The news of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) signing a peace accord (known as Naga Peace Accord) with the Narendra Modi government, has been a pleasant one for several sections of people, as it is being believed to ensure lasting peace in the North-eastern region. While so much positivity is being associated with the fresh agreement, one possible threat cannot be ignored - a faction of the Naga militant outfit, NSCN-K, led by S S Khaplang, might strongly oppose the pact.
NSCN-K had attacked the Indian Army in June in Manipur, resulting in the death of 18 soldiers, reports Indian Express. Following the attack, India's Special Forces carried out an operation in Myanmar, killing at least 50 militants of NSCN-K, according to NDTV.
While, the Indian Army has intensified its activities against the NSCN-K, there are speculations that the outfit might trigger more terror strikes across the region in response to the peace accord.
Recent intelligence reports warned Assam and other neighbouring States of a major terror attack on or before the Independence Day.
Although, the Indian government is sure that NSCN-K will also soon follow the path of peace like NSCN-IM, it won't be so easy considering the recent attacks and the follow up encounter.
An Accord Mired in Ambiguity
Although the terms and conditions of the peace accord are yet to be disclosed, they appear to be in line with the interests of both NSCN-IM members and the government. "The territorial boundaries of the existing North-Eastern States will not be disturbed although cultural integration of Nagas living in States other than Nagaland will be facilitated through special measures," Rediff.com quoted a source.
A note by the Press Information Bureau stated, "The Government of India recognised the unique history, culture and position of the Nagas, their sentiments and aspirations. The NSCN understood and appreciated the Indian political system and governance."
One of the key demands of NSCN-IM led by Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu was granting of a "Greater Nagaland", but representatives of neighbouring States including Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh had stated that they will not share even an inch of their land. In such a scenario, it will be interesting to know how the government and the leaders of NSCN-IM came to a mutual agreement.
An agreement of ceasefire between the Naga outfits and the then Nagaland Governor, L P Singh, was also signed in 1975. Popularly known as "Shillong Accord", the agreement did not last long as the outfits violated ceasefire. Political analysts say that it failed since it did not consider the political and historical rights of the Nagas.
However, with the latest peace accord, it is being believed that the five-decade long dispute will finally come to a peaceful end.
