By: WAHENGBAM RORRKYCHAND
With an aim to end the ongoing Indo- Naga issue, the Central Government has recently arrived with a decision to extend the Sixth Schedule in the Hill areas of Manipur.
In this latest development, Imphal Times discussed with one of the experts in contemporary conflict in Northeast, Dr Moirangthem Amarjeet Singh.
When asked about the demand for Greater Nagaland (Nagalim), Amarjeet, who is an Associate Professor at Centre for Northeast Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi said “it is already a dead issue. There is no question of Greater Nagaland turning into reality; both the sides know it.”
While the demand for Alternative Arrangement is also a problem. In fact there is no such word called Alternative Arrangement in the Constitution of Indian. Creation of a new legislation for the arrangement is another issue with this demand, said the expert.
Since breaking down of Northeastern states, which is an economically unviable, into pieces is against the reports of State Reorganisation Commission, hence the 6th Schedule is the only way out as things stand at present. The Centre is ready to extend the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in the hill areas of Manipur.
However, it may be noted that if the Central government is serious about resolving the issue with the extension of Sixth Schedule, debate has to be started already. The seriousness of the intent of the Central Government to resolve the issue can only be gauged by the initiatives it is taking up in the immediate future.
The Central Government could not bring any solution, if the Nagas continue to stick to their demand while Meetei also stick to its stand against the demand. So both of them should go one step backward and create a room for discussion, opined the expert.
