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Modi-Muivah bonhomie at the signing of the framework
document on Aug 3
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After the signing of the Naga peace document between NSCN-IM
and GoI was sprung on the people on August 3 without warning causing much
consternation, it is now being explained as a ‘framework’ and a ‘formula’ for
the real deal which is to come. So then, if it’s just a framework or a formula,
why the big photo-op announcement like it’s a done deal? It has only led to a
lot of confusion, speculation and even anger among the people.
Wrapped in secrecy, that’s how the negotiation process has
been all along, and that is the big problem here. The Naga people have been
kept in the dark about the terms being negotiated on their behalf. Then like a
bolt from the blue, we learn through television that a deal is being signed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Th Muivah looked all brotherly and happy,
but there has been nothing much to cheer about back home, just confusion and
apprehension.
And since that big TV announcement, we’ve been trying to
make sense of it all. But all we’re getting are conflicting reports and bits
and pieces on a daily basis, like the sovereignty and integration demand which
we hear has been dropped one day and then the next day are told that it has
absolutely not been dropped. “Not at all…how can we leave it out,” senior NSCN
(IM) leader VS Atem is reported to have told The Morung Express.
He was also quoted as saying, “The peace agreement was made
on behalf of the Naga people and since the issue belongs to the people why
should we hide anything.”
But it hasn’t felt like that for a long time, has it? There
has been a complete lack of transparency and it has been like the people have
no right to know even though their future is under discussion. A settlement
that is just and acceptable – yes, I think we all agree on that, but we would
like to know the just and acceptable terms that are on the table.
Instead of clarifying and refuting speculations being put
out there, the negotiating group should just spell it out for what it is. Call
me naïve if you will, but I personally can’t understand their difficulty in
being open and honest about it all. As long as the secrecy continues, speculative
information will keep floating around creating more confusion and division
among the Naga people.
From what I understand, the talks for the final accord will
now continue based on this ‘framework agreement’ that has been signed. Well,
it’s time for us, the people, to weigh in.