Is India losing a golden opportunity to ink final deal with Nagas?

February 1, 2018 294 Views No Comment

By N. Rong

India’s future expansion and development of trade and commerce lies to a large extent in the South East Asia corridors, connecting the new global power China and European countries through surface, air and sea routes. China and India depend on each other heavily on trade and commerce. To bridge these two countries Myanmar is the connecting country, a shortest route perhaps.

From a geo-political angle therefore Nagas occupy huge chunks of territories between India and China. The Nagas are strategically placed occupying the long international borders with Myanmar. Therefore, Nagas are the formidable partners, if India is taking its Look East Policy with all seriousness and urgency.

Nagas can bridge the gaps among India and Myanmar linking with China for effective trade and commerce. For this to realize swiftly and profitably, inking a final deal with Nagas is inevitable for both India and Myanmar. India has huge command of power under the BJP regime with Narendra Modi, a strong and dynamic man as the Prime Minister of the country.

Failing to strike a final deal with Nagas at this moment will be lifetime regret for Narendra Modi as it will write a fresh history of hope in opening golden opportunity of seamless business options for India and its long term trade and commerce opportunities through South Asian Corridor where Nagas will act as close partners in enabling that.

Is the Government of India misreading the history of its commitment while embarking remarkable steps when it inked the Framework Agreement with NSCN (IM) on 3rd August 2015 or entering into dialogue with 6 NNPGs, with the solid backing of Nagaland legislators and all political parties fully supported by Civil Society Organisations? Will the GoI miss such climactic opportunity to strike final deal with the Nagas.

In all probability, perhaps, the golden time has arrived to usher in a golden era for both India and Nagas. India since its liberalisation of its economic policy- 1990s, it is marching to enormous progress in all fronts and now vying for the berth in many international bodies. And with resolving of the Nagas case, it will be a golden moment for India to further its economic expansion and international recognition.

Now, the question is why further delay when Prime Minister himself had proudly announced to the world about the peace making with Nagas after the Framework Agreement was signed to international gatherings?

The Government of India under the guise of constitutional demand announcing election in Nagaland when the whole stakeholders anxiously anticipate for solution can be a myopic miscalculation of short term electoral gain that will eclipse the larger and long term gain for both India and Nagas. Without missing this opportunity it will be prudent for all to ‘nail’ the deal while the time is good.

Every honest Indian will admit that solving Naga case is a long overdue matter and the time is now. Every good conscience Indian will admit that Nagas have their rights to determine themselves for self rule. Every thoughtful Indian will admit Nagas can help build India in different ways other than forceful occupation that is destroying the very fabric of Naga society. Every sincere and honest Indian will not like Nagas to be divided further due to electioneering processes. Every Indian who are true to themselves and truth will admit the deal must be closed without further delay.

Now, is the GoI nervous in closing the deal when every parameter seems to indicate the favourable chance to make it? The solution that is honourable and acceptable will help both the Nagas and India to bring new opportunities to build stronger partners on many counts as briefly mentioned above. It is an era of competition and how can India run a global race with its fractured legs? Therefore, it is an ideal moment for both the parties to strike a deal even before General Election in Nagaland lest; both sides are blinded by self interest that may not be very healthy in the long run.

Finally, it may take more time if GoI is still unconvinced of the larger gain to strike a deal at this moment but Naga case is like a pregnant mother waiting for a birth. It may be delayed for not profitable reasons but it must be settled, the early the better. There are still space and time to give a serious thought.

Kuknalim and Jai Hind