The centre&’s reported dilemma over whether or not to renew the ceasefire accord with the NSCN(Khaplang) which ends on 29 April is understandable. Khaplang has been in truce mode since 2001 but at no point of time did the centre involve him in formal talks. This was for two obvious reasons: Khaplang has consistently refused to talk unless sovereignty is discussed, and if he agrees the NSCN(IM), holding talks since 1997, is certain to pull out in protest because it has made it abundantly clear that it will not accept any negotiating partner. The UPA government also found itself in such a predicament in 2012 but renewed the truce after getting an assurance from Khaplang that he would not allow Indian rebel groups to use areas under his control.

Khaplang, a Hemi Naga from Myanmar, found himself in the spotlight after he signed on 9 April the same year a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the junta-backed civil government at Khamti (Sagaing region). After this, Khaplang, whose Myanmarese citizenship is confirmed, claimed the truce granted autonomy to the districts of Lahe, Leshi and Nanyun and his cadres were free to travel unarmed to any part of the country. Later, Khaplang “proclaimed” his was the “only authentic” political institution struggling for Naga sovereignty and “is the only outfit to have signed ceasefire agreements with two countries.” In fact, the undivided NSCN under Isak Swu and Th Muivah had also declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Myanmarese government some years ago. There is little prospect of the two factions ever coming together because Swu and Muivah have refused to forgive and forget the bloody events of 1988 that split the NSCN.

Following the 2011 split in the NSCN(K), Khaplang is a loner today. His breakaway team is headed by General Khole Konyak and Kitovi Zhimomi, and under the aegis of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, they have rubbed shoulders with rival NSCN(IM) leaders.

Khaplang remaining incommunicado for several years strengthens the case for a strong step but the centre has to tread cautiously because he still has considerable influence in Arunachal Pradesh&’s two districts and among the northern Nagaland tribes who are clamouring for a separate frontier state. If New Delhi refuses to renew the ceasefire the NSCN(K) is certain to team up with the Paresh Barua-led Ulfa, National Democratic Front of Boroland (Songbijit) and Manipur&’s United National Liberation Front headed by RK Sanayaima (now on trial and lodged in Guwahati jail). In any case, a settlement with only one group will not automatically bring peace. Bodoland is an example.