A super nanny

The Defence Minister's yatra in the Northeast has revealed that the Union Government, though eager to be seen to be doing something to impro...

The Defence Minister’s yatra in the Northeast has revealed that the Union Government, though eager to be seen to be doing something to improve conditions in the region, has no real idea of how to proceed. The Northeast has come to expect a fresh round of attention after every change of government at the Centre. But the initial burst of energy soon runs out and it is back to crisis management again.

As long as the region remains the home ministry’s baby instead of being nurtured jointly by development and economic ministries, the Northeast will see little change. That is why there is some virtue in a separate central ministry for the Northeast to sustain the Centre’s interest, provide continuity in policies and programmes and oversee their implementation.

George Fernandes says no decision has been taken as yet. It is an idea worth debating but there is an important caveat here. As trouble-prone and poorly governed as many states are, it is essential for the Centre to work in partnership with stategovernments at all times. A super-nanny which weakens the democratic framework would do irreparable harm.

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Contrary to Fernandes’ claims, there are some things for the new government to build upon. Deve Gowda who toured the area twice in the space of eight months had announced new political initiatives and a Rs 6,000-crore economic package. What has emerged so far on the development front are some rail projects. Much more remains to be done. Fernandes talks of an integrated programme for the Northeast. Whatever that might mean, the Centre should avoid the temptation to make changes for the sake of change and concentrate on seeing through projects in various states. On the political front the United Front initiated talks with the Issac Muviah faction of the NSCN and it is only sensible for the BJP government to continue them.

Fernandes indicated the Centre’s readiness to hold unconditional talks with other insurgents and that he had received and sent out feelers but did not specify the groups. It is rightthat negotiated political settlements are sought but the Centre is starting off on the wrong foot if it glosses over the fact that the minimum condition which made talks possible with the Nagas last year was an NSCN ceasefire. Second, insurgents and their patrons should be left in no doubt that violence will be countered with determination.

Third, human rights about which Fernandes made ambiguous noises must be respected in all circumstances. Fourth, the current counter-insurgency cooperation agreement with Bangladesh has yielded some dividends and should be strengthened.

It has long been obvious what the people of the Northeast are not getting: a peaceful environment, responsive administration, jobs, roads, skills training, opportunities outside the region, full freedom to pursue their own lifestyles and, last but not least, some respite from grasping, trouble-making politicians. With or without a central ministry for the Northeast and an integrated plan, what is going to be needed is genuine commitmentfollowed by sustained hard work.