The UPA government is working out a new deal for Nagaland, the broad contours of which include a large financial package, greater devolution of powers and no separate interlocutor for talks only with NSCN(I-M) group.

According to government sources, instead of a single interlocutor for the main insurgent Naga group, the Ministry of Home Ministry will now act as a nodal agency for engagement with all Naga groups like Naga Hoho, the apex tribal body, NSCN(I-M), NSCN(K) and other tribal groups for long-term stability in the state. Former Home Secretary K Padmanabhaiah, who engaged the NSCN(I-M) group as Centre’s interlocutor since 1999, has already been told that his services are not required. And in this context, a three-member ministerial group dealing with I-M group has also been disbanded.

Although the plan is on the drawing board, the MHA will soon approach the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for approval of a substantial financial package and greater administrative autonomy, by moving relevant items from the Central to the State List, for Nagaland. The ministry will then consult the Naga groups across the board and seek advice on which areas need financial help from the Centre. But all this will be under the framework of the Indian Constitution.

After the broad consensus is worked out among the Naga groups on state’s priorities, the Centre will work out a formal settlement with all the Naga groups. This package will include greater devolution of powers to the state so that Nagas have larger say in the running of local affairs.

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