The presence of uniformed school children at protest rallies in Nagaland is a unique sight that would make many from outside the state shudder even to think about it, and even generate a feeling of distaste. In the state’s long protracted history since pre statehood days, the society was always dichotomised into the people and the State and those days the student community being that ones that received education were always the flag bearers. This has somehow stuck as the norm among the Naga public and even though at present many are openly speaking up against it, it is still practised.
The Naga civil societies and the public should realise that the times have changed and the biggest difference will be the drastic reduction in the age of school going children. Many of the elderly Nagas started going to school at a much later age, mostly between the ages of 8-11 and some even as late as 14 years of age whereas at present children start attending kindergarten from 3 years of age. As a result even many college going students pursuing degrees are still minors, under 18 years of age, according to the existing law in the country.
A minor should not be at a protest rally and such a statement does not need any further explanation as every parent understands what that means and what will be the consequences if not followed. However Naga society still has many organisations all claiming ownership on an individual’s life. From the village student/youth organisation to the apex Naga student unions, associations and federations followed by the village unions up to the apex tribal unions, all these bodies have a say on the individual participation especially when one has to agitate against the State. The so-called ‘common platform’ to act as a pressure group for the welfare and common good of the community that one is a member of somehow dictates and decides to a large extent for all and even schools authorities cannot go against it. In places other than Nagaland, the schools will be brought to task for letting their students participate in anti-establishment protest rallies both by the parents and the authorities.
A relook is required by all the tribal and student organisations starting from the apex tribal and students’ bodies and hereafter should ensure that the students are not made to participate at such rallies. One example of extremes will be the now infamous lynching incident of March 5, 2015 against an alleged rapist where photos in social media proved as evidence that uniformed students were also part of the mob. Another instance will be the killings of two high school students Kekuojalie Sachü and Vikhozo Yhoshü on March 20, 1986 when the police fired upon protestors in a rally led by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) against the extension of Disturbed Area belt from 5km to 20 km and also over the induction of IPS cadre in Nagaland. The duo is now considered as Naga martyrs and a football tournament in their memory is held annually. That was 30 years ago and the organisations involved will not be blamed, but for a similar case at present, the society will not be so forgiving.
Children can still be made to participate in rallies but only for those that spread love, peace and brotherhood, not for ones that spread hatred and violence. Innocence is the quintessence of childhood and conversely children are also the most vulnerable group that can be manipulated. A child holding a placard and taking part in a signature campaign might look adorable but what would that child understand of the whole episode. The older folks should realise that Naga children should be kept in their correct place in society as universally accepted, one that symbolises innocence and the future.
