By Nukhosa Chüzho
The Secretary-General of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) once in a church service interceded for divine healing saying “our society lies fragmented”. A leader of his stature having had humbled himself before his creator while praying on behalf of his people invoking divine intervention in a society fraught with divisions is hard to be replicated. Many Nagas too have offered prayers for peace and unity to prevail in our society. But the question is has God not listened to the prayers offered by (we) Nagas?
Having laid its foundation way back in 1963, the NPF survived till date rays of outside but aggressive political onslaughts throughout its journey. The party earned public respect for its firm stance to boycott Indian sponsored general elections by paying heed to the voice of the people. What makes the party more indispensable to the people lies in its motto “fide non armis” meaning “by faith, not arms”. And why the people owe affection and allegiance to the party is all because of it being a regional party with regional outlook without political directives from external/outside factor.
“Is this the downfall of the NPF party?” questions many of the faithful adherents of the party as the current political tussle unfolds. Subscribing to a general view, the party could have developed the state into a model which it has envisaged in its manifesto as soon as they came to power. Contrary to this belief, the party turned against its own ideologies triggering dissidence and counter-dissidence within the party-fold. From racing to the prestigious seat of Chief Minister to eying of fatherly-figure-post of party President, the NPF has perfectly devised a step closer to an infructuous politics which its political opponents are spending sleepless nights to do the same job. Whereas the party has overcome the tricks of other political parties in earlier periods, yet the stability of the party in coming days remain in suspense which reinforces us to subscribe to a view that divisions within is more poisonous than oppositions from without.
NPF has fundamentally deviated from its conventional principle of giving special importance to the voice and struggles of the people. Had the same spirit that discouraged the party from going ahead with Indian general elections in the past years been revived in the now nullified ULB elections by paying heed to the call of the people, the ugly confrontation unfolded post January 30, 2017 would have been handled by the authority with much reverence by all and sundry. Not only the already departed three precious souls could be saved but the popularity and much revered image of this historic political party would be restored. It would have been a fair negotiation to be held in high esteemed both by the leaders and its followers alike.
The use of armed personnel to forge an intimidated environment constituted the cardinal mistake committed by the party. Its motto categorically talks of “by faith” alone. The framers of the party motto and constitution may imply “by faith” to remain steadfast to peaceful and consensual approach whatever the situation may demand. Liquidation and inflicting injuries on its own subject contravened the core ideal of the party. It is by faith that the people draws close to the party, not by arms; it is by faith that the people elects their leaders, not by arms; and it is by faith that the government functions, not by arms.
Then, would the people begin to doubt the indigenous decision making of our leaders as there is already evidence of consultation with “outside factor” in decision that can be done by ourselves without fear or favour? Is it heralding the end of regional outlook and regional taste where we once derived our source of authority and governance from our people? Decisions from New Delhi cannot help us solve problems yet we ought to remind ourselves that even the forest dwellers know where best they can meet their livelihoods and manage environment at the same time, which is a living witness for us today.
In our path to future, we should also consider the following elements (which I never claimed to be exclusive solutions as there might be host of suggestions and visions from various quarters):
Space for Debate:- Thesis, antithesis and synthesis are three necessary components of decision making and policy formulation. Unless someone proposes, the other (assumed as opposition) scrutinise for plausible loopholes and a third party (assumed as public) mediate for a middle path that serve the interest of all, the dream of carving a stable society/state will remain a mere utopia. Judging from the present scenario where views are censured and sidelined to near suffocation, ample space or opportunity should therefore be provided for all to express one’s beliefs and apprehensions: be it in legislature, public platform or by initiating sincere consultations with stakeholders. Without communication, there can be no understanding; and without discussion, there can be no breakthrough.
Reading the signals:- Leadership is doing the right thing. When the leaders fail to read the mood of the people’s cry for help, justice and equality, what greater sin a leader could commit than to tread against the cry of his people! First mistake is innocent. However, if the mistake of crushing the genuine apprehensions of the ruled (who have the right to lodge their complaints to the rulers) persists, then it is deliberately instigated by the rulers at the cost of the ruled, who has every right to rise against the established system in the forms of movements, revolutions, or in extreme degree, civil wars. Leaders ought to patiently read the signals that the people communicate to them intermittently.
Service to humanity:- Historic French Revolution was staged on account of the rulers’ extravagant lifestyles leaving the people to survive at the mercy of nature. As the pendulum oscillates, with the timing unknown as to whether it was predetermined, our people’s anger got swelled beyond unmanageable proportion culminated with violence and arson. Rightful salaries withheld, funds/schemes meant for public abrogated halfway, legitimate voices of the people suppressed, illegitimate political appointments to public services increased, roads and infrastructure dwindled while, on the other hand, the leaders continue to live pompously. Never were violence and arson encouraged, yet where also lies the judgment for the leaders to defend themselves! Leaders, as they aspired to be one, aren’t leaders if they keep their personal interest above the people’s interest. Sacrifice, therefore, becomes a fundamental characteristic of a leader in an attempt to guarantee public peace and security.
Being spontaneous:- New Delhi’s developmental programs and visions were received with least appreciation and success in this restive Northeastern region, and sometimes it gets nosedived. It is because of a simple reason that such visions overlook the core values and ignore different implementation methods compatible with the region. New Delhi is expert in her own strategic planning, so also Kohima could draw its own visions, plannings, execute decisions and implement them accordingly. This would involve villages and communities in taking steps that would affect our common interest for we cannot overlook the fact that Nagaland is made-up of villages and communities. Only then will we be governed by our own values by appreciating the applications attached with our progress since time immemorial which, in a nutshell, is spontaneous decision making process.
Begin with end in mind:- Mobbism is hard to be tamed. Nevertheless, it should not be taken as an excuse for arson, destruction of public assets and hence polluting a social environment with fear and vengeance. Reducing magnificent structures to ashes in a matter of minutes without much remorse by mobs caught the attention of many right thinkers. While peaceful agitation to convey our plights to the government is envisaged, at the same time, engaging in vandalism thereby trespassing the democratic limit of expressing our resentment need to be pondered by both leaders and private citizens. Although the leaders must have chalked out the safe passage to proceed with, yet envisioning the end product of a movement including supervisory and controlling is a must while avoiding fixing responsibility.
Now, it becomes everyone’s responsibility to stand by a principle as opposed to adhering to an ideology. A principle cannot guide us wrong as it is hedged deep inside a human core value through a process called categorical imperative whereas an ideology is forged in relation with the prevailing human interaction and conditioned by a particular exigency. Must be because of this ideological commitment that our present leaders frequently shift their allegiance from one prospective camp to another by undermining their own capabilities. However, if a leader lives by a principle, he/she will continue to stand still in his position irrespective of direction to which the political storm is heading. Is there any Naga leader who still defends his/her anointed position by placing people’s interest above his/her personal interest? Nagas are not yet ready to embrace BJP, they have already tested Congress and they are now in doubt whether NPF was cloned. God is still listening to our prayers. Our job is not by faith alone but to act with a principle.
