Big Picture – Govt of India must prepare to handle post-Muivah scenario | Nirendra Dev, New Delhi

ByMOKOKCHUNG TIMES

Apr 20, 2025 #GoI, #Muivah, #NSCN

The vexed Naga political issue is perhaps now a ‘tug of war’ between people’s heart and some people’s soul and brain.

In the battle of heart and brain, often the best or for that matter the worst option is to hang the head in shame.

After years, the most potent Naga group the NSCN-IM has come under pressure to hold the fort/organisation together and to justify before the people – especially in the state of Nagaland – that it is the sole representative of the Naga people to bring them Solution and other benefits.

Look what has come out:
“The virus of corruption has infected all the organs of the NSCN/GPRN government because of mismanagement and corruption of the top leadership.”

Some of the leaders are involved in alcohol syndicates in nexus with top political leaders of the Nagaland state government and are enjoying huge amounts of money every month.

They have deployed Naga army personnel to make sure only adulterated alcohol distributed by the so-called syndicate is sold.”

These two statements have come from an ‘insider’ and a respectable voice in Naga politics.

The irreplaceable personality is Ikato Chishi Swu, son of Late Isak Chishi Swu.

He has further said:
“The national security is compromised. Leaders are forced to function according to the whims of their paymasters; many are in no position to even rescue themselves.
They are directed to bring all the true revolutionary patriots into their fold through different ways and means”.

What happens to Nothing Doing (yet) Poor Performance ?

And what will India’s largest political party and the party with a difference think, decide and do now ?

The Govt of India must urgently draw up a futuristic standpoint.

Corruption is now a serious issue …. beyond the corridors of ‘political power’ in Delhi — that is Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and Robert Vadra fiefdoms.

Secondly and more important issue will be — political ramifications and the fallout on the 28-year-old peace parleys.

Post Thuingaleng Muivah, the Govt of India must realise, there is going to be “further divisions” both in Naga society and the Naga movement itself.
There will be rounds of ‘violence’ preceded by creations of factions (multiple) and splinter groups.

At least precautionary measures ought to be taken in advance.

The question that will need further study by Delhi’s mandarins and in the MHA and PMO is — will the NSCN-IM continue to enjoy the stature it has been stealing all the limelight in the last few decades.

Ikato’s statement also fuels speculation that in the weeks and months to come, the NSCN-IM will no longer be a primary factor in the Naga peace process that was started way back in 1997.
This will become more crystal clear once stalwart Muivah is gone from the scene.

The Govt of India then will be compelled to change its stance and may not (in future) hold NSCN-IM leadership as a very serious and almost decisive force in the entire dialogue process.

So far what has Ikato’s statement done?

In a major development, Ikato Chishi Swu, son of NSCN (I-M) founding leader late Isak Chishi Swu, has announced his decision to join hands with H S Ramsan and Absalom Raman currently across the border in order to continue the Naga struggle.

He has also accused the Government of India (GoI) of backtracking post-the death of his father, diluting the agreement, and reducing political talks from the Prime Minister’s level to the Governor’s level.

Importantly, Ikato declared his intent to carry forward his father’s unfinished mission, calling upon right-thinking Nagas—especially youth—to rise and reclaim the national vision.

So inferences being drawn and what has been reported through inputs-channels from Assam, Nagaland and Manipur — are —
* Some people (in particular) /groups have lost high moral ground.
* It has further weakened forces that were trying to harm the Naga Solution journey.

However, the Govt of India will be advised that — there will be no direct and immediate impact on the Solution process as Ikato and his new friends will not be keen to join NNPG or even independently come forward for signing of a peace accord.

For all obvious reasons they — that is Ikato Chishi Swu, son of NSCN (I-M) founding leader late Isak Chishi Swu, H S Ramsan and Absalom Raman will not be able to announce any compromise.
Moreover, another level of pressure may come up vis-a-vis Common Draft.

Those who are disgruntled with the present leadership in NSCN-IM (even from ethnic point of view) will find an avenue to shift to the Ikato- Ramsan side.

H S Ramsan does not want to give any negative message even as he is “unhappy” as some other individuals are not been disciplined by Muivah or even V S Atem.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of books,‘The Talking Guns: North East India’ and ‘Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth’ )