The decade-old Naga problem doesn’t seem to get at rest. At least that is what is evident from what is happening before Nagaland elections are headed next month. A cast of shadow fell as 11 major parties, including the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF), its ally BJP and Congress, decided not to field any candidate in the polls. Their reluctance would be in the frame until Centre intervenes to resolve the issue.
Ever since the Naga Framework Agreement was signed in the presence of PM Modi in Delhi in 2015, peace negotiations between the Centre and Naga militant groups haven’t shown any advancement.
A joint declaration was signed by the 11 parties broadcasting that no candidate will be fielded for the February 27 elections. The declaration was announced after a meeting of the concerned parties. Local participants include Naga Tribal Hohos (apex bodies), NSCN(I-M) and six other Naga militant groups.The other parties who signed the declaration are NCP, JD (U), AAP, LJP, National People’s Party, Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party, United Nagaland Democratic Party and Nagaland Congress.
The Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organizations (CCNTHCO) have called for a bandh on Thursday.
CCNTHCO convener Theja Therie said,
“We have no option but to hit the streets to impose a total bandh on Thursday. The course of our agitation depends on how the government of India reacts to the call of Naga NGOs for the solution, and not the election. It is up to the government of India to take a final call on the election and the Nagas are hoping for the best.”
He said that any party opposing ‘Solution and Not Election’ will be declared ‘anti-Naga’. Parties decided not to field candidates and have supported the cause, showing the unity of Nagas, he said.