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Naga problem : Another hiccup in talks |
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The peace process in Nagaland is at breaking point again with the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN threatening a walkout at the mere suggestion of a negotiated settlement within the constitutional framework.
“We will not agree to the proposal of the Government of India. We will just walk away from the talks,” said Alezo Chakhesang, an NSCN (IM) spokesperson.
Reacting to a statement by the Union Home Ministry that the two sides need to aim for a settlement within the ambit of the Constitution, Chakhesang said the statement indicated Delhi’s deviation from commitments made during earlier rounds of talks.
The NSCN (I-M) leadership has been insisting on a separate constitution for Nagalim, the name for the integrated Naga homeland the outfit wants. But Delhi has ruled out any such settlement. The farthest that the Government is willing to go is grant more autonomy to Nagaland, albeit without overshooting constitutional benchmarks.
Delhi had handed over copies of the Constitution to NSCN (I-M) leaders three months ago, asking them to read the provisos and get back with suggestions on how to align these with the outfit’s demands.
The Government intends to fix a date for the next round of talks before the truce lapses on July 31. Home Minister Shivraj Patil convened a meeting on July 2 to review recent developments in Nagaland, especially the clashes between the NSCN (I-M) and the Khaplang faction in Tizit town of Mon district. National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan, Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta, Intelligence Bureau chief P.C. Haldar and New Delhi’s interlocutor for the Naga talks, K. Padmanabhaiah, were present.
The ceasefire monitoring teams of the Government and the NSCN (I-M) met in Dimapur on the same day to discuss ways to add teeth to the ground rules of the ceasefire. Lt Gen. (retd) R.V. Kulkarni, the chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, said the onus was on New Delhi to implement the ground rules of the truce in toto.
New Delhi’s deadline for members of both the Isak-Muivah and Khaplang factions to go back to their designated camps ended on June 30. Militants of both groups are still seen in public places with weapons.
NSCN(IM) for talks before oil tapping
In a related development, the NSCN(IM) has reiterated its stand not to allow oil exploration in “Nagalim” till the longstanding Naga political issue is solved. A Press release issued by the outfit said: “The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim will invite Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) or other oil companies in the interest of people of Nagalim only after a correct political situation.”
“Till such time comes, ONGC and Canoro should keep their hands off Nagalim. One nation’s economic interest should not be the basis to ride roughshod over the Nagas’ demands,” the release said.
Canada-based Canoro Resources Ltd has received permission from Delhi to explore oil and ONGC to resume work in the six blocks held by the company in Nagaland.
NSCN war in Tizit again
Barely a week after security forces interrupted the NSCN factions’ war for control over Tizit, rebels of the Isak-Muivah group again attacked their rival’s designated camp on July 4, killing one.
Sources in the Tizit town administration said both factions are now positioned in the area for another clash. The attack comes barely 10 days after the factions were driven out of Tizit following clashes.
Tizit has been a stronghold of the NSCN (I-M) for a number of years, which made movement of Khaplang rebels in the area difficult. But with the fresh directive from the Centre to the NSCN rebels to go back to their designated camps or face an arrest, a new camp was recently opened near Tizit town by the NSCN (K) - a move that the rival faction had strongly opposed. Because of frequent attacks by the rival group, NSCN (K) did not have a single camp at Tizit until recently.
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