The tardy peace process with the NSCN (IM) may soon have to overcome another hurdle if the plan to replace Lt Gen R V Kulkarni (Retd) as the chairman of the crucial ceasefire monitoring cell in Nagaland becomes a reality. The NSCN (IM) has said it would not accept a new incumbent as it would further complicate the ongoing negotiations. Sources explained that the home ministry is in touch with some officials, the most prominent being a police chief from the South, who could be considered for the post. The chairman’s task in Nagaland is to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire ground rules with both the factions of NSCN — IM and K — and submit regular reports to the Centre. Kulkarni took charge in 2001 after his predecessor P P Srivastava was removed following objections raised by the NSCN (IM). The outfit is of the view that the post should be given to a person who is able to maintain “objectivity” in monitoring the ceasefire ground rules and conversant with the ongoing conflict in the state. Top NSCN (IM) functionaries were of the view that replacing the current incumbent would result in more friction between the government. “We have also been hearing that some efforts are on to replace Kulkarni on health grounds. But it should not be done without our consent,” said Punthing Shimrang over the phone from Nagaland, a senior official of NSCN (IM), and added that the replacement would not be accepted. The chairman’s post, which is renewed every year in August, assumes importance in view of the increasing clashes between the two factions. Last year, even mortars were used against each other at Zunehboto in the state that resulted in an agitation among the local population. The NSCN (K) incidentally has begun lobbying hard for Kulkarni’s removal and senior cadres have reportedly contacted some retired army officials to gauge if they would be interested for the post. Sources pointed out that the next round of talks with the NSCN (IM) was likely only after the assembly polls in Manipur that concludes on February 23. The two leaders— chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah — who are currently in Nagaland, wished to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon after their arrival in the capital but could not owing the PM’s busy schedule.
