The recent outbreak of violence in Nagaland has left many people puzzled and terrified. Modern Naga society is known to find peaceful solution to any of its problems amicably. However, this time the situation took an ugly turn leading to loss of lives, economy and total confusion in the state. It is time to introspect, interrogate and examine the factors which had led to the outbreak of the recent violence in the state and provide some possible directions for future course of action. As is well known the violence initially started with the opposition on the issue of 33% women reservation in UBL election. This was seen to be bypassing the guarantee to the customary laws granted in Article 371A of the Indian constitution. This threat of bypass set up alarm bells in Nagaland. It triggered off a spate of social media campaign, and whisper campaigns in the Naga community. This snowballed into street protests, demonstrations and several rounds of meetings between the state government and civil societies. It is in the course of these protests that three people were killed in police firing, many government buildings were burnt down and mayhem ensued. There were demands of the resignation of the CM and what followed was a state unrest amongst the Nagas at large.
One may interrogate whether the state of affairs was only due to the question of 33% women reservation or were there other issues involved as well. It may be opined that the protest also brought in several issues related to frustration of youth regarding the state government’s inability to fulfill their dreams and aspirations, some elements of political conspiracy, and some level of threat to men because of women empowerment which people are not courageous enough to admit the reality.
The youth today are loosing their confidence in the state leadership and feel threatened of their dreams and aspirations going in vain. Unemployment rate among the Naga youth is very high. Even those who are employed by the state government do not get their salaries on time and are consequently put through hardship and frustration. It is also observed that the state of education is pathetic in both schools and colleges run by the state government. Basically, the quality of teaching is very low and large number of teachers, especially, who are posted in villages do not teach and some are even keeping proxy teachers in their place. To make worse, the infrastructure facilities of the educational institutions are also badly maintained. Even the infrastructure such as roads is making traveling for both work and education very difficult. The economy in Nagaland is also lagging behind and is not contributing to the general sense of well being of the population.
Inspite of all these realities, it is felt that there was an element of factors of politics (or politicking) which exploited these situations and had contributed to the recent violence in the state. Now the question is whether politicking was needed, especially, when the state is challenged with bad economy, high unemployment rate, health issue, education, corruption, terrible infrastructure, Naga political settlement etc? Moreover, the question on whether the approach of the civil societies was appropriate in addressing the issue? Does the engagement of a prolonged dialogue with state government justify the violent action? The civil societies would have taken a better alternative approach and not a violent path which had caused loss of lives, enormous damage in terms of public properties including personal records of thousands of employees in the state.
After weighing all the factors and issues, the following points may be suggested for the issue:
1. The recent outbreak of violence is an outcome of many socio-political factors taking a complex shape. This is also to argue that the issue can hardly be understood as an issue of women empowerment alone. Understanding the Naga identity and culture vis-à-vis article 371A will give a clearer perspective. Many experts argue that the present provision of women reservation may prove to be a threat to the state’s autonomy as granted in the Constitution and may have even more serious consequences later.
2. Universally, Customs and traditions are seldom static. Therefore, customs and cultural traditions which have been practiced historically need not continue in total should the people feel the need for change. Needless to say, one should also think seriously as customs also represent cultural uniqueness and authority like it is practiced in Naga Society.
3. The present sense of confusion or a communication gap has to be addressed with a sustained dialogue among genders, Hohos, unions, associations and even among individuals to help us understand the issue deeply and shape our future directions. After all, this is so central to our culture.
4. The very idea of framing or maintaining ‘Laws’ in every society (traditional or modern) is directed towards ensuring ‘justice and fairness’ in society and also well-being at large. Therefore, Nagas need to relook and question whether any part of the customary laws have any section which seemingly deprives gender equality and a level playing field in society.
5. It is a fact Naga women today have shown their potential and excellence in all walks of life and have made the state proud through their achievements in so many ways. Therefore, it may be strongly opined that Naga women do deserve a dignified space in Naga society while taking care of the core values and structures of the Naga society.
6. The announcement of ensuring 33 per cent political participation may not be air-dropped and has to emerge as a social outcome. Since the recent announcement itself is coming as a radical change, it is leading to utter confusion in Naga society. Therefore, there is a need to rethink and debate on this issue from the grass root level. The responsibility of scholars and thinkers is to play a role to articulate and help Naga people at large to understand the issues and factors.
7. Also, the state government needs to take youth in higher confidence who have begun to show their desperation and hopelessness. The Youth today find themselves undermined and find no justice to their dreams and aspirations. It is high time that the state government initiate appropriate plans and policies to cater to the present and future needs of our valuable youth dividend.
The overall scenario which has emerged after the violence seems to be promoting pessimism in the Naga society. The
task is now to come out of this pessimism and move towards an optimist tackling of the situation.
