The thing about culture is that it is a living and breathing mind and heart-space of the human individual and collective that gets translated into human attitudes, mindset, conduct, biases, prejudices and so many aspects of human activities. Not least in perceptions and perspectives of the past, present and the future. Culture is also so much more than our songs, dances, clothes, food, the visual and performing arts, literature, etc. Culture, I believe, is the level of our open-minded, big-heartedness, inclusiveness, tolerance, empathy, ability to laugh at ourselves, etc. So, yes that “Okora Noga” thing is there, which isn’t funny for Nagas but then nobody likes to be called “Okora” ~ everyone thinks they are smart. And, cultured. But are we?
For almost two decades, Naga tribal bodies (all male clubs) have successfully thwarted the entry of women into the political space and this obstruction continues to this day. These bodies vehemently oppose the 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) ~ a case against this opposition is still being heard in the Supreme Court. The genesis and history of this opposition, consequently a case in the Supreme Court, is well known across the country and abroad, especially after the riots of 2017, which saw the loss of lives and destruction of Government and private property. But hope persists that the apex Court will do justice to Naga women.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The point here is that these tribal bodies are opposing this 33% reservation for women on the grounds of Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution, which safeguards Naga traditional, customary and social practices. However, said Article does not specify that other parts of the Indian Constitution will not be applicable to the State of Nagaland. Anyway, the point is that these tribal bodies are citing Naga culture, customs and traditions to impede Naga women’s entry into the portals of the political realm. In traditional Naga custom, women are debarred from political decision-making. It is this antediluvian patriarchal mindset and culture that continue to drive tribal bodies, indeed most Naga men, including our elected representatives, in all political, economic, social, cultural and religious matters in both the private and personal, as also in the public arena. So, what does this say about Naga “culture”? What does such antediluvian patriarchal mindset and culture that persists across India and abroad in numerous others forms and levels say about human culture?
Not to talk of political participation, women weren’t allowed to study medicine, math, science, engineering, etc.; however that changed in the 18th/19 century ~ perhaps earlier ~ because culture is made by and for human beings, not the other way round. Thinking changed resulting in culture change in every aspect ~ see, it is that ability and willingness to think, that open-mindedness to change, to include, to face reality, to accept that separated cultures and countries that soared. Development is very much a consequence of culture. But no, we are not “Okoras”. Never! Not when we internalise that human culture is immutable and must be safeguarded with our very lives, especially women’s lives.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Time was when smart, intelligent, knowledgeable, wise, able and progressive women were burnt at the stake on accusations of witchcraft. Per media reports, it still happens in Assam and some other parts of India. In a very different way, it happens in Nagaland too. This month, the way tribal bodies derided and demonised the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) is a fine example of witch hunting here. After 39 years, one fine day Naga tribal bodies decided that the NMA is “unmandated”. In simple terms, if women don’t toe tribal bodies’ line, women are open to all kinds of witch hunt. It’s Naga culture, you see, to silence women or anybody who doesn’t toe the line of the “majority” ~ inevitably males. Of course, demonising the NMA is also much more than patriarchy and culture ~ it is so obviously political and economic. In Nagaland, economic issues (read that as funds from the Centre) have always been decided and determined by all male power centres right from the village level to the State level. Now, if women enter decision-making at the ULB level, the decision and determination on funds would have to be shared with women. Which male would want that? You see, we are not “Okoras”.
After the Supreme Court stayed the Nagaland Assembly’s repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, on April 5, 2023, and the Naga Government cancelling the ULB elections despite giving word to the Supreme Court that ULB elections will be held as per the Court’s directives, tribal bodies starting ‘disowning’ and ‘disassociating’ from the NMA. Obviously, the apex Court’s stay was a major embarrassment for the State Government and the NMA became the target of this embarrassment. You must remember that our tribal bodies, most men, including elected representatives, then and now, were also of the opinion that the NMA shouldn’t have gone to court without consulting the men. The NMA did withdraw the case but the PUCL took over and the anger against the NMA still vehemently persists. So, the NMA is now the scapegoat for the Nagaland Government and tribal bodies’ “cultural” perspectives. Also, it is easier to scapegoat the NMA than the PUCL ~ doubtful, if most of these tribal bodies have ever heard of the PUCL, actually. One fears that more firewood would be added to the stakes on which the NMA is being burnt with the Supreme Court issuing contempt notice to the Nagaland Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and leaders of the tribal bodies on April 17, 2023. The next hearing is on May 1, 2023.
This culture of silencing independent thinking, demands for rights, the thirst to strive for a better tomorrow, etc. ~ most of all to assert women’s personhood ~ is not a part of Naga culture, as per tribal bodies, indeed, Naga males’ understanding of Naga culture. They like us quiet, docile and subservient ~ their idea of “ideal” women. But human beings cannot be moulded like clay ~ and women are human beings with a mind and heart of our own.
Inter alia, it is time to revisit Article 371 (A) and examine whether it serves and benefits all sections of Naga society. Much as culture, law also cannot be immutable ~ it has to change with time, become increasingly inclusive and divest itself from all the moss, which gathered with the passage of time and insidiously took shelter in selective interpretation of the law.
(The Columnist, a journalist and poet, is Editor, Nagaland Page)
(Courtesy: Assam Tribune, April 24, 2023)