After the Narendra Modi government appointed RN Ravi interlocutor for talks with the NSCN(IM) leadership, the fate of the 18-year-old Naga peace talks no longer hangs in the balance. Within 14 months of his appointment Ravi was able to prepare a “framework accord”; it was signed on 3 August last year. The urgency for this, however, was prompted by the hospitalisation of NSCN (IM) chairman, Isak Chisi Swu. The Centre asserted that his death last month will not in any way affect the peace process because he had already given his consent to political parameters of the final settlement, which NSCN(IM) general secretary Th Muivah has to follow.

Since the contents of the accord were not make public, so far it has remained a mere palliative. In a recent joint statement by Muivah and Ravi Rs- significantly for the first time — the people were told of the talks being on the right track 

and that political parameters were being worked out. But since the signing of the deal last year nothing substantial has been achieved, except that both sides are enjoying greater confidence then before.

For reasons best known to the government, neither the Prime Minister nor Ravi have commented on the NSCN(IM)&’s demand for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas of contiguous Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Such a statement could have eased tensions in these states, which feel their territorial integrity is under threat. So unless this sticky point is put in proper perspective, the peace talks will linger on.

It is more or less clear that even if an accord is signed with just the Muivah faction , it is unlikely to usher in peace in Nagaland. And if it is a question of lasting peace, it would be wise to recall what the late Swu had to say some years ago: “Unity is the crux of the problem, a breaking point and a stable factor for a new Nagaland”. Given this, one wonders, where does Nagaland stand today? So far no amiable signals are emanating from any warring factions though everyone talks about unity and reconciliation. Muivah has already shot down the reconciliation process the Naga Hoho initiated 16 years ago and he is also against imposition of any negotiating partner.

Amidst all this comes the report of the Centre trying to involve former Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga to contact NSCN (Khaplang) to persuade this group to return to a ceasefire mode, This indicates that even New Delhi seems to feel that unity alone can can help restore peace. Ravi has also said that for the final settlement all stakeholders will be taken into confidence. We can only hope this will not be long in the coming.