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North East : Naga peace process : Ban on NSCN(IM) to be lifted |
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Clearing the decks for talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) in India, the Union Government has decided to lift the ban on the outfit by not reimposing it after November 26, the day when it expires. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting convened by Prime Minister Vajpayee in New Delhi on November 15.
The meeting was attended among others by Prime Minister’s deputy, L.K. Advani, National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, Centre’s emissary for Naga peace talks Padmanabhiah, Cabinet Secretary Kamal Pande and Home Secretary Gopalaswamy.
NSCN(IM) leaders T. Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu had long been demanding the lifting of the ban. The NSCN strongly believes that the present gesture of the Union Government inviting the collective leadership to come to India as state guests to expedite peace talks is a sign of sincere efforts and the result of confidence building measures in the past few years.
Lifting of the ban means that all members of the NSCN(IM) will be free to move about in the country, a move that is causing some disquiet in the North East. In addition, elections to the state legislature are to be held early next year, probably in February, which could spring surprise in the existing political set up where Congress Chief Minister S.C. Jamir has been ruling virtually unchallenged for over a decade.
Commenting on the development, North East expert Sanjoy Hazarika says step by step, New Delhi has cleared the way for the return of the Naga leaders to India to negotiate a final settlement of the problem which predates India’s independence. A quick settlement is unlikely and there are likely to be several rounds of tough bargaining.
The most frequently discussed points are the shape of the agreement, how transparent will the interaction of the leaders and the public be before an agreement (many feel that no negotiated settlement will last if the public is not taken into confidence or consulted); how will the divisions and sharp animosities between different Naga groups be resolved. There is a ceasefire between New Delhi and NSCN(IM), but not between NSCN(IM) and its rival factions.
Meanwhile, Padmanabhiah left for Bangkok on November 16 for the last round of talks “outside India” with the militant leaders. The meetings, expected to be held in the coming two days, will finalsie the date of the NSCN(IM) leaders’ return to India and work out the modalities of a safe passage for them. It is understood that Muivah and Swu may stay in India for nearly six months. During this period, they may also visit their state which is going to the polls in February 2003.
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