Khaplang death may pave way for peace talks in NE
The death of NSCN-K chief SS Khaplang may pave the way for peace talks with the hardline Naga rebel group, bringing about a possible change in the insurgency theatre in the Northeast.
Seventy-seven-year-old Khaplang, who had also led the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW), a conglomerate of several insurgent groups, was instrumental in the recent step up in the attacks against security forces, besides running an arms racket.
He was opposed to a peace dialogue with the Centre.
While opinion is divided on how the insurgency situation will evolve in the Northeast, Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said a peace dialogue with the NSCN-K is possible if the organisation gives up violence and secessionist activity.
“Khaplang was the main perzens, son who was supporting and facilitating insurgency in the Northeast and had a clout. He was a Myanmarese citizen and hence there was a problem. His death will definitely have impact in the region,” he told PTI.
Rijiju said the central government will rehabilitate all Indian citizens in the Naga group if they abjure violence.
“We appeal to all the Indian Nagas in the NSCN-K to surrender and return to the mainstream. We will rehabilitate them,” he said.
Rijiju, however, said he cannot talk about Myanmarese citi- who are part of the NSCN-K.
Khaplang was a Hemi Naga from Myanmar.
Executive director of the Guwahati-based Centre for Development and Peace Studies, Wasbir Hussain, said Khaplang was the most important player in the insurgency theatre in the Northeast and he abrogated the peace talks with the central government two years ago.
“His death raises questions whether his successors are more belligerent than him,” he said.
Hussain said the Nagaland government had some time ago claimed that it was in touch with Khaplang to bring him back to the peace process and the rebel leader had apparently agreed to it provided the talks centered around “substantive” issues.
“Now the question is whether Khaplang’s successors will keep that apparent commitment or whether the group will step up attack on the Indian state,” he said.