Executive Member of the Steering Committee of NSCN, S Varah in a candid interview stated that “to have just peace and peaceful coexistence. We have to address the crux of the issue. The nature of the political conflict arose when the ancestral territory of Naga people was first encroached. There are certain sectarian and reactive elements always trying to jeopardise or sabotage the peaceful process.”
S Varah stated that “the British colonial power used third forces to weaken the resilient Naga. Later, the Union of India repeated similar tactics. But history is clear military solutions cannot resolve political problems”. He rejected the label of secessionism, arguing that Nagas historically chose self-determination and refused integration into either Burma or India.
“We are being engaged with the political dialogue with the Union of India and we too believe that Indian leaders believe in peaceful resolution. They have committed that we have to have understanding. And we have to address the issue that demands serious political negotiation. To have just peace and peaceful coexistence. We have to address the crux of the issue. The nature of the political conflict arose when the ancestral territory of Naga people was first encroached” added S Varah.
He further continued “we have also experienced the brunt of a total military campaign involving so many unwanted military actions. Former Indian Chief of Army had acknowledged the futility of armed suppression and recognised the Naga issue as political in nature. Therefore we have to ensure that the Government of India is committed to resolving this case. The cases I repeat between the Naga people and the Union of India.”
“Today I’ll use the term, we are all digital natives. The world has learned to negotiate now. And wherever there is a conflict, disagreement and differences, people have learned the benefit and reward of negotiation and dialogue. We do believe in that. We will immediately negotiate, continue to negotiate with the leaders of the Indian Union and our leaders are committed to a peaceful solution” stated S Varah.
He further added, “when two parties seek peace, there will always be forces trying to derail it. That is why we have seen violence in different locations. These elements must be understood and isolated. The Union of India has promised a peaceful resolution and a friendly neighbourhood.”
Time has come for India to choose. Either solve Naga’s solution or promote sectarian forces to counter Naga and sabotage the peace process. S Varah cautioned “but once the Naga retracted, Naga will not be responsible for the chaos that will rain in the area.”
