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Guwahati, Feb. 15: The process of democratisation kicked in by Myanmar could see at least one militant outfit of the Northeast taken off Delhi’s crowded platter.
Myanmar is said to have one-third of the total Naga populace. They not only participated in the 2010 elections in that country but were also able to send six representatives to the country’s Parliament. One of them was even a minister.
Former Union home secretary G.K. Pillai told The Telegraph here that the NSCN (K), led by the Myanmar-based S.S. Khaplang, was likely to look “eastward” (to Naypyidaw, the Myanmarese capital) rather than to west (Delhi) given the changing socio-political scenario in the neighbouring country.
“After all, they belong there although they have a lot in common with the Nagas of Nagaland or elsewhere,” he said.
“Once they get to have a greater say in their own affairs, there is no reason why they should not feel comfortable there. Besides, redrawing international boundaries is next to impossible,” Pillai, who had been in charge of the Northeast during one of his earlier stints in the home ministry, pointed out.
The NSCN (K) has been asking for a sovereign Nagaland encompassing the present state of Nagaland and “eastern Nagaland”, which refers to western Myanmar inhabited by the Nagas. The area in Myanmar, however, has seen little governance and consequently languished in the morass of underdevelopment.
Pillai feels that eventually the NSCN (K) rank and file in Nagaland would have to appreciate reality and accept any solution thrown up in the ongoing talks between the NSCN (I-M) and the Centre.
There has already been a split within the NSCN (K) with two of its senior leaders, Khole Konyak and Kitovi Zhimomi, from Nagaland deserting the outfit with their followers. “Contacts between Nagas on either side of the border could continue through trade and commerce,” Pillai said, referring to border haats that have already been set up or the ones that may be set up in the future.
On the talks with the NSCN (I-M) that have dragged on for nearly 15 years, the former bureaucrat said a settlement could be expected later this year.
The NSCN (I-M) will hold consultations with other factions and civil society groups from February 22 before sitting for the next round of talks with the Centre.
“Things should start moving quicker once these consultations are held and the NSCN (I-M) leadership gets the people’s views,” Pillai said.
The NSCN (I-M), which had started the negotiations with its demand for sovereignty, has since reportedly climbed down and, according to indications, would be happy to settle for any model that would give the Nagas greater autonomy.
However, the outfit’s demand of marrying the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam with Nagaland under a single administrative unit remains a sore point. The other three states have made it clear that come what may, they will not give their land for Nagalim or Greater Nagaland as demanded by the NSCN (I-M). According to reports, an alternative arrangement for the Nagas living in Manipur, who form the largest block outside Nagaland, could be put in place.
Given the history of failed agreements that had kept the “Indo-Naga” conflict going for several decades, Pillai said this time round it would be ensured that the entire Naga society was made party to whatever deal was struck.
“All have to endorse the agreement, from the gaon burhas (village headmen) to civil society groups... none should be able to turn around and say after some years that they were kept in the dark and hence would not accept the agreement,” Pillai said.
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