Talks on line, NSCN(K) drops threat to MLAs

In a boost to Nagaland’s peace hopes, the Khaplang faction of the NSCN has withdrawn its threat against newly-elected legislators belonging to the BJP and Nagaland People’s Front (NPF), both partners of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) that climbed to power last month defeating the Congress. The NSCN(K) is not part of the peace talks that the Centre has been holding with the Issak-Muivah faction of the Naga outfit.

The NSCN(K) believes DAN had won the elections with the help of the Issak-Muivah faction, and not only imposed a ban on the movement of its MLAs but also threatened them with ‘‘dire consequences’’. The NSCN(K) has withdrawn the threat now and instead appealed, in its press release, to members of the ruling alliance to display sincerity to the Naga cause by advocating some demands of the people. The group has also urged the NPF to act as a mediator in the ongoing peace initiative.

The NSCN(K) move follows on the heels of reports that the outfit has started moving closer towards opening a formal political dialogue with the Government of India — like the NSCN(I-M) — by the later part of this year. Modalities for opening the process have started, reports from Nagaland indicate. There is already a ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN(K), signed after Issak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah opened negotiations with New Delhi.

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Reports from Nagaland also say that the NSCN(K) is pressing for a political mediator instead of a retired bureaucrat or a former intelligence officer, reportedly suggested by New Delhi.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has welcomed the NSCN(K)’s decision to withdraw threats to the 17 DAN MLAs. Terming it a ‘‘positive’’ attitude, Rio said the people of Nagaland were relieved as the move was a step towards strengthening the ongoing peace process.