During the past few weeks, we have seen a lot of debates and deliberations on the Naga peace talks, solution and AFSPA, as the pending Naga issue is again resurfacing in the public space. As a practicing BJP politician and a Naga, I want to share some of my thoughts. India, being the biggest democracy in the world has an organic constitution which can positively meet the aspirations of Indian citizens. Can this space be possible for Nagas as well with good safeguards for history, economic growth and prosperity?
Amongst the many Naga politicians who have served India, Late Mr Hokishe Sema and renowned leader Dr S C Jamir rose to become India’s constitutional heads and served as Governors, wherein S C Jamir served in four attention-grabbing states of Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Odisha. Nagas have produced judges in the Supreme Court and valiant Nagas served the Indian army as well. Prof Jagdish Mukhi, as the Governor of Nagaland state is Nagaland's first citizen by virtue of being the constitutional head. This unique constitutional system of the Indian democracy makes it a fabulous one, where the elected government and the constitutional system govern the state to meet the aspirations of the citizens. Many Nagas contributed exceptional accomplishments for India, within the Framework of the Indian Constitution. There are Nagas from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh who have equally excelled within the great democracy of India.
These realities make the current Naga political issue to draw our utmost attention for peace. The Naga movement is an inspiring story to many and has drawn admiration and respect from many quarters. Thousands of lives have been lost in the conflict. Therefore, the Peace process and the talks with the government of India is being keenly and expectantly watched by every Naga for a lasting solution and peace to be ushered in Nagaland.
Like any common Naga and a non Naga citizen, I equally become an important stakeholder in the pursuance of a lasting peace in Nagaland. As a Naga and a Chakhesang community member, I often wonder how an ordinary citizen can define one’s role within the universe of the Indian polity which currently seems to be the reality of Nagaland state.
Like the concept of Naga tribes and communities which has evolved over the years, can human aspirations also evolve and bloom within wider dimensions? Human societies are evolving and growing all the time. Like the Punjabis and Bengalis who inspite of being separated in 1947, into Pakistan and East Pakistan, they have evolved to find their places in the Indian Union. The challenge for many indigenous communities within the Indian nation state would be to find their unique places within the framework of the Indian constitution. Is exploring such dynamic reality worth the exercise?
Sometimes honest objectives and practical realities can be misconstrued as something divisive or detrimental. But a matured society must examine and discuss such realities, no matter how bitter and difficult the discourse can be. Agreeing to disagree can make many cloudy issues become crystal clear.
One case in point is, the Mizos coming to terms of their realities within the Indian Union and its constitutional framework, signed the Mizo Accord in 1986. Of course, the Naga issue is much more complex than that of Mizos. Therefore, our Naga leaders and also the Government of India must show sincerity, patience and right acumen to strike the right balance to resolve the Naga issues. There have been delays and many Nagas will agree with me. But the final call has to be taken by the Government of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our concerned Naga political groups. We as citizens hope that our leaders will hammer out the best practical realities for a lasting peace. Can we be willing to understand and imagine a world which we have not encountered in order to bring peace and development for our people? The public must debate and reason together.
Pragmatic and flexible common visions often become new age gateways. Sometimes, rigid hard line stances can become destructive. We need change for development and peace.
Another burning issue has been the discourse around the Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958 (AFSPA). The government of India, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi has taken a positive drastic decision to relax the application of provisions of AFSPA in the three states of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam. This is a welcome triumph. Precisely, because the decision comes following the large-scale public outcry against AFSPA. This shows that the NDA Government is sensitive to people's aspirations. The actions show that all grievances small or big can be redressed within the purview of the Indian constitution. The partial relaxation of the AFSPA from some north eastern states shows that there are constitutional provisions for redressal.
When it comes to the issues of north eastern states and the unrest within the region, the various ethnic groups in the region have never been together in the modern sense, under one administration. Both India as a nation state and the 'northeast India' as an entity is a byproduct of colonial legacy. During the colonial era, north east India was administered under the Assam province. Hence, when we talk about the northeast as a unit, we need to understand the problems and challenges in a wider mind frame. Thus, the recent meeting between Assam government and Meghalaya government agreeing to resolve all boundary disputes in the presence of Home Minister Shri Amit Shah is another milestone. This constructive outcome of Assam and Meghalaya states is possible because the Indian Constitution gives room for dialogue on such issues and provides ample space for resolving them. Can the Naga peace talks usher new horizons? It will depend on the Naga leaders to reach an honorable meeting point with the dynamic Prime Minister Mr Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Another momentous moment for Nagas is the recent election of Ms Pangnon Konyak, the BJP women wing chief, to the Rajya Sabha. Her election to such a high platform is recognition of the dedication and hardwork of ordinary party workers and dedicated Karyakartas of the BJP. This is something we all should cherish, more so in Nagaland where there has been no women in the parliament for many decades now. The BJP Central Leadership has acknowledged the contributions of the women folk. Such pedestal for Women leadership has not been provided by any political party like Congress or regional parties in Nagaland. This speaks volumes and amplifies the fact that BJP is willing to define new horizons for Nagas.
As we relish the positive developments of relaxing the application of provisions of AFSPA in Nagaland, the resolve of Assam and Meghalaya governments to solve all boundary disputes, and the election of Ms Pangnon Konyak to the coveted Rajya Sabha MP, I am hopeful that the NDA government under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi will unveil a new future of peace and development for Nagaland. Let us hope that the Naga political leaders and the Government of India walk the extra mile for peace and bring a pragmatic and honorable solution to the Naga issue. The Naga settlement will usher in new development and peace for north east and the country. To this new future, let us all repose the best of trust to the leaders of the Naga political groups and the government of India.
Kevechutso Doulo,
State Executive Member,
BJP Nagaland
atsodoulo@gmail.com