Naga problem can be solved in two years: NSCN faction leader

By NewsGram Staff Writer

New Delhi: The Naga predicament that has claimed countless lives of civilians and security personnel for over five decades can be solved within two years with the will of the Indian government, said a leader of one of the factions of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) that supports the recently signed Naga Peace Accord.

"We have been fighting for Naga sovereignty for decades, demanding the carving of a Naga country from both Myanmar and India. But, we have found that it's practically impossible. So the Nagas from the Indian side should seek a solution from India and those in Myanmar should seek solution from Myanmar," said NSCN (Reformation) president Y. Wangtin Naga.

They were ready to struggle for another couple of decades in case the talks failed, he added.

Wangtin was in the capital with his NSCN (Reformation) delegation to meet Naga Peace Interlocutor RN Ravi. The group was the first among other NSCN factions to have come forward to support the Naga Peace Accord signed between the NSCN and the Indian government, which, as of now, is considered to be only a framework. However, talks are on for more transparency and suggestions from all stake-holders.

The role to be played by the NSCN (Reformation) in the peace talks was one of the major points of discussion between Ravi and the delegation.

Speaking on the issue, NSCN (Reformation) general secretary P Tikhak said: "We have worked for the Naga people. They have suffered a lot. It is appreciable that the government of India has understood that they are Indians and we are Nagas. Nagas are not Indians and they have distinct identities. These two things should not dilute."

"We need to allow the Naga people to live and progress on their own. As far as the Indians and Nagas are concerned, they can always live together and help each other with their own sovereignty," Tikhak said.

"As long as the Naga Peace Accord serves the cause of the Naga people, we have no objection. But the results of the accord should be in favour of the Nagas completely," Tikhak added.

Wangtin, formerly a senior leader with NSCN (Khaplang), has said that the only reason SS Khaplang had abrogated a 14-year-old ceasefire with the Indian government earlier this year, was because he was being constantly misled by two of his deputies – Niki Sumi and Starson Lamkang.

"The abrogation was the final blow to Khaplang. It was the biggest fault that he could commit. Khaplang once used to be the best leader, but over the years he has been constantly misguided by some of his deputies, precisely Starson and Sumi. Even the abrogation of the ceasefire was the result of it," Wangtin maintained.

Apart from his own men, the octogenarian rebel leader was also misguided by other militant groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), against the Indian government, added Wangtin.

"It's very unfortunate that before the abrogation of the ceasefire, Khaplang was told that the Indian Government will fear them if the ceasefire was violated. Tikhak and I tried to make him understand, but instead of listening, he expelled us," stated Wangtin.

The NSCN (Reformation) was formed in April after Wangtin and Tikhak were expelled from the NSCN (Khaplang) due to differences with its leadership.

With inputs from IANS