Khekiye K. Sema
The speculations being shared is pessimistically optimistic view spawned by circumstance. The 3rd August 2015 agreement drama between GoI and NSCN (IM) wrapped in absolute secrecy has only succeeded in transmitting a serious foreboding and an uncomfortable feeling that something is not quite forthright here despite the belief that NSCN (IM) would have definitely done everything possible within their powers not to easily compromise the case of the Nagas without a fight. One had hoped that the Ato Kilonser NSCN (IM) will shed some light on some of the salient feature of this agreement if not all, during his Naga Independence Day 2015 speech but the people still remain as clueless as they were before this agreement. The talk of “Shared Sovereignty”, the “Accord”, the “Framework Agreement” will all remain a meaningless jargon of mumbo jumbo word or phrases as long as the actual contents of the ‘acclaimed agreement’ is not made known to the stakeholders. On the face value of it, reaching any kind of an agreement between conflicting parties deserves to be applauded and is applauded. Yet the overall natural reaction of the Naga people to this news has at best been limited to cautious apprehensive appreciation leaving the window of speculation wide open. This author has therefore been sorely tempted to look out through this speculative window and this is what he sees.This “Accord”/ “Shared Sovereignty”/ “Framework Agreement” news ought to have been greeted with a spontaneous explosive celebration like all ‘long awaited good news’ induce...for finally being able to scratch the 69 years’ old itch. This good news has however only allowed the people to tantalisingly have their finger reach the itch zone but disappointingly find that their fingers have been disabled from scratching the itch because of an unseen barrier. This spontaneous response to genuine happiness has therefore not happened in Nagaland except for a minor ripple on the South of the border perhaps. It has tasted more like a delicious dish being served without salt. The simple fact that sticks out like a sore thumb is the low key execution of this agreement between NSCN (IM) and the Interlocutor and not with the Prime Minister of India which essentially eliminates the picture of finality. The two negotiating parties having finally ‘agreed’ to a charted out general path that they would want to walk down together in search of that final solution is more the scenario that has emerged from it all and not the final solution itself. A Federated relationship with India within the India Constitution is yet another compelling picture that appears in the canvas. Taking all these cautious speculative conclusions into consideration, there remains an inescapable proceeding that requires to be put on the reality scale for a healthy analysis and debate: the subject of consultation.
Scenario No. 1: For all the past decades of conflict, the State Government had been relegated to a status of a mere helpless spectator because of the uncompromising assertion for ‘absolute sovereignty’ from the Indian Union. The subject seems to have shifted to a ‘Federated relationship with India within the Indian Constitution’. If this is so, it opens up a brand new chapter where the State Government gains legitimacy to directly participate or assist in scripting the content of the final settlement. This fresh perception of a Federated relationship with India may sound unpalatable to many but the Nagas must also wake up to the realities of changing time. Sovereignty as we once perceived has undergone a sea change with “global village concept” now realistically taking roots. The drastic transformation that has taken place in Europe where the Euro, the common European currency, has reduced the geopolitical boundaries of each Country to mere superficiality with unrestricted visa free travel convenience between the European countries...is an eloquent definition of sovereignty in the new reality context. Within the ambit of this new perception on sovereignty, if equality of identity with dignity, collective/ individual freedom with unassailable rights and economic welfare is fully safeguarded, will an honourable Federal Relationship with India find reasonable acceptance amongst the Nagas? Think about this dispassionately.
Scenario No. 2: On the issue of “Integration” which NSCN (IM) seems to be addressing on a loose non-Constitutional “Pan-Naga framework” of some kind which is totally unclear, the State Government seems to now be better placed to mount a more direct formidable legal charge for a “Consolidation of Contiguous Naga area” as envisioned under Clause 13 of the 16 Point Agreement which has unanimously been resolved and endorsed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly several times. NSCN (IM) ought not to have reservation in accepting the participation of the State Government on a spirit of team work to reinforce and keep this part of the subject of “Integration” alive on a more legally legitimate frame even from the standpoint of the GoI. Their shadow presence on the subject would make the States’ effort more compelling for the GoI for a change.
Taking these two scenarios into consideration with the assurance of NSCN (IM) that the Civil Societies will be consulted before the final settlement, focus on ‘how’ such a consultation should take place gains relevant significance. NSCN (IM) and the State Government should carry out their respective responsibilities in tandem to generate a “comprehensive conference of all the Tribal Apex Hohos and other Civil Bodies along with all the Village Councils/GBs from every Naga Villages” including all NPG Factions for a true conclusive endorsement on a given subject.
Lessons must be learnt from the recent initiative taken by the Government of Nagaland holding a ‘consultative meet’ with all the Apex Tribal Bodies and other Civil Societies on 31st July 2015 merely to have them endorse a pre-conceived Assembly resolutions, which is a meaningless unproductive exercise without a true moral force of a public will. It is the same old story of all consultative meetings conducted by the State Government on various controversial issues that is: (a) desperately constrained by time where no fruitful deliberation can ever be assimilated; and (b) where pre-decided resolutions are adopted in the name of the representatives gathered at such meetings no matter what opposing views were otherwise expressed by the representatives during the meeting. We would be running into troubled times if NSCN (IM) approaches the subject of “consultation” in a similar manner. The Naga Political issue is now 69 years old and running and it is about time that a more meaningful, systematic and pragmatic deliberation is had without being impeded by time constraints.
If we expect others to take us seriously it is important for us to first understand our social structure and strength carefully. From the beginning of time our social strength has flown through the chieftains or selected elderly leaders of the community who have provided leadership for ages through the honourable Council of Elders. Though the Apex Tribal Hohos represent their respective Tribes in an overall manner we must recognise their general limitation in not being able to endorse any resolutions on an issue such as the Naga National solution on their own without first assessing the will of their respective Tribesmen. The Apex Tribal Hohos and other NGOs proclaiming appreciation for the “Accord” and excitedly flocking to Hebron is more their individual sentiment being expressed and should not be misread as a Tribal / constituent endorsement because their respective Tribes / constituents have not been consulted as yet on an issue such as this. Going gaga overboard on an “Agreement” that we know nothing about also describe the overall flippant mental health status of the people of Nagaland.
Therefore instead of issuing an eleventh hour notice to all Tribal Apex bodies, the NGOs and other civil societies for consultation to perfunctorily endorse a pre-structured resolution, the terms of “proposed agreement” that NSCN (IM) would want an endorsement must first be explained and circulated to the entire Tribal Apex Hohos including all the other NPGs well in advance to enable each to facilitate a thorough debate within their respective sectors on a set time frame. Thereafter, have a Pan-Naga Apex Hoho conference along with their respective Village Councils/Tribal Chiefs/GBs from every village, including all NPG Factions and work on a consensus endorsement through an unhurried deliberation. If necessary, have the conference for weeks. The State Government has been spending crores for frivolous ventures. As compared, this investment, whatever it takes, will be worth a redemptive effort and will be as good as a replication of the 1951 plebiscite in terms of a moral force well ventilating the will of the Naga People under a new dispensation. This would carry a very powerful message not only for the GoI but also for our NPGs who refuse to participate. It will also have a healthy impact on the National and International media if we manage the proceedings carefully. It would pave the way for a smoother and lasting conclusion with mass based support visibly being confirmed.
Forgive this speculative game and equi-involvement theory prompted by the acute secrecy of our negotiating brothers... the NSCN (IM).
