The Core Nature of the Naga Issue: Is it Political or Cultural?

After all these years of peace negotiations between the Government of India (GoI) and the Naga Political Groups (NPGs), it was hoped that both sides had arrived at a consensus on the core nature of the Naga issue.

In whichever way it is defined, the Naga issue is political in nature and it remains unresolved to this day. The proof of this is the protracted political dialogue that has been necessitated as earlier agreements or accords could not resolve the Naga issue.

Now, it has been reported that the GoI offered a “cultural flag” to the Nagas. It is imperative to have clarity on whether the Naga issue is political or cultural as the right solution can only come about based on the understanding of this question.

Lest we forget, the Indo-Naga peace process has survived the pulls and pressures of Indian politics. It has seen continuity of several Prime Ministers and governments in Delhi. The Naga Rising has consistently taken the position that this broad and sustained support towards the Naga peace process should not be undermined at this crucial juncture.

The BJP-led Modi govt should not treat the Naga issue as ‘cultural’ or the NPGs as some cultural bodies. The Naga position or status is ‘political’ in nature and should not be compared to an NGO or registered society.

If the Government of India accepts this fundamental truth, it will help to better appreciate a solution based on honouring the historical, territorial and political rights of the Nagas.

On the other hand, the Nagas too should respect the constitutional constraints, political intricacy and strategic concerns of Delhi.

Taking into account ‘contemporary realities’, a rational approach should be adopted to arrive at a conclusion. It is not impossible to find a solution, but for this, both sides should deeply reflect on the benefits each gets in return from the peace deal.

We firmly believe that the objective of the present Indo-Naga peace process should be an AGREEMENT, not victory. If Nagas have got some of the things they wanted from India, what can Nagas offer India in return? Similarly, what can India offer to the Nagas, if the latter has agreed to forgo some of its core demands including complete sovereignty and physical integration?

In any negotiation, a give and take is a must. In a successful negotiation, both sides should emerge with a sense of content, otherwise the outcome would not be acceptable to one side or the other, leading to more conflict and uncertainty.

Naga aspiration can co-exist within the larger Indian union

Apparently, the delay in arriving at a solution is over symbolic issues that are sensitive to the Nagas. A flag and constitution for the Nagas need not necessarily be seen as out of sync with the concept and practice of Indian Federalism. Naga aspiration can co-exist within the larger Indian union.

For all these years since the peace process began, the Indian political leadership has been well aware that ‘a unique’, ‘out-of-the-box’ solution and ‘some special arrangement’ would have to be made for the Nagas.

Furthermore, the Report of the All-Party Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs 2019 has certified the case of the Nagas. It has strongly recommended that the Government of India “should tread carefully on the issues sensitive to the Nagas and not let vested interests hijack the peace narrative”.

The Naga Rising believes that with the political will of the Prime Minister and based on the political formulation advanced by the Indian Parliament, a solution to the Naga issue can be concluded.

We are confident that the resilience and strength of Indian Federalism and the Constitution will be able to demonstrate both ingenuity and innovation in addressing the special unique case of the Nagas.

(This is the first of a 2-part series)

The Naga Rising
http://www.thenagarising.com