The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Saturday made a strong pitch for an early, inclusive and honourable solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.
NSF president K. Tep made the appeal at the “People’s Rally – Call for peace” staged at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, asserting they were a “voice of a generation” that has witnessed many years of conflict and that it was “paramount that all stakeholders” in the ongoing peace process, despite their differences, “continue” to actively engage in “meaningful” talks.
“There should be open and honest dialogue and a high degree of sincerity and commitment towards resolving the matter to ensure lasting peace and stability…. We call upon the Government of India to honour its political commitment- that since there is only one Indo-Naga political issue, there shall be only one solution too. And that the proposed political settlement should be based on an inclusive and honourable solution that recognises Naga People's identity which should be brought to its logical conclusion at the earliest,” Tep said.
The NSF rally held in association with the Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) assumes significance because the peace process appears to be floundering despite having reached a decisive stage with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M), a key player in the talks, admitting there has been a deadlock in the peace process over the issue of separate Naga flag and Constitution.
The NSCN (I-M) has made it clear that it was unthinkable for the organisation to accept the Naga national flag as a cultural flag as hinted by the Centre because it symbolises Nagas’ political identity and was non-negotiable.
Then there was Nagaland deputy chief minister Y. Patton (of the BJP) accusing some senior insurgent leaders of not wanting a solution so that they could enjoy the life with money collected through extortion, creating a flutter.
The peace process to end one of Southeast Asia’s longest-running insurgency started with the ceasefire involving NSCN (I-M) in 1997 and the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015 paving the way for an early solution but all the efforts seemed to have hit a roadblock over the issue of separate Naga flag and constitution.
The Centre also held talks with the Naga National Political Groups, which represent seven insurgent groups, since 2016.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Tep said that dialogue should continue, reflecting the yearning for peace and solution among the Naga people.
“Solution should not be imposed. If it is an imposed solution it is no solution. A solution has to be agreed upon by both sides. No matter what peace should prevail to ensure history is not repeated, there should be no bloodshed. We the Naga youths call for peace- we long for a peaceful future. A future without war and conflict... where we all live together in peaceful coexistence amongst ourselves, with our neighbours and with all those living in close proximity with us.”
The two-hour rally saw the participation of representatives from leading organisations such as the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights and All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur .
The NSF president also broached the issue of the “colonial” Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.
“Let it be clear, Nagas are not a threat to peace but the AFSPA is. And for so long as such acts continue to exist, our lives, our land and our people will always be tormented by fear and uncertainty. Surely, our lives are worth more than bullets! The price for peace cannot be paid in bloodshed and violence,” Tep said.
