Click to play video"The Government of India has no political will and so, it has no courage." - Leader, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac-Muivah), general VS Atem.
Camp Hebron & Camp Mount Gilead (Nagaland): The rumblings in the forests of Nagaland are growing louder. Despite the extension of the ceasefire to August 2007, the NSCN (I-M) is getting restless and they blame the Centre for taking the peace talks nowhere.
"We have fought for more than 50 years. We think, 'let's try to be patient'. Realisation may dawn upon the Indian leaders," Atem said.
Now, Naga leaders have warned that violence could return if the ceasefire collapses.
"Demoralisation is setting in and this is where the adversaries will win against peace. If the ceasefire collapses, those in favour of peace will lose and those in favour of war will win," Vice-President, Naga Hoho, Keviletuo Kiewhuo said.
And if the ceasefire collapses, the NSCN (I-M) cadres, continuously training in camps, are prepared to take the war out of the jungles.
"Power doesn't come from the forest or jungles. It has to come from the cities and villages. The power sector of the Indian Government has to be shaken and that will definitely happen," Kiewhuo said.
The Nagas are caught in a ‘no war no peace’ situation. Time is running out for them and so is their patience.
The NSCN (I-M)'s top leader, Bangkok-based T Muivah, is openly critical of Delhi's lack of commitment. In fact, the NSCN (I-M) claims that it already runs a parallel government in Nagaland.
"Even the so-called state politicians and bureaucrats don't regard the state government of Nagaland as the government," defence minister, NSCN (I-M), Zarsie Nyuthe said.
They also readily admit to collecting local taxes.
"It is the people of Nagaland who give us taxes. They give legitimacy to the movement and say that they are Nagas," convenor, ceasefire cell, NSCN (I-M), Brigadier Phunthing said.
Now, the question that arises is will inertia on part of the Government of India and the Naga leadership trigger another bloody conflict.
(With inputs from VK Shashikumar, Rajesh Bhardwaj and Deborshi Chaki)
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