1. Treat the interim period as a confidence-building phase
The government must show that this is not a delaying tactic. That means:
Regular, transparent communication with Eastern Nagaland leaders.
Public timelines on what will be achieved in one year. Written commitments, not just verbal assurance and trust is the real currency here.
2. Deliver visible development quickly.
Eastern Nagaland’s grievances are largely neglected. The government should:
Fast-track roads, bridges, power, telecom, and health facilities.
Ensure funds already sanctioned are actually released and spent.
Set up a special monitoring cell for Eastern Nagaland projects.People need to see change, not just hear promises.
3. Administrative decentralisation (even before statehood)
Even under interim arrangements, the government can:
Delegate more financial and administrative powers to local bodies
Post competent officers with fixed tenures in the region
Reduce bureaucratic delays by creating regional decision-making offices
This shows seriousness about self-governance.
4. Keep the process inclusive
An opposition-less government has extra responsibility:
Consult churches, civil society, students’ bodies, and women’s groups
Avoid decisions being made only by a few political elites
Ensure Eastern Nagaland voices shape policy, not just react to it.
Eastern Nagaland are advised
1. Stay united and disciplined
Internal divisions will weaken the cause. During the interim period:
Maintain a common platform and shared minimum demands
Avoid factionalism or mixed messaging
Resolve disagreements internally rather than in public confrontations. Unity strengthens negotiating power.
2. Engage actively, not passively
Interim arrangements work only if people:
Participate in consultations and committees
Provide clear data on development needs (roads, schools, hospitals)
Hold both state and local leaders accountable
Silence will be interpreted as satisfaction.
3. Focus on institution-building
Rather than only pushing slogans, use the year to: Prepare administrative frameworks for future autonomy or statehood
Train local leaders and officials
Strengthen village councils, town bodies, and civil institutions
This ensures readiness for whatever final structure emerges.
4. Keep the movement peaceful and constitutional
Maintaining moral high ground is crucial:
Avoid violence, intimidation, or shutdown fatigue
Use democratic and legal methods to press demands
Keep national attention through reasoned advocacy
This keeps public sympathy on your side.
The shared responsibility
Both sides must remember:
Indian intellectuals and right thinking citizens forsee that the interim year may not be symbolic — it might be decisive.
Failure might deepen mistrust and alienation
Success can set the foundation for a lasting political solution. Handled well, this one year can either heal a historic wound or make it deeper.
We strongly support the best interest of our dearest brothers and sisters of Eastern Nagaland
S. RICHARD HUMTSOE
National Secretary
Lok Janshakti Party Ramvilas.
