Long Road to Peace in Nagaland

AMONG the few silver linings to this crime and corruption laden 50th year of independence has been the announcement of a cease-fire in Nagaland where the insurgency, which broke out soon after the British left this country, is almost as old as Indian independence. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) led by Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah which is the most well-armed and well-organised among the various underground groups operating in Nagaland and the north-east has announced a cease-fire for three months beginning from August 1. The announcement came following negotiations with the Indian government, which has also agreed to observe a cease-fire during this period. While informing parliament of this development, prime minister Gujral said that during this period of armistice, discussions for a settlement of the Naga problem would be initiated at the political level with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) as also other insurgent groups.