Centre’s initiative for peace working in Northeast

GUWAHATI - If we follow a chronological order of events, the past 18 months have been good for the Northeast with regard to improvement in the security situation, especially in Assam and Nagaland.

Both United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah or NSCN (IM), two of the biggest insurgent groups in the Northeast, have softened their stand thanks to the continuous efforts of the government.

NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah visited New Delhi on February 27 to hold talks with the Centre in a bid to solve the six-decade-old problem.

NSCN (IM) which had been insisting on meeting in a third country for talks, this time accepted the Centre’s invitation for talks in the country. The relaxation in their stand was seen as a major development.

NSCN (IM) President Isak Chishi Swu arrived in New Delhi on January 27 this year, after accepting an Indian visa.

The Naga society has lauded the efforts of both NSCN (IM) and the Centre for their efforts to bring the violence levels down.

“This is very true that every Naga is very positive about the talks. And as it has been flashed in the media reports also that Isak Chisi Swu accepted the Indian visa, we are looking it as a very positive step. We are seriously hoping for a positive outcome,” said Imti Longchar.

“We are happy that talks between government and NSCN (IM) are taking place. We want a positive solution from it,” added Khrielie Angami.

“The talks between Centre and ULFA are very important from the people’s point of view. It should conclude in a positive manner. And we are expecting a positive outcome from it,” said Jyotirabhya Kashyap.

In a major development, the Centre convinced the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom under the leadership of Arabinda Rajkhowa to come for talks. ULFA leaders came to New Delhi on January 10 to begin talks with the Centre.

“We want that ULFA-Centre should hold peace talks, and if the talks can materialize, it will be beneficial for the society,” Deobojit Saikia.

The Centre’s effort for brokering peace with the insurgent groups is paying great dividends. s per the report of Home Ministry, the Northeast witnessed the lowest levels of violence in 2010. No civilian and or security personnel were killed in Nagaland in 2010.

Overall twenty security personnel, 94 civilians and 247 militants lost their lives in the northeast in 2010, which is far better than previous years. (ANI)