As 2015 comes to a close, it will be remembered as being the most eventful of years during the decade, highlighted by the political crisis within the ruling NPF that culminated in an “all-party government” and the signing of the Naga Peace Accord between the government of India (signed by Interlocutor R.N. Ravi) and the collective leadership of the NSCN (I-M).
The NPF crisis had ended when the Governor, after nearly a month, summoned the house for the floor test on February 5, 2015 where all legislators(including dissidents) voted with a record 59-0 in favour of the government under chief minister T.R. Zeliang (with the Speaker abstaining from voting).
The crisis was the second in which T.R. Zeliang prevailed with backing of NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu. Interestingly, before T.R. Zeliang was to take over from Neiphiu Rio( after the latter won the Lok Sabha seat), the chief minister had majority support of NPF legislators during April-May 2014.
In the second crisis, Zeliang lost majority support when he was back by only 17 members as against 20 dissidents. However, he could hang on with backing from seven independents and one each from the JD-U and NCP.
The war of words between rival NPF camps was also highlighted by floating of a parallel NPF organization by the dissident group and approaching Election Commission to recognise them as the “original NPF with the Cock symbol” besides serious allegations of money laundering to the tune of Rs.78.66 crore in a Hongkong bank by the chief minister T.R. Zeliang.
Defections from the dissident camp also boosted T.R. Zeliang before and after the floor test. For chief minister T.R. Zeliang 2015 was a turning point in his political career after winning his second test that was also because of the backing from NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu.
During the floor test all four BJP and eight Congress legislators voted for the government. All eight Congress legislators later joined the DAN government and were inducted in the ministry. As a consequence of joining the DAN, because the BJP is also a partner, the AICC suspended and later moved for disqualification of the eight Congress legislators.
For the NPF legislature, 2015 was also another milestone when its number increased from 38 to 48 when eight suspended Congress legislators joined NPF followed by the two lone JD-U and NCP legislators. The non-NPF members in the house includes- four BJP and eight independent MLAs .
The year 2015 would also be remembered for the shocking incidents being played , when mob vandalism preceded the brutal killing of a rape accused on March 5 in Dimapur . The shocking incident was widely reported and condemned in the print and electronic media, both at home and abroad.
The state government constituted the Inquiry Commission headed by Justice (rtd) B.D.Agarwal and retired district and sessions judge Veprasa Nyekha. There was poor response to its public appeal on individuals and organisations to give testimonies.
Meanwhile, the CBI in the last week of November 2015, took over the case, at the directive of the Gauhati High Court and also to an earlier request of the state cabinet.
The year also witnessed resurgence of killings and ambushes after NSCN(K) went on the offensive after deciding not to press for extension of the cease fire. Scores of security personnel including NSCN (K) cadre and civilians also died. NSCN (K) also unilaterally abrogated the cease fire which was followed by a major ambush along with other Manipur militant outfits at Chandel, when on June 4, in the biggest ambush in Chandel district, 18 army jawans of the Dogra Regiment were killed and 16 others injured.
It was not long before the government of India declared NSCN (K) as a banned organisation for five years and later announced bounties on S.S. Khaplang and NSCN (K) army chief Niki Sumi.
The government of India also placed entire Nagaland under the Disturbed Area Act (DAA) amidst protests from the state government and several other organizations.
Nagaland newspapers reacted to the notification issued by Assam Rifles against publication of any press statements from NSCN (K) which was declared as an unlawful organization by the government of India.
The warning, that violation of the UAPA would be construed as abetment caused public ire. The Press Council of India asked both the Assam Rifles and some of the newspaper to clarify on the matter and alter urged both to sort out the matter
Interestingly, government of India’s Interlocutor to the Naga talks, R.N.Ravi did not concur with the ban.
Killings in several parts of Nagaland such as the incidents at Wuzu village under Meluri; Pangsha under Noklak and Leangkonger in Tuesang district where civilians were killed during operations by Security Force and NSCN (K) also invited condemnations from several civil organisations.
The other important and also a subject of intense discussion was the signing of the Naga Peace Accord on August 3,2015 between the government of India, signed by its Interlocutor R.N. Ravi and the NSCN (I-M) signed by the collective leadership of Isak Chishi Swu and Th.Muivah in New Delhi.
At one point, Ravi had indicated, that final agreement would be during 2015. On the other hand, Nagaland and Assam Governor P.B. Acharya during a speech in Tseminyu, disclosed, that solution would be achieved in 2016.
The other issue that dominated 2015 was the resurgence of an old dispute over Dzukou valley between the Mao community and Southern Angamis which led to blockades and also other incidents. Naga Hoho suspended Mao Council from membership for involving the Manipur government in the conflict.
Inter-tribal conflicts in Tuensang district was re-ignited and which resulted in loss of several innocent lives. The issue continues to cast a shadow over the district.
Construction of the Rani Gaidinliu library -cum-memorial hall in Kohima, which is nearing completion, had also attracted strong opposition and protests by several tribal hohos, church including political parties.
The prime minister Narendra Modi launched the birth centenary celebration of Rani Gaidinliu in New Delhi on August 24. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari visited Peren to inaugurate the Rani Gaidinliu centenary celebration and during which, he also announced funding for various road projects in the state.
ACAUT Nagaland also continued its crusade against corruption by taking up the issue of back door appointments in several government departments. ACAUT also demanded response from the state government and which remains to be seen. Various associations of government employees also went on agitation in support of their respective demands such as over service rules or non-release of pending salaries.
As the premier commercial and cosmopolitan hub of Nagaland, Dimapur Police was upgraded into Police Commissionerate with Lirimo Yanthan IPS, as its first Police Commissioner .
Nagaland Post, the first news daily of the state, also celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 3, 2015 at an impressive function followed by the first ever ‘North East Media Conclave’ in Dimapur.
Mokokchung town also celebrated its quasqi centennial(125 years) from December 12-16,2015 at a glittering event.
As Nagaland steps into the new year 2016, the events that unfolded in 2015 would clearly, not fail to impact the new year.