Personal Note ::Whither Counter Insurgency Operations?

Whither Counter Insurgency Operations?

In a welcome move, the security forces renewed counter insurgency operations (CIOps) in Tirap-Longding districts comes as relief to many of the discerning Arunachalees. However, many observers think it is most likely a short-burst fuse necessitated by change in guard at North Block. Many of the long term observers of the events that unfolded in the past are unanimous that recent blitzkrieg of CIOps in and around Khonsa are isolated operations.

Be that as it may, as victims of circumstances, Arunachalees are wary of both these ultras and security forces. Over these many years of cease fire, these ultras have had easy access to comfort of the worldy things, without much hard work. The ultras have thrived on “easy money and much easier lives”.

Thus, it is granted, cadres would strike back sooner than later. Not finding the security forces or in its inability to strike the forces, the ultras would pick on easier preys- the villagers. This has been the typical pattern followed over these decades. As such, the commoners don’t favour piece-meal CIOps.

Another point of concern is in the larger context of “Naga Peace Talk”. In this classic negotiation game of tiring-out each other over these 60 plus years, GoI and Naga leaders have made a mockery of the public sentiment which favours an early settlement. Therefore, it’s high time, the new regime must make a concrete offer- be it Greater Nagalim or be it Supra-State.

“We want an early solution to Naga problem”- it’s a cry in unison from either sides of the Patkai Hills. 

There’s no need to buy-time, with best of environment in offing: The new National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval has vast experience in handling ultras and with his experience of handling Mizo ultras, he has more than fair ideas about Nagas too. Besides, new MoS (Home Affairs) Kiren Rijiju who is from a victim state like Arunachal Pradesh is well versed with trouble created by Naga insurgents in Arunachal Pradesh. And above all, Naga People’s Front, which is seen as pro-NSCN (IM), is an integral part of NDA coalition at centre. NPF Chief Neiphu Rio is at Delhi as parliamentarian.

In nutshell, GoI should make a definite offer with a time-frame and without trying to evaluate the outcomes. Intermittent CIOps is no solution or cannot be a part of solutions, if we are looking for peace. Or, as last resort, GoI should conduct CIOps like Sri Lankan Army did in Tamil dominated Northern region.