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NEW DELHI: In a bid to resolve the vexed Naga insurgency, the Centre has come up with a proposal to give some more financial powers to the state
along with additional control over socio-cultural issues.
The proposal was drawn up following apparent feelers that militant outfits NSCN (IM) and NSCN (Khaplang) would go with it. Though the final nod from the Naga outfits is still awaited, the government will soon put the proposal for consideration before the Cabinet. A senior home ministry official said, The comprehensive proposal will be submitted before the NSCN (IM) after getting it vetted by the Cabinet. Instead of taking up the matter of Greater Nagaland and sovereignty (demands of Naga outfits), the proposal enlarges the scope of Article 371A of the Constitution.
Under Article 371A, Nagaland already enjoys special status which ensures that no Act of Parliament shall apply to Nagaland in relation to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to the Naga customary law and ownership and transfer of land and its resources. The new proposal, however, talks about amendment in the Constitution to ensure financial powers including greater rights over natural resources, one of the 30 demands submitted by NSCN(IM) during talks, the ministry official said. He added that though the Nagas were keen on a separate constitution like J&K, the Centre was in favour of enlarging the scope of Article 371A.
Although there has not been any official word from the government on the proposal so far, a hint of it was dropped by home secretary G K Pillai who, without disclosing the contents of the proposal, told the media in Manipur on Sunday that it would provide a ground for friendly negotiation.
Asked whether the proposal would work or not, he said it would depend on how NSCN (IM) leadership received it. Pillais statement came when he was on a three-day visit to Manipur.
In response to questions, the home secretary also made it clear that the territorial integrity of Manipur would not be disturbed under any circumstances, a clear indication that the issue of Greater Nagaland will not find place in the proposal which talks about autonomy for Nagaland
To appease Nagas, autonomy on table - India - NEWS - The Times of India
along with additional control over socio-cultural issues.
The proposal was drawn up following apparent feelers that militant outfits NSCN (IM) and NSCN (Khaplang) would go with it. Though the final nod from the Naga outfits is still awaited, the government will soon put the proposal for consideration before the Cabinet. A senior home ministry official said, The comprehensive proposal will be submitted before the NSCN (IM) after getting it vetted by the Cabinet. Instead of taking up the matter of Greater Nagaland and sovereignty (demands of Naga outfits), the proposal enlarges the scope of Article 371A of the Constitution.
Under Article 371A, Nagaland already enjoys special status which ensures that no Act of Parliament shall apply to Nagaland in relation to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to the Naga customary law and ownership and transfer of land and its resources. The new proposal, however, talks about amendment in the Constitution to ensure financial powers including greater rights over natural resources, one of the 30 demands submitted by NSCN(IM) during talks, the ministry official said. He added that though the Nagas were keen on a separate constitution like J&K, the Centre was in favour of enlarging the scope of Article 371A.
Although there has not been any official word from the government on the proposal so far, a hint of it was dropped by home secretary G K Pillai who, without disclosing the contents of the proposal, told the media in Manipur on Sunday that it would provide a ground for friendly negotiation.
Asked whether the proposal would work or not, he said it would depend on how NSCN (IM) leadership received it. Pillais statement came when he was on a three-day visit to Manipur.
In response to questions, the home secretary also made it clear that the territorial integrity of Manipur would not be disturbed under any circumstances, a clear indication that the issue of Greater Nagaland will not find place in the proposal which talks about autonomy for Nagaland
To appease Nagas, autonomy on table - India - NEWS - The Times of India
