Few takers for peace talks in Nagaland polls

The hyped framework agreement to initiate peace in conflict hit Nagaland finds little resonance in election campaigns of political parties with development being the only agenda now after calls to boycott polls made by various groups were rejected.

With no breakthrough in the peace agreement initiated in 2015 the slogan was 'Solution before Election' and there was a question mark on the fate of the assembly elections

"The call for solution before elections has been forgotten. It is not at all a part of the election campaign," says Khekiye Sema, Congress candidate from Ghaspani-II near Dimapur.

Development, education, employment and political stability are some of the key issues in the election now.

"This time people have decided they will vote for development," says Dimpaur businessman Imtikumzuk Jamir.

The election strategy of political parties also reflects a similar mood. At a meeting of party workers of the ruling Naga People's Front cadres in Dimapur there is no mention of the framework agreement or peace talks.

"The call for boycott of elections was propaganda by few politicians and activist groups. Some individuals wanted to defer the election as they feared losing," says a party worker of the ruling Naga People's Front adding he does not want to be identified.

The last four years have seen political turmoil and instability with former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio forming a new party Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) that has now formed a pre poll seat sharing alliance--- the first such agreement between parties since the formation of the state in 1963.

Contrary to the previous elections that were fought solely on the issue of finding a solution to the various demands of Naga insurgent groups this time the focus is on development.

Crumbling infrastructure like pot holed roads, poor power supply and lack of employment has prompted the change.

Chinwang Konyak, the President of NDPP says stability and development are the biggest issues in this election.

A framework agreement was signed between the Centre and insurgent group Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isac- Muivah) referred as NSCN (IM) in 2015. The group is part of a ceasefire agreement since 1997.

The insurgent groups have been demanding a Greater Nagaland or Nagalim by integrating Naga population in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Arunchal Pradesh and parts of Myanmar.

There was resentment in the state as other groups were no part of the agreement and the contours of it were kept secret. Now other groups have also been brought onboard for discussions.

Former IPS officer RN Ravi has been holding talks on behalf of the Centre to finalise the peace accord.