Khekiye K. Sema
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]ime ticks on relentlessly. With each tick of a second hand in the clock we walk closer to a change of guard where the older generation have no choice but give way to the next. It is a simple phenomenon that the Good Lord designed life on earth. This universal plan cannot be overruled by the will of “Collective Leadership” or by “The People’s Republic of Nagaland”. No amount of praying and fasting can dent this destiny of change. Yet, as mere mortals, we tend to build up a subconscious confidence and belief that the time is on our side and fail to acknowledge the fact that the final departure call could happen the very next moment. I have often stated that it is pointless to entreat with God for time extension on grounds that one has not accomplished one’s work on earth. Candidly speaking therefore, with all due respects and kind wishes to Mr. Isak and Mr. Muivah, they must surely realise that they do not enjoy the luxury of time as the clock ticks on. They must surely perceive that most of the younger generation can only see as far as their immediate future being threatened and compromised by all the devious rot of greed dictated taxation in the name of sovereignty. Their patience wears thin as a natural response to all the unfortunate roadblocks.Many amongst them perhaps consider the sacrifices made by the elder generation for an honourable cause as just another fairy tale. Our adversary on the other hand has all the time in the world to drag their feet. This is exactly what they are doing right now. They have had a long-term foresight, to our detriment, to surreptitiously use ‘easy money’ as a weapon to wipe out the ancestral qualities of honesty and forthrightness within the community of Nagas for good...not only to corrupt the younger generation but the old alike. The GoI seems to have attained a supreme confidence that once the old guards are gone it would not take them long to convince the new corrupted Naga generation to agree on an economic package as a political solution. For whatever it is worth therefore, it is imperative for those who have had the privilege of a firsthand experience of real pain, to deal with this problem and sort it out in their lifetime instead of passing down the unfinished task to the younger generation. Taking the above reality into consideration therefore, they must necessarily exercise true Christian humility sans greed and pride and open the door to a united house where each NPG finds an honourable space and tackle this vexed issue in unison to achieve a lasting solution. Uncompromisingly harping on the ‘National Principle’ as a self-defence mechanism at every turn without analysing the possibilities of technically circumventing the rough edges, is not in the greater interest of the Nagas. The lack of transparency in the negotiation has been the first casualty. Without any motivated biases, the Nagas must first acknowledge the realistic sequence of events that have transpired before our very eyes and take some serious corrective measures. The high note from which the NSCN (IM) began its Naga political journey: that the negotiation with the GoI will be had at a Prime Ministerial level; that such a talk will be held in a neutral third party country; that the negotiation will be without pre-condition... have all been shot to pieces in course of the 17 long years of negotiation as can be seen by all. The morning news carried by Nagaland Post on 09-10-2014 states: “PM Modi unlikely to meet NSCN (IM) leaders” forebodes events that are likely to spiral downwards. It is plainly visible that the Prime Minister’s recent official visit to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar has definitely emboldened his perspectives. The NSCN (IM) not even salvaging an appointment for paying a curtsy call on the Prime Minister of India....leave aside a Prime Ministerial level talks...is a blemish beginning to appear on the canvas. At this rate it would perhaps even get tougher to conduct a discourse with the Interlocutor as the time ticks by. The condition of a ‘third country’ venue has long since been abandoned in actual practice. The clause of talks “without pre-condition” is but a phrase with the GoI making it clear that the issue of “sovereignty and integration” is not negotiable. All the three initially chartered principles set for the talk therefore, no longer appears relevant. What then is the NSCN (IM) negotiating about...is the serious question that has been occurring in everyone’s mind. In answer to this question as it were, General N. George, the former Chairman of the Cease-Fire Monitoring Cell, (who would be privy to the inner happenings within the GoI machinery) in his journal titled “The Naga Imbroglio: A Grassroots Perspective” had this to say: (Quote) “ The ceasefire with the NSCN (IM) was renewed annually till 2007 when the NSCN (IM) agreed to withdraw the demand for independence. In recognition of this withdrawal, the ceasefire was renewed indefinitely. Unrealistic demands by the NSCN (IM) and lack of authority by the GoI have ensured that the dispute has remained unresolved. The prolonged conflict with the Indian Army and changed circumstances have morphed the original demand for independence to (an ambiguous) sovereignty and integration of all Naga areas into one administrative entity called Greater Nagaland/Nagalim. The impracticality of both these demands has been explicitly conveyed to the leadership of the NSCN (IM), although some individuals and groups continue to espouse the cause of total independence. The NSCN (IM) has recognised this reality, even if not having publicly stated the same as yet. The continued proponents of independence are those who find themselves marginalised and attempt to gain relevance through statements harking back to the past. The reality of the demand for integration can be gauged from the piquant situation obtaining in this regard. While NSCN (IM) leadership demands integration of the Naga areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh into Nagaland, the eastern districts of Nagaland represented by the Eastern Naga Poeple’s Organisation (ENPO) have demanded separation from Nagaland to form a new state called Frontier Nagaland. The present resolution being considered by the GoI, therefore, relates to greater devolution of powers for the state of Nagaland and provisions for what is being termed an “Alternate Arrangement” for the Naga areas outside Nagaland. Key to the demand for influence in other Naga areas outside Nagaland is to accommodate Muivah and much of the leadership of the NSCN (IM) who are from the Tangkhul tribe of Manipur and lack acceptability within the state of Nagaland.
The present situation is that the leadership of the NSCN (IM) is vying for an administrative arrangement that preserves their future, whereas the vast majority of the people aspire for betterment in their lives. There is a clear disconnect between the aspiration of the UG leadership and those of the people. The other factions are not burdened with the dilemma facing the Tangkhul leadership of the NSCN (IM). They do bear great resentment at being out of consideration during the deliberations, which are with the NSCN (IM) only. It can be a serious impediment to gaining acceptability of the majority for whatever agreement may be formulated “(Unquote).
While this author does not necessarily subscribe to every view of General N. George in toto, there definitely are some home truths in what he is saying. If “Sovereignty” and “Integration” is no longer negotiable, the rest of the subsidiary issues ought not to take 17 years of negotiation. After these many decades of strife, if the scenario of “Integration” is nullified, as a matter of analytical reality, Mr. Muivah and much of the leadership of the NSCN (IM) who are from the Tangkhul Tribe of Manipur, would be relegated to irrelevance within the State of Nagaland. It is but natural and understandable for Mr. Muivah to want to therefore carve out his own secured permanent niche within a realistic canvas for himself and his followers before the Naga National Movement (NNM) chapter comes to a close. The present situation indicates therefore, that the leadership of NSCN (IM) is vying for an administrative arrangement that ensures their future. The noticeably enhanced initiatives and voice of UNC of Manipur is not for nothing. The upscale spurt of UNC activities in Manipur is with the tacit blessing of Mr. Muivah without doubt, which validates General N. George’s contention that a work out for ‘alternate arrangement’ is being stressed upon. It can further be deduced that if ‘sovereignty’ and ‘integration’ is no longer negotiable the other reason for prolonging the talks must only be due to the GoI not being able to convince the Government of Manipur to agree on an “alternative arrangement” for the Southern Naga brothers. The million dollar questions therefore are: (1) Is the solution for Nagas of Nagaland being deliberately ransomed because the GoI is finding it difficult to structure a modality for the future of Mr. Muivah along with the vast upper echelon Tangkhul entourage within the NSCN (IM), knowing full well that without the subject of ‘integration’ being incorporated in the talks, their legitimacy within the State of Nagaland would virtually be non-existent...no matter what their sacrifices? (2) Is this the reason of discomfort for the NSCN (IM) in not being able to consider forming a United Naga National Movement of all the NPGs on the platform of FNR, lest the present iron clad control of one Tribe within the “Collective Leadership” gets diluted if all the Ato Kilonsers/ Kilonsers of other Factions become a part of this ‘collective leadership’ once they unite? (3) Is this one of the insurmountable reason for the lack of transparency within the NSCN (IM) in not being able to share their charter of demands to the GoI with the citizens of Nagaland? These are all speculative questions provoked by non-transparent policy of the NSCN (IM)...questions which are slowly gaining credence nevertheless.
The possible apprehension of the top heavy Tangkhul leadership within NSCN (IM) is understandable but it is totally undemocratic and equally unacceptable that the fundamental issue of Nagas’ common destiny should be decided in secrecy by a handful. The presence of Mr. Isak Swu in the NSCN (IM) is slowly beginning to appear more as a superficial balancing facade to keep the Nagas of Nagaland in check. It pains my heart to say this that Mr. Isak Swu being a mere mortal too, has reached a natural point in time where his focus seems to have shifted to tidying up his personal relationship with his Creator leaving the complex Naga Political issue mostly to his Ato Kilonser. In recent times the people have begun to see him more as a mere rubber stamp for Mr. Muivah even though there are other intellectually inconsequential Sumis within their lower strata. The question therefore is how long do the Naga masses propose to let the NSCN (IM) be left unquestioned to lead the Nagas blindfolded and barter our future without our knowledge?
The bottom-line that needs to be registered seriously is that this is not a private NSCN (IM) kitchen issue. The final solution will have a far reaching impact on all Nagas without exception. It is imperative for the NSCN (IM) to recognise that the Nagas have an absolute right to know what is being negotiated for their future. It is not an option for them to decide otherwise. The people’s mandate that they claim does not give them the authority to keep the people in the dark. Without sharing confidence with the people, such serious speculation will continue to grow and will eventually erupt into an open rebellion, which is most undesirable for all. It is only fair therefore, to expect NSCN (IM) come clean with what they are trying to achieve....after all it is our future that they are messing with. No matter what the complexities, the masses would then stand shoulder to shoulder with them and do their bit as they did when it all began. Imagine the strength that will emerge from such a unity! The argument and assurance that Nagas will be consulted after the negotiation is completed is pure hog wash. There is no sense in a fete accompli consultation. This assurance does not hold water any longer. It would do well for NSCN (IM) not to continue insulting the intelligence of the Naga people with their AK 47 arguments.
The writer is IAS (Rtd), Forest Colony, Kohima.
