Mokokchung, 10 August (MTNews): The Naga Rising (TNR) has issued a strongly-worded statement today, criticizing the current state of affairs in India’s Northeastern region. In a statement titled “Modi govt failing to bring peaceful solutions in the NE,” TNR has expressed its disappointment with the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government, accusing them of inadequately addressing the prevailing unrest and complex socio-political issues in the Northeast region.
TNR alleged that Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led government raised expectations when they came into power, promising to help resolve the complex socio-political issues of the Northeast region. However, TNR contends that, after almost a decade, he too is failing to deliver.
TNR asserted that the BJP was initially looked upon with optimism when it secured power, either in alliances or on its own, in all the Northeastern states. The statement went on to assert that the Naga solution was told to wait as the BJP wanted favorable governments in Nagaland’s neighboring States of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Naga Rising further pointed out that the public in Nagaland even tolerated the BJP’s “election for solution” promise. “Even the argument to have an experienced leader, someone like Neiphiu Rio, at the helm of affairs to usher in a solution was generally accepted. What happened to all these public declarations and commitments?” TNR asked.
It further asked the Modi government not to undermine or be blind to the root causes of problems facing the region. “If the Prime Minister thinks that merely trumpeting the Act East Policy and talking about development and connectivity will usher in peace and order, then he is greatly mistaken,” TNR added.
Naga accord could be a catalyst for peace in NE
Addressing the situation in the Northeast, The Naga Rising (TNR) said that a resolution to the Naga Political Issue could solve a range of political and security worries faced by Delhi including the complexity of the demand for Frontier Nagaland bordering Myanmar and the current turmoil in Manipur.
“With trouble brewing in the region, it is common sense to find early resolution to the Naga issue,” it said and continued, “But it would be naive to think that the political leadership in Delhi is unaware of the catalyzing effect that a Naga accord would bring in the Northeast. What then is stopping Delhi to resolve the Naga issue?”
One of the key points raised is the Indian government’s fixation on “command, control and subjugation,” which, according to The Naga Rising, has resulted in a trust deficit and alienation among the people of the region. TNR also criticized the government’s policies like the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign or the proposed Uniform Civil Code, which, according to TNR, are advancing economic, military, and cultural expansionism at the expense of local interests.
Furthermore, TNR alleged that except for signing ceasefires, suspension of operations and memorandum of understanding with varied groups in the Northeast, the Modi government has not effectively resolved major political, ethnic, and socio-economic issues in the region. “Delaying solutions to the problems have only added to the conflagration that we see today in the Northeast,” it said.
TNR also highlighted the historical context of the “divide and rule” policy employed by the British colonial rulers and adopted by the Indian State in the post- independence period, stating them as factors contributing to the fundamental problem of the Northeast region, as exemplified by the present turmoil in Manipur.
“Northeast’s internal social fault lines are exploited by Delhi to serve its interests,” TNR claimed, stating that the Northeast is being eyed for its untapped land and resources. It further added that the Indian establishment is unwilling to invest in conflict resolution as the conflict situation created conditions for conflicting parties to become subservient to Delhi.
With General Elections due in early 2024, The Naga Rising raised questions about whether Modi is consolidating his power by taking advantage of the present unrest and confusion, and whether a third term for Modi is being prepared to pave the way for the establishment of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’.
Stating that ‘we can no longer remain silent’, TNR called on the Nagaland State government, the elected leaders, political parties, apex tribal bodies, church and civil society to remain vigilant and speak out.