Different language, culture, religion, and race have always been the strength of Bharat. We always believe in the idea of unity in diversity. But from time to time, many groups have challenged this idea of Bharat and in this effort some of the groups have launched violent secessionist movements to create a separate state based on a distinct identity. Although the recent effort of the Modi government has almost ended this movement and by solving their concern, they have been brought back to the mainstream by leaving the violent secessionist movement. But the government needs to be very careful in its persuasive effort to not let any demand of these groups be fulfilled which can create situations like Jammu & Kashmir.
Peace Talk in Doldrums
The ongoing peace talks between the Centre and two Naga extremist groups, one involving the National Socialist Council of Nagalim of Isak-Muivah faction of NSCN (I-M) and the other Naga National Political Group has been in the doldrums due to the unreasonable demand of these groups.
According to the latest report published by The Hindu, the NSCN (I-M) accused BJP Ministers of using unparliamentarily and intemperate language over the Framework Agreement, Naga national flag, constitution, and integration. Further, the outfit also slammed Naga People’s Front MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu for saying that “the NSCN (I-M) should either take Delhi’s settlement offer or leave it”.
Earlier this month, the deputy CM of Nagaland questioning the unreasonable demand of NSCN (I-M) had said that “the stalemate over the NSCN (I-M)’s controversial demand for a separate flag and constitution as part of the Naga peace process must end and there must be a breakthrough before the March 2023 assembly polls”. It is alleged that NSCN (I-M) leaders are deliberately delaying the peace process and for their own benefit they are trying to leverage the situation.
Read More: Major Victory in Naga Peace Talks: Naga groups snub militant group NSCN-IM, stand with RN Ravi
An effort to create J&K 2.0
It is pertinent to note that the central government is using every persuasive method to conclude the peace talk and establish eternal peace in the beautiful north-eastern Indian states. But the unreasonable demands of these groups have become a rock in the way of a peace agreement.
The unacceptable demand of these groups includes:-
- They want to create a greater Nagaland (Nagalim) which includes the Naga inhabited areas in neighbouring Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, northern Myanmar, and the current state of Nagaland.
- Separate naga national flag
- A separate naga constitution
In the framework agreement 2015, a consensus was developed between the centre and NSCN (I-M) groups on the issue that “the settlement will be within the Indian federation with a special status”.
Read More: Modi govt achieves another diplomatic victory as Myanmar Army takes over NSCN (K) headquarters
It is pertinent to note that special status has already been provided to the State of Nagaland for the protection and preservation of Naga culture under Article 371A of the Constitution. The provision of Article 371A states that no Act of Parliament in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law & procedure, administration of civil & criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, ownership & transfer of land and its resources shall apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides. Further in the 2015 framework agreement, it has also been agreed by the central government that the provisions of Article 371A will apply to all the Naga people in the neighbouring states also.
The acceptance of demand may be accepted till the time it promotes national unity and integrity. In the process of short-term peace, the government should be wary of making the mistake of J&K and should never allow any such provisions which in the future create any separatist feelings. The central government should be consistent with its stick and carrot policy to pluck out the last thorn of the northeast violence.
