It is good to know that the new BJP government is concerned about militancy in the Northeastern states and has started informal talks with the insurgent groups in the region to solve the long standing problem. The government is also considering relaxation of the restricted area permit required for domestic and foreign tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh. This is part of a larger plan to open up the area and integrate it with mainland India in order to strengthen ties between the Indian economy and the economies of Southeast Asia. Minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju has said that he has conveyed to the rebel outfits the message that it is the best time for them to give up violence. He hopes that these groups are serious about bringing peace to the region and will work together for the development of their states.
The junior Home Minister has said that he enjoys the confidence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Formal talks with the rebels are on the way. The Centre has some differences with the ULFA and the NSCN (IM) but Rijiju is optimistic that these differences will soon be sorted out. The government will ensure that interlocutors who hold talks with militant groups have a greater mandate than just one-to-one discussions. The interlocutors will be authorized to have talks simultaneously with all parties involved to reach an accord. If negotiations fail, the government will clamp down on the front organizations so that their finances dry up. For 10 years, the UPA government had been taking more or less the same line but talks had foundered over irreconcilable differences. The situation has not changed. It is hoped that Rijiju will have a better understanding of the ground reality. It is encouraging that the new government believes in coercive action if talks fail.