Working out equations

A process that began in 1997, with the Deve Gowda government; which gathered pace under the NDA government, and which now has the commitment...

A process that began in 1997, with the Deve Gowda government; which gathered pace under the NDA government, and which now has the commitment of the present government in New Delhi, should encourage expectation of a positive result. Arguably, the 8220;Naga problem8221; appears more amenable to a solution today than ever before.

There are several reasons why this such argument holds. Despite initial hiccups, Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, chairman and general secretary, respectively, of the the National Socialist Council of Nagaland I-M, not only visited New Delhi; not only did the PM state unequivocally that his government is committed to a 8220;mutually acceptable and honourable solution8221; in Nagaland; both sides made it clear that each would make every effort to understand the other. The language was conciliatory. While the NSCN I-M stated that the solution did not lie in 8220;violence and blood8221;, the UPA government, on its part, indicated that the problems of the Nagas will be considered with empathy.

At a time when India is grappling hard with the Kashmir issue, the spirit of rapprochement that has marked New Delhi8217;s exchanges with the Naga leadership is refreshing. The point is that the people in the region are tired of the decades of bloodshed. There is a palpable desire, especially among the young, especially among the articulate women of the state, to put the unending conflicts of the past behind them and seize the peace dividend. New Delhi, too, has also had to consciously change its stance and language as the recent primeministerial assurance that the draconian provisions of the Armed Forces Special Power Act would be reviewed indicates. These are early days yet. Substantive talks are yet to take place and there are some major roadblocks that require consideration, like the continuing tension between various militant organisations within Nagaland and the deep suspicion with which neighbouring states like Manipur view Naga consolidation. But they can be addressed with confidence if the equations between the Centre and the Naga leadership are based on cordiality and understanding.