Naga Peace Accord: Sign of Amicable Solution

Rev Ephraim Shaiza *

Commemoration at TNL Ground, Ukhrul for Peace Accord signed between NSCN (IM) and GoI on August 10 2015 :: Pix - Sunzu Bachaspatimayum

The signing of Peace Accord of Naga (NSCN) with the Government of India on 3rd of August 2015 under the collective leadership of Isak Swu and Th Muivah and Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh and RN Ravi, is a good sign for attaining amicable solution to six decades old Indo-Naga political conflicts.

And no one should surprise to expect this outcome because it happened only after 18 years (more than 80 rounds) of peace talks. The matter is known to all the successive Prime Ministers from 1997 to present, all have handled the issue in their own capacities. And we highly appreciate their efforts and wisdom in dealing with this touchy issue.

This kind of Peace Accord should be appreciated and welcome by all peace loving people. This is but the end result of tireless efforts of both Naga leaders and Indian leaders. It is attained only after untold sufferings and uncountable lose of all kinds; be it human souls, resources, time, energy and what not.

But what we see is just a piecemeal solution in terms of Naga's wish and dreams. Nagas are occupying about 120,000 sq. km in area and about half of the area falls in Myanmar and half in India, having 66 major and minor tribes with the population of about 3.5 millions.

But to bring all these tribes and areas in one administrative unit is obviously not feasible as of now. Therefore the Naga leaders, reasons best known to them, have accepted what is attainable for time. And this can be considered as wise decision in terms of vulnerability of situation.

Including the Nagas there are more than 65 insurgent groups in North East India and about half of them are based in the tiny State of Manipur. There are some 34 communities and tribes living in the State. Manipur State is known for Bandh and Strikes and each and every bandh and strikes there is insurgent group behind the screen, the frontal organizations/civil societies become the mouthpiece of insurgents.

The insurgency influence is being felt by one and all in every day basis; even the State Government is not exempted. If anyone asked me about law and order situation of Manipur, I will immediately answer thus: "law is made by the State Government but Order is given by the insurgent." Once called "little paradise" became "little hell" on earth planet."

Who is responsible? Thinking all the influences and tragic activities being carried out day to day in the region- it become a time bomb. Thus unless and otherwise it is timely taken care of, the ruin is inevitable.

Therefore we call for the wisdom of India and all the leaders of insurgent groups, to look into the matter seriously and restore the broken relationship so that peaceful co-existence is achieved.

Thus far we have seen Mizoram accord and Naga accord (even though it is in the process) in the North Eastern region, and hopefully we will see the accords of other Communities and Tribes sooner or later.

When Mizoram accord was appended in June 30th 1986 between Mizo National Front and Government of India (signed by Laldenga-MNF leader, RD Pradhan-Home Secretary and Lalkhama-Chief Secretary), everyone rejoice, so when Naga accord is signed everyone should rejoice and support, hence when the accord of other groups come like; Meeteis, Kukis, Assamese, Boros etc. we all will rejoice and support. Because we all know that "like begets like" hatred begets hatred, love begets love, violence begets violence, peace begets peace so on and so forth.

In this enlightened age (Cyber world) , the world become so small with an introducing of Information Technology, so much so that, the whole world become one village, we called it Global Village (according to Arthur C. Clarke's history and survey of the Communication Revolution published in 1992).

Hence the question of absolute sovereignty or independent become outdated in a sense all are interdependent, no one is independent, an independent person is an isolated person and thus he/she will be the most miserable person on the earth planet. Thus the most important thing is proper relationship and peaceful co-existence.

Relation with God, with neighbours (including nature/creation) and with self is the core duty of all human beings; "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, spirit and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself"(Bible).

Regardless of one's adherent to different religions or denominations this greatest commandment (the law of Love) is equally applicable to all, because all are created in the image of God. Love your God, love your neighbour and love yourself and your will fulfil all the rest of commandments.