Q/Why do you think the NSCN(IM) is raising the issue of breach of trust after five years of negotiations with interlocutor R.N. Ravi?
A/You have to ask the NSCN(IM) and the interlocutor why after such a warm handshake on TV five years ago, there are accusations flying thick and fast. Issues that were supposed to have been resolved in the first few rounds of negotiations are being touched upon in the 23rd year of talks! Nagas have been taken for a ride! What were the grounds and conditions that (led to) mistrust between the NSCN(IM) and Ravi are known to them. Both are accusing each other. Let it not spill into Naga society as a debate.
Q/The NNPG signed the ‘agreed position’ in 2017, two years after a ‘framework agreement’ between the Centre and NSCN(IM). What is the difference?
A/The framework agreement is known (only to) NSCN(IM) and the government of India. Except for a single page and media exercise, they have not disclosed anything to the Naga people and so I cannot comment on it. With the working committee of NNPGs and the government of India, the ‘agreed position’ signed on November 17, 2017, clearly gave a fresh impetus to the stagnant talks. Naga people got new hope, and after three years of negotiations we have resolved all issues in principle—without compromising Naga history, identity and political right. As things stand now, Naga tribes are happy with the practical approach. They have confidence in the process adopted by the working committee.
Q/Are you satisfied with the negotiations with the interlocutor?
A/The working committee of the NNPG believes the Indian prime minister has a degree of confidence in the vast knowledge and understanding of the Naga political issue at the disposal of Ravi. As such the interlocutor cannot go beyond the parameter set by the government.
The NNPG, too, had tough times during negotiations with the interlocutor. But we have experienced that Ravi as interlocutor talks straight, and in any matter put across logically, whether it is a political matter or concerning inter-governmental policy, he has agreed on both sides and made amendments in the considerations. It will be unfortunate if anyone blatantly rebukes him.
Q/The stand-off with the NSCN(IM) can affect the peace process.
A/The stand-off is on positions that the NSCN(IM) might have entered into with the government of India. That has no bearing on the agreed position between the NNPG and the government of India. Both are along two different political considerations.
I feel there should not be any stand-off because on October 31, 2019, all entities had agreed, in principle, that all matters had been resolved. Naga history, distinct identity and political right have been entrenched and so we are looking forward to peaceful coexistence through honourable and acceptable political settlement. Working committee of the NNPG and Nagas in general believe that the present central leadership has courage and commitment to resolve the protracted Indo-Naga political conflict.
Q/What are the positive developments in the negotiations so far?
A/All core Naga political and historical matters were resolved in principle. The working committee has made it clear that Naga people and their lands are in different administrative areas in Indian states but our principle is that we will not give up common Naga interest irrespective of the state boundaries.
Naga identity, heritage, culture must be allowed to flourish in all the ancestral domains be it in Manipur, Assam or Arunachal Pradesh through concrete political process. Towards this, the working committee has reached out to Naga neighbours such as Ahoms, Meiteis and Kukis. How can Nagas or any community live in constant fear of a neighbour?
The NSCN(IM) destroyed centuries-old brotherhood in the neighbourhood. We are rebuilding the bridge with our neighbours. This is a fact and a positive development.