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Dark Side Last Updated: Feb 14, 2019 - 11:41:29 AM


NSCN-IM: Restructuring Leadership
By Giriraj Bhattacharjee, SATP 12/2/19
Feb 14, 2019 - 11:40:27 AM

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On February 11, 2019, the ‘National hoho (assembly)’ of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) elected Qhehezu Tucco as the ‘Yaruiwo' (president) of the organisation. Though Tucco’s name as potential successor had appeared soon after the demise of Isak Chisi Swu, the position had not yet been filled. NSCN-IM’s founding ‘chairman’ Isak Chisi Swu (87) had died in a Delhi hospital after a prolonged illness on June 28, 2016.

Tongmeth Wangnao was elected ‘vice president’ on the same day. He replaced ‘vice-chairman’ Khole Chetkoh Konyak, who had passed away on December 12, 2018, at a Hospital in New Delhi after a stroke. Khole Konyak had been sworn in as ‘vice-chairman’ of NSCN-IM on May 17, 2016. Konyak was part of both the undivided Naga National Council (NNC) and NSCN. In 1988, when NSCN had split, Khole Konyak joined the faction led by S.S. Khaplang. In 2011, Konyak and N. Kitovi Zhimomi broke away from Khaplang faction and formed the Khole-Kitovi faction of NSCN (NSCN-KK). Konyak subsequently joined NSCN-IM in 2016. After Konyak’s departure NSCN-KK was renamed the Neopak- Kitovi faction of NSCN (NSCN-NK).

Both the key elevations of February 11, 2019, were done during the ‘National Hoho’ at the Council Head Quarters (CHQ) Camp Hebron in Nagaland’s Dimapur District. NSCN-IM’s declaration of the appointment mentions that the tenure will be six years for both these positions. An unnamed senior NSCN-IM leader disclosed that the names of both the 'president' and 'vice president' were proposed after a joint consultation meeting of the members of the ‘collective leadership’, senior leaders of National Socialist Council of Nagalim/Government of People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN), ‘steering committee’, ‘convenor’, ‘co-convenor‘ and 'Kilo Kilonser (home minister)'.

Both Qhehezu Tucco and Tongmeth Wangnao were earlier members of the ‘Collective Leadership’ of the NSCN-IM since 2013.

Other prominent members of the group include ‘Ato Kilonser (prime minister)’, Thuingaleng Muivah; ‘Longvibu (army chief)’, Antony Shimray; Kilo Kilonser, Hukavi Yepthomi, ‘steering committee convener’, Rh. Raising; ‘executive member’ of the ‘steering committee’, Phungthing Shimrang; and member of ‘collective membership’, ‘General (Retd.)’ V.S. Atem. 

Meanwhile, the framework agreement signed by the NSCN-IM with the Government of India (GoI) in August 2015, is yet to yield a conclusive settlement. Notably, the Interlocutor for Naga Talks, R.N. Ravi on January 19, 2019, referring to the status of the Accord had observed,
…It's nearing conclusion with all. There are eight armed groups which are now talking to Government of India. NSCN-IM plus seven others, they are all part of it. There is no one left out…

Significantly, on January 29, 2019, the Khango Konyak-led faction of the NSCN-Khaplang (NSCN-K) joined the Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG). GoI’s engagement with NNPG was a way of widening the accord. 

The two key appointments of February, 2019 gain salience in the context of the developments related to the Framework Agreement. It is expected that there will be no change in NSCN-IM’s stand on the Accord, as the new leaders have worked together with Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for a long duration. The two leaders belong to two of the most numerically dominant tribes – Qhehezu Tucco (Sema Tribe) and Tongmeth Wangnao (Konyak Tribe). Notably, Isak Chisi was from the Sema Tribe while Khole Konyak belonged to the Konyak Tribe. Thus, the new appointments are a measure to ensure a sense of continuity in the NSCN-IM leadership.

Nevertheless, worries exist. The 4,000 cadre strong NSCN-IM is the most potent militant group in the region, though it has been under a ceasefire agreement since 1997. With a multiplicity of insurgent and ex-insurgent formations staking claims in the eventual resolution, tremendous skills will be necessary to balance out divergent interests and bids for power.

Indeed, in a report submitted to Rajya Sabha (Upper House of India’s Parliament) on February 7, 2019, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs observed, “NSCN-IM, being the largest group in the entire region would have thousands of cadres who must be adequately settled to make the agreement successful and to prevent the emergence of any rebel splinter groups.” It recommended that the Ministry prepare “a detailed and generous rehabilitation-cum-settlement scheme for the cadres who will surrender as part of the agreement”. It also recommended that the Government “proactively stay prepared for any kinds of scenario that may emerge in the aftermath of this agreement, and keep the security forces and the intelligence agencies on the alert.”

The concerns expressed by the Standing Committee are valid as a new storm is brewing in the region. The Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), 2019, has muddied the waters in the region. According to news report of February 8, 2019, Ato Kilonser of NSCN-IM Thuingaleng Muivah has firmly opposed the proposed CAB 2019, reasoning that the Bill is unacceptable under all circumstances, as it would marginalise indigenous people. Significantly, the Bill was not tabled in the Rajya Sabha on the last day of the Budget Session on February 13, 2019.

The Northeast region is ethnically sensitive and the Government needs to look beyond political expediency to retain and deepen the peace achieved after long periods of bloodshed. A permanent settlement with the Nagas is crucial for the region’s long term peace and stability.


Source:Ocnus.net 2019

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