winter session of parliament is beginning on Dec 7, and hence the centre is preparing the ground well for handling Nagaland matters effectively in both the Houses of Parliament.
“Let us keep hoping for a purposeful and peaceful Christmas season,” the informed source said.
To a question, those in the know of things say – “it will be erroneous to suggest or spread rumours that unless X Y Z comes on board, there will be bloodshed. The state authorities are capable of handling the law and order issues”.
