IT’S heartening to note that the Centre and the NSCN (IM) have agreed to extend the ongoing ceasefire agreement for another year. It proves that both the sides are sincere in finding an amicable solution through negotiations of the vexed Naga problem.

As Issac Chisi Swu had pointed it out rightly: “A ceasefire is only important if it facilitates the peace process. If it is necessary for the progress of the peace process, we will extend it. But if that is not the prospect we are looking at, then we will not extend it. It will depend on our assessment of the attitude of the new dispensation in Delhi.’’ Much before the expiry of the present ceasefire agreement, apprehensions were raised from various quarters that the Naga underground outfit might take a tough stand over the issue of ‘Greater Nagaland’ as the new UPA Government at the Centre had virtually ruled out the possibility of integration of Naga inhabited areas. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) adopted by the UPA Government had vowed to safeguard the existing territorial boundaries of the North-Eastern states.

The Naga Hoho, apex body of the various Naga tribes, and various civil society groups including Nagaland People’s Movement for Human Rights had urged the Centre to drop the clause from the CMP. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had also appealed to the Centre review the clause of the CMP. But thanks to the NSCN (IM) leadership that they did not make it a big issue as anticipated by many. Rather, they simply termed it as an internal policy of the Central Government. ‘’If the new Congress-led government’s policy is to discourage alteration of existing boundaries, it is an internal matter, while the ongoing talks are beyond the ambit of such policies,’’ the rebel group had said in a statement prior to talks in Thailand. The statement of NSCN (IM) is quite significant and may help in finding an amicable solution to the long-standing problem. The statement signifies that NSCN (IM) is of the view that Naga political issue and the issue of ‘Greater Nagaland’, are two different matters. The statement proves that addressing the political issue first is the priority of NSCN (IM) to find an amicable solution to the Naga problem.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed the extension of cease-fire between the Central Government and NSCN (IM). Mr. Rio congratulated both sides on behalf of the people of Nagaland for showing maturity and pragmatism. He also said that the move indicated their commitment to continue the dialogue to its logical end. He said “Nagas want permanent peace and have been keenly awaiting satisfactory conclusion of the ongoing peace process’’.

Mr Rio hoped that the UPA government at the Centre would pursue the political dialogue with   all seriousness to find out an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga issue. Reiterating        the commitment of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) to the peace process, the Chief Minister said his government would continue to play the role of facilitator. Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee has also welcomed the extension of ceasefire.

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