Except for NSCN-IM leaders, NNPGs leaders and interlocutor RN Ravi, people across the country know nothing about what actually had been agreed between them to settle the vex Naga issues. Yet, there are numbers of reports carried by different media houses based on their source. As reports appeared differs from one media houses to another, the best thing that people should rely is the announcement made by the government authority.
As per released by the Government of India, PIB reports said that no final settlement between the GoI, NSCN-IM and NNPGs had been signed and it will only be done after consultation with the Government of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Being a good law abiding citizen of India, people should be aware and should not let them instigated by political rumors. Chief Minister of Manipur also expressed similar ideas and made an impression that nothing is finalized till date.
On the other hand, many political leaders of Nagaland including those of negotiating parties openly said that final agreement is ready and about to sign the agreement soon. The decisions on Question of flag, nature of constitution, and establishment of Naga Territorial councils in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are revealed by NSCN (R) leader in an interview yesterday. What the leader said may be right or wrong. PIB Release might be right or wrong. The Government of India does not categorically refute such claims of finalizing the questions of flag, constitution and territorial council. This is the right breeding ground for rumors.
All the peoples of three affected States are in a state of puzzle. They are panicky because there will be divisions – administrative as well as social — in the name of Naga Peace by establishing territorial councils. This panic in collective mind of the people generates many possible answers and escape routes from the fear of being deceived. Thus rumors are generated and transmit these political possibilities. To fight rumor is not telling people not to believe them. The only means to control rumor is to reveal the truth. What is there in the Framework Agreement and what were the things Government of India were talking about with NSCN – IM on the fateful evening of 31 October 2019.
Government of Manipur has sincere commitment to safeguard the interest of Manipur. We should, now, think that all the stakeholders should not act as copy readers of the agreement arrived without them or their knowledge. For a meaningful engagement in the consultative meetings, the people of Manipur in general and Government of Manipur in particular should know the content of the Agreement and do some homework on it.
COCOMI’s demand for the content of the Agreement is nothing but to understand the spirit and principles underlying the Agreement. Without knowing these things, there cannot be any realistic and pragmatic approach to any settlement. If the people of Manipur do not know the reality, there will be various rumors circulated in the system. Empower the people by revealing the truth, people will form their own opinion. Moreover, there is another fear among the people — Government of India agreed something that the people of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur will not agree. Will there be enemy swap in the Naga politics ?
