It was a historic pact signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 3 when the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) inked the peace treaty with the centre. This accord which was signed in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, is seen as a major step in bringing about peace not just in Nagaland but the entire north eastern part of the country.

Just the mere signing of this pact is seen as a major breakthrough. These talks that have continued for a decade and half and there have been nearly 80 rounds of negotiation. Though it is still not very clear if the agreement accepts one NSCN (Isak-Muivah) central demand but it is common knowledge that this is another feather in the cap of Ajit Doval and he played a central role in bringing the warring faction to the negotiation table.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ascertained on several occasions that peace in the North Eastern region continues to occupy a pivotal role in his Govt’s overall foreign policy and stress on the ‘Look East’ approach. His aim to transform the region gave highest priority to peace, security, connectivity and economic development in North East India. This has also been at the heart of the government’s foreign policy, especially ‘Act East’ Policy.

Some of the key provisions that this accord is set to streamline include

• Relative peace and considerably downsizing violence in the region
• Acceptance of India as their country and working cohesively with Govt mechanism
• Effective counter to several small north eastern terrorist outfits that are constantly trying to garner power to put up an United Front

However I feel this accord will also send a strong signal to neighbouring countries, especially China on India’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of its borders and consolidate its strategic standing in the south Asian geo-political scenario.

It is commonly believed that China played a crucial role in abetting terrorism in the region, though there is no conclusive evidence. The NSCN could perhaps throw light on the huge amount of weaponry intelligence that they might have amassed from the Chinese benefactors.

The fear is that the future should not show a predicament as was witnessed post Rajeev Gandi’s signing of the peace pact with the Mizo rebels. Well guess only time can answer how effectively Doval navigated this tight rope. For now the Modi Govt can bask in the glory of signing this historic agreement.

Please follow and like us: