Bhupen Goswami
GUWAHATI : Amid uncertainty over resolving the decades-old Naga political issue ahead of assembly elections in Nagaland early next year, renewed big politics is being played to remove one of northeast India’s major political barriers. Even after over 80 rounds of talks between naga groups dominated by the Centre and NSCN-IM, there continues to be a deadlock over contentious issues of separate Naga flag and constitution. The NSCN-IM has been demanding a separate flag and constitution, which was supported by former government front-bearer and then Nagaland Governor R.N. Singh. Ravi had rejected on several occasions. Naga groups hoisted the Naga national flag as part of their pressure tactics and organised a series of events in several villages in Nagaland and naga-dominated areas of neighboring Manipur to celebrate Naga Independence Day on August 14, a day before Independence.
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended the celebration of Jayaprakash Narayan’s 120th birth anniversary on October 12And urged the Centre and Naga factions to resolve the age-old political issue at the earliest. Kumar said he would do everything in his power to help resolve the case. Jai Prakash Narayan, who is more famous, spent three years in the northeastern state of Nagaland in the 1960s, where he is still regarded as a hero by the natives. Kumar lamented that despite several rounds of talks and talks over the years, the political issue was not resolved. The Bihar chief minister said he would raise the issue wherever he went and seek support for an early resolution. Kumar also recalled JP spreading the message of love and peace among people from 1964 to 1967. According to Kumar, people from Bihar live and work in Nagaland in large numbers, and there is mutual affection and respect between the two states. Kumar encouraged the residents of Nagaland to Bihar, claiming that his administration does not discriminate against any religion or group.
