NEW DELHI, May 6 – The peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN(I-M) has yet again run into rough weather over the issue of unification of Naga-inhabited areas, highly placed sources said. The deadlock in the peace process prompted Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee to summon Mizoram Chief Minister, Zoramthanga to Delhi for consultation in an attempt to resolve the fresh crisis. The Mizoram Chief Minister last Friday had a close-door meeting with the Prime Minister on the issue, sources added.
The latest crisis can be traced to the last round of official-level talks held in Amsterdam in March when Government of India tried to gauge the mind of the NSCN(I-M) leadership by throwing the idea of resolving the vexed Naga problem within the present geographical boundary of Nagaland. The stiff opposition by Manipur and other States, including Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, was also pointed out, leaving the NSCN(I-M) leadership fuming.
The Prime Minister has already clarified on several occasions that the Government of India would not disturb the territorial integrity of the neighbouring States. The Centre is wary of triggering yet another crisis in the North-east by trying to resolve one problem without thinking about repercussions. But the proposal came at a time when the NSCN(I-M) leadership was already seething with anger over chief interlocutor, K Padmanabhaiah’s controversial interview on disarming the NSCN (I-M) cadres. They have already stated that there was no justification of continuing the talks if the substantive issues were not discussed.
Meanwhile, sources hinted at the possibility of yet another visit by Padmanabhaiah to meet the NSCN(I-M) leaders to invite them for another round of negotiations before the political negotiations begin. Meanwhile, the Mizoram Chief Minister has reportedly suggested to the Prime Minister to make a gesture to the Naga rebel leaders as a sign of the Government of India’s goodwill. The official team is now expected to carry a special message from the Centre.
Zoramthanga told newsmen in Aizwal that the NSCN(I-M) leaders have to come to Delhi to make their political demands. So far, the NSCN (I-M) leaders have formally submitted no political demands. The government of India is expected to appoint a political negotiator just before the political negotiations get underway. Several names, including that of former interlocutor, Swaraj Kaushal, Defence Minister George Fernandes, besides former DONER Minister and present Communications Minister Arun Shourie are doing the rounds.