Nagaland peace pact: Governor P B Acharya says no northeastern state boundary to be disturbed

GUWAHATI: Nagaland Governor P B Acharya has dispelled fears of northeastern states that their geographical boundaries could be altered, following the peace agreement signed between the Centre and the NSCN-IM. He said that territorial boundary of no state would be disturbed by the agreement. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, however, asked why the details of the deal signed on Monday were kept ‘under wraps’.

There is a sense of joy in Nagaland as hope of peace has been rekindled. Elaborate celebrations are planned in Dimapur on Wednesday. However, there is apprehension that lasting peace in Nagaland may still be elusive as the Khaplang faction of NSCN is defiant and could disturb the peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Acharya on Monday and explained the broad contours of the deal.

Acharya said details of the deal will be out in a day or two. “Territory of the northeastern states will not disturbed.” He said that there was a trust deficit and development deficit in Nagaland. “The trust deficiency had created stagnancy in talks for solution of the problem for 17 years,” he said.

The governor said that insurgency started in Nagaland in 1947. “As they were the first to raise the flag of revolt against the government, and since Nagaland is the capital of all insurgent groups, the agreement with NSCN-IM will usher in peace in the whole of northeast India which has around 200 militant outfits.”

The governor added that efforts are on to bring back the Khaplang faction of NSCN into the peace process.