Key to success

While the Centre and the Naga underground organization NSCN (IM) has decided to meet more frequently to find an amicable solution of the vexed Naga problem through negotiations, ceasefire with Bodo separatist group NDFB has been increased by one more year. For a trouble-torn region like the North-East, these are really encouraging news. Though peace may take some more time to prevail in the region, the happenings give the impression that the process is heading towards the right direction. Like everything, peace also comes with a price. The price is patience, show of maturity, good knowledge of situation at the ground and last but not the least a realistic approach. But it is painful to note that even from some influential quarters comments are being made overlooking these pre-requisites. For example, often questions are being raised why after so many years of ceasefire with the NSCN (IM)  the Centre could not reach to a solution? People, who are raising such questions, are either ignorant of the Naga problem or they are doing so to serve their vested interests. Naga problem is very complex in nature. It cannot be solved overnight. A false step may spoil the peace initiative for ever. The problem cannot be solved by giving few villages or some kind of autonomy to the Nagas. While looking for a permanent solution of the Naga problem, the primary concern is to reach to a settlement which will satisfy the Naga cross section. The task is not easy. It is not a question of reaching to an agreement as fast as possible. The agreement will be of no use if it fails to redress the genuine grievances of the Naga people. The settlement should not give birth to another fresh round of unrest in Nagaland. Judging by all parameters, the peace process is moving to the right direction. So it is not wise to raise silly questions such us when will we reach to a settlement with NSCN (IM)? Similarly, even after the formation of Bodo Territorial Council (BTC), a section of Bodo people are still not satisfied. It is not difficult to ignore them judging the support the Bodo Accord received. But the very purpose of the said accord will be defeated if the grievances of the disgruntled Bodo section are not addressed as in such a scenario, peace will continue to elude the area. After years of unrest, North-Eastern region is slowly limping back to normalcy through various peace initiatives. But permanent peace   will come only when all the genuine grievances are redressed. Clearly, it is a time taking process. The task has become more difficult as foreign agencies like Pakistani intelligence agency ISI along with couple of other fundamentalist forces is constantly trying to create disturbances in the region by misleading the youths. The youths are giving money, arms training and shelter. These forces are living no stone unturned to make the North-East a permanent trouble spot. In such a scenario, patience is the key to success. Like all good things, peace also takes it time to make an appearance. Thus we should be perturbed over such criticisms.  

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