The Naga imbroglio has remained unresolved in spite of over sixty rounds of talks between the Centre and the NSCN (IM). The state has remained disturbed despite cease fires all round. It is not at all surprising that Naga legislators have got fed up with the stalemate. Sixty MLAs of different parties from Nagaland have appealed to the Prime Minister for a speedy resolution of the crisis. They were led by the Chief Minister, Neuphiu Rio, who belongs to the NDA. These legislators have offered to resign to enable an interim government to be formed which can restore peace. In six decades, Naga rebels have killed more than 20,000 people. The have scuttled the pacification move mainly because of two demands- sovereignty and greater Nagalim encroaching on Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Nagas were responsible for a four month economic blockade in Manipur last year. A solution of the Naga problem will have welcome repercussions in the whole of the North East.
The talks with the Centre with the NSCN (IM) have been limping along. But the indications are that a consensus is emerging on shared sovereignty and creation of autonomous councils in Naga dominated areas outside Nagaland. However, getting all factions under one flag is difficult. The recent move of the MLAs can lead to some kind of understanding among them. But that is better said than done. Nagas seem more interested in narrow ethnic interests than in the development of the region.
