We must seize this golden opportunity!

ZK Pahrii Pou *

According to the context of changing scenario of the world, the Naga intellectuals, Naga political parties (NPGs) and civil organisations as well as public need to read the signs of the times and seriously examine the present Indo-Naga political talk. There was a time the Naga patriots were warmly welcomed by neighbouring countries.

The Naga freedom fighters were allowed to stay freely in their territory. The neighbouring countries even extended logistic and financial support towards the Naga cause. With India emerging fast as one of the powerful countries in Asia, the Naga people cannot expect much support from its neighbouring countries today.

The Chinese government that once served as the backbone of Naga nationalism, may not have the same interest as in the past except in trading their weapons. China may continue to disturb certain areas in India such as Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as bargaining games of India's accommodation to Tibetan government in exile.

Today Naga people cannot expect the same treatment given to Mr. Th. Muivah and his cadres by China as in the past because China wanted to widen its trade corridor in India. Pakistan is in a very delicate situation with many of its separatist movements adversely affecting its country's security. Bhutan is no more a safe haven for the Naga insurgents as it successfully expelled of 3,000 heavily armed cadres of Indian separatists (mostly Assamese insurgents) in 2003 with the active support from India.

Post-Bhutan military offensive led to the arrest of 34 ULFA cadres in Bangladesh. The recent incident in Chandel district, Manipur, where, as counter offensive against combined forces of NSCN-K and Meitei insurgents, the Indian armed forces have crossed the border area demonstrated that Indian insurgents cannot use Myanmar territory to their advantage anymore.

New Delhi has long been persuading Bangkok (Thailand) to disallow insurgents from North East India as a sanctuary for striking arms deals and holding strategic sessions. Of late, India has been consistently urging the South Asian countries to crack down on Indian militants and not to allow using their territories to wage war against India.

As India emerges to be one of the most powerful countries in the world and on its way to become a member of UNSC, our neighbouring countries may not like to protect the interest of Naga people at the expense of their cordial relationship with India. Therefore, it may be wise for the Nagas to resolve political problem with India at this opportune time.

Look at the present situation of our society. Gone were the days when many committed youth joined the Naga national movement sacrificing their family and individual life in defence of Naga nation. Today most of the educated Naga youth have lost the enthusiasm to sacrifice for Naga cause but wanted to serve in government job with handsome salary.

The Naga public seems to be fed up with paying tax and various deductions for freedom movement. Prolonging the movement would also result to more bloodshed and loss of precious life. For time being, the GOI may not even initiate new talk with other NPGs apart from NSCN-IM.

No one knows whether there will be a strong central government in New Delhi in the near future if we missed this time to resolve the issue under NDA government.

How good it would be if various NPGs willingly contribute their suggestions and ideas to the framework agreement signed between GOI and NSCN-IM instead of struggling for a fresh talk.

Sometime, it is difficult to digest when some NPG leaders loudly talk about prolonging of Naga freedom movement (for full sovereignty or full independence) without minutely studying the changing scenario of present Naga society, the Indian sub-continent and the world at large.

Those who oppose the present peace talk must give the answer for the question of, "If we do not settle now, then when and how?" because it will be too costly to leave behind the issue for the coming generation to settle.

It is time to build our nation. It is time to resolve. Now is not the right time to dig out all the past mistakes of our NPG leaders or groups. It is not the time to tear down. Leaders of NPGs must feel the pulse of Naga public and settle the matter to rest.

As far as NSCN-IM is concerned, now is the golden chance to show its maturity as a mandated organisation representing the whole Naga people to have talks with GOI. The NSCN-IM is expected to receive brothers and sisters from other NPGs with wide opened-arms.

There should not be any condition for cadre (s) from other NPGs coming to join NSCN-IM. Whoever joins the NSCN-IM from other factions should be treated at par the cadres of NSCN-IM in respect of ranks and files. This will pave way for all NPGs to come together.

It is undeniable fact that some tribes have contributed more in terms of cadres (human resources) but all the Naga tribes have supported the movement equally in terms of finance (finance resources) through paying tax. The Naga public must acknowledge those tribes who have contributed large number of cadres for Naga national movement.

Likewise those tribes who have large number of cadres in the movement should also thank the Naga masses for giving them employment and recognition through Naga freedom movement. Such reciprocal action will help arrest the problem of tribalism and superiority claim over others in the movement.

The wisdom of collective leaders of NSCN-IM will be judged not only according to how they strike deal with New Delhi but also how they amicably bring together all the NPGs into its fold and subsequently into negotiation table with GOI.

Settling the problem of disunity among the members of big and varied Naga families is as important as settling the issue with New Delhi. Neglecting to address one of these two aspects will prolong or even distort altogether the Naga freedom Movement.

Let's not miss the Bus of present peace accord. Let's seize this golden opportunity and settle the matter at the earliest and bring security, peace and development to our land.

The view expressed in this article is purely that of the author and did not represent the view or thoughts of any particular institution or organisation.