“We had very good but tough discussions. Both sides agreed to extend the ceasefire,” says K. Padmanabhiah, Centre’s emissary. North East News Agency

ENDING speculations of a possible showdown over ‘Nagalim’, the Centre and the NSCN (IM) have decided to extend the ongoing ceasefire for another year from July 31. The ceasefire first came into force in 1997. “We had very good but tough discussions. Both sides agreed to extend the ceasefire,” K. Padmanabhiah. Centre’s emissary, said after three days of talks with NSCN (IM) General Secretary T. Muivah and his eight senior colleagues at Bangkok in early July. Intelligence Bureau chief K P. Singh helped Padmanabhiah in these talks. NSCN (IM) Chairman Isak Chisi Swu was, however, not present at the talks. The government on its part did not involve Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the negotiations. In fact, Rio and his finance minister were denied permission to meet the IM leaders just before the crucial Centre-IM meet.

“It would have been premature for Rio to have met the Naga leaders at this stage as the Centre and the NSCN (IM) are still sorting out their differences on various issues,” officials explained later. They assert time for the State Government’s involvement in the peace process has not yet come. This doesn’t mean Nagaland Government’s views are not sought. Issues are still under discussion and at an appropriate time the State Government will be involved. Till then, they can play a helpful role by supporting and encouraging the peace process as also bringing about reconciliation among the Nagas. Some observers feel the Centre did not allow the Nagaland Chief Minister to the IM leaders only to avoid an unnecessary controversy.

Nagaland Chief Minister was scheduled to meet Adino, chief, Naga National Council (NNC) and daughter of A. Z. Phizo, after meeting the IM leaders. Had he been given the green signal for the meeting with IM, it could have lent credence to S. C. Jamir allegation that the Chief Minister’s visit to Bangkok was a thanksgiving mission.

General impression is the NSCN (IM) cadres had helped the NPF to capture power in the February elections. S C Jamir’s standing grouse against the Centre is that he was by-passed when he was the chief minister in the peace talks. Another decision that has a bearing on Naga scene is denial of special status to Naga Hoho, the apex tribal body of Nagas, as part of the on-going Naga peace process. Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has aid that no decision has yet been taken on the demand.

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