The Peace Talks: A test of Nagaland’s patience | Documentary

CHAPTERS 00:57 THE PEACE TALKS: A TEST OF NAGALAND’S PATIENCE 01:03 CHAPTER 1: A DISCUSSION STRETCHED TOO LONG? 06:23 CHAPTER 2: THE DEADLOCK AND ARTICLE 371 14:10 CHAPTER 3: THE NEVER-ENDING REIGN OF ILLEGAL TAXATION 17:43 CHAPTER 4: ELECTION FOR SOLUTION OR SOLUTION BEFORE ELECTION? The government and Naga groups on October 31, 2019 had said that the Naga Peace Talks had successfully concluded as per the government's deadline. Close to three years later, no official announcement has been made to date. The delay in reaching a solution after over two decades of the Naga Peace Talks has led to an uneasy calm here in Nagaland. As per the civil society groups in Nagaland, there is a simmering tension among the people of the state but they are hopeful that an “honourable” solution will be found at the earliest. “There is a simmering undercurrent of tension and differences, which is ongoing and we hope in the coming days we will be able to sit across the table as Nagas and finally resolve whatever differences, especially whatever differences the Naga political groups have,” says Dr Rosemary Dzuvichu, Advisor of the Naga Mothers’ Association. The central government is holding two separate parleys: with the NSCN(IM) since 1997 and with the NNPGs since 2017. On August 3, 2015, nearly 18 years after the government's ceasefire deal with Naga groups, the historic framework agreement based on the unique history of the Nagas was signed between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland’s (Isak Muivah) faction. However, any development, which may lead to a final solution, has not taken place since. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on June 12 made a strong pitch through the “People’s Rally – Call for peace” staged at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for an early, inclusive and honourable solution to the Indo-Naga political issue. The NSF also questions the sincerity of the central government. “As far as the Naga Students’ Federation and the Naga people are concerned, things are not taking place as expected. The government of India is rolling back and their sincerity and commitment are not as per the expectation of the people,” stated NSF President Kegwayhun Tep. The peace talks are now stuck with five demands put forward by the NSCN(IM), which include · A Bicameral Assembly with at least 40 nominated members representing different tribes · Absorption of cadres as local armed forces or in the Indian paramilitary · Setting up of autonomous councils in Naga-dominated areas · The use of the Naga flag for at least customary events · A Separate constitution for Nagaland This is despite having the Article 371(A) in place. However, panic buttons went off after the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. “We are placed under India neither by conquest nor by consent. We believe that we are placed under India for full occupation. So, we have every right to talk about our constitution and flag. And if that is not the basis what is the need for us to go for negotiation. What is the need for the Naga people to have dialogues at the highest level? So by nature, the very foundation for Naga political movement is totally different from others. We cannot be placed under the 6th Schedule area or Autonomous Council,” said K Elu Ndang, General Secretary of Naga Hoho. However, the former Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir, says there is no point in demanding a separate flag and constitution and the same can be done democratically once a settlement is reached. “I don’t understand the question of a separate constitution. Because the regional council or territorial council agreed upon Naga areas in Manipur and Arunachal. This is a part of the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India, like the Darjeeling model or the Bodoland model or the Karbi model. So, once they have accepted that kind of arrangement, the question of a separate constitution does not arise,” Jamir said. #EastMojo #EastStory #NorthEastIndia ***** Subscribe: / @eastmojoofficial ***** Visit our website: https://www.eastmojo.com/ Facebook: / eastmojo Twitter: / eastmojo Instagram: / east.mojo *****