| Nagaland |
Reconciliation initiatives gain momentum in Nagaland
Amid mounting tension arising out of rampant factional fighting among rival underground groups, overwhelming peace and reconciliation campaigns by social groups and churches dominated Nagaland`s socio-political scenario which witnessed unprecedented violence.
The beginning of the year saw the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), comprising Nagaland Peoples Front, BJP and NCP, retaining power after an almost peaceful conduct of Assembly election during a short spell of President`s Rule.
Emphasising on the spirit of forgiveness and a common hope, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), an umbrella body comprising members from churches, tribal councils and social organisations, endured to usher in peace and unity when senseless killings for supremacy reached its peak vitiating the whole atmosphere during the first quarters of the year.
The reconciliation process, supported by the state government, was initiated at Chiang Mai in Thailand by holding series of discussions between FNR members and leaders of both groups of NSCN.
Similar exercise was also carried out in Nagaland leading to endorsement to the reconciliation initiative from the underground groups, which even played two friendly football matches as part of their `commitment` to unity.
But contrary to hope for peace nurtured by the people, the war of attritions between the NSCN factions refused to die down and accusations and counter-accusations against each other continued unabated despite people`s repeated appeals for exercising restraint.
Although ceasefire with both groups continued with usual hiccups, no headway was made in political talks between the centre and the NSCN-IM during the year, and as usual, both sides accused each other of lacking in sincerity towards finding a permanent settlement to the protracted Naga conflict.
However, at the fag end of the year, another round of formal peace parleys was reportedly held at the Hague in Netherlands between the Centre and the NSCN-IM leaders.
Immediately after taking the reign of the state, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio constituted two peace committees, one at government level under his chairmanship and other comprising leaders from all alliance partners.
But Congress insisted that this mechanism be broadened by taking opposition parties into confidence since unity and understanding among all Naga groups was everyone`s concern.
As promised during the electioneering that peace and development would be the alliance`s topmost agenda, the government announced the year 2008 as the Year of Capacity Building, aiming at improving government delivery system and generation of employment. There was a separate budget allocation to implement this programme.
Throughout the year trainings, workshops, exposure trips were conducted both inside and outside the state encompassing government staff, NGO workers, community leaders and unemployed youth.
Despite no major fresh private investment in the state, the government continued its efforts for recommencing oil and gas production in Wokha and early revival of public sector paper mills at Tuli.
During the year, the government also further consolidated its continued efforts for community participation in public institutions and services, implementation of Horticulture Technology Mission, Bamboo Mission and development of physical infrastructure.
The United Nations recognised and awarded Nagaland`s innovative pro-community model. But implementation of NREGA was marred by gross irregularities in remote districts.
The year also saw expansion and mainstreaming of battle against HIV/AIDS by strengthening care and support system under the National AIDS Control Programme with active support from the Nagaland Legislators Forum.
On educational front, although assessment on Sarva Siksha Abhiyan was by and large satisfactory, the state witnessed worst-ever crisis in Nagaland University when teachers and authority were at loggerheads, disrupting academic activities for a month in three campuses of the central institute.
By end of the year, the students went on strike in Civil Secretariat demanding a fixed tenure of service for government employees following the hike in superannuation from 57 to 60 years. The agitation was withdrawn after the CM`s assurance to introduce a Bill in this regard in next assembly session.
Despite the global recession and terror attacks in Guwahati and Mumbai, a sizable number of foreign tourists from the US, Europe and Southeast Asian countries visited Nagaland during the annual Hornbill festival in early December.
Bureau Report |
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