The media in Nagaland, over the last couple of days is witnessing franctic attempts by a large number of people questioning the proposed Naga Accord on one hand and others, justifying the entailed issues. This ‘war of words’ started in 19 Apr by Mr Bharat Bhushan, a renowed journalist from mainland India who highlighted the likely issues of the Naga Framework Agreement in his article – ‘Emerging Contours of the Naga Settlement’ published in Eastern Mirror. What is our take on this? Is this necessary or it poses questions to our political leaders, NPGs and society. Only we Nagas have the answers.
Same hard hitting queries have been raised by the Indian journalist, Bharat Bhushan. It is revelant now as no details of the ongoing peace talks have been told to the Naga society. That everybody is silent on the issue concering us is deafening. The first voice was of Mr Bharat Bhushan which was responded by some of my Naga brothers, including NSCN (IM). My request to my NPG friends is that come clear on the issue to dispel any concerns and mis-apprehensions of all Nagas. That Naga talks are bring led by Mr Muivah and Mr Atem, Tangkhuls, make this issue more emotive especially for Nagas of Nagaland.
First of all, has the issue of sovereignty been comprised? Who was ‘shouting on the roof tops’ for complete sovereignty? It would be foolish on any one’s part to suggest that Indian Government would agree to this. This was a far fetched idea. We are now hearing of an idea of ‘shared sovereignty’. How can sovereignty be shared. It means that any future dispensation would have the blessings of Indian government and shared defense would mean only in Nagaland or Pan India. Will Naga’s fight Chinese, Myanmar or Pakistan Army in shared sovereignty and shared def concept? Are we fooling ourselves? The NSCN (IM) must clarify this to all Nagas, if they want to be proclaimed as the sole representatives of the Naga cause.
Secondly, the issue of uniqueness of Naga society and history. Being a devil’s advocate, let me question us Nagas. Is our uniqueness unique? Without offending or being hypocrital, my call is for introspection and observing our surroundings. The Nagas have an oral history extending to 700-800 years and written history of 150 years as claimed by some tribes, contributing to our uniqueness. We have been also culturally conquered 150 years back only. So if we are products of conquered British and converted tribes, what is so unique about us? Sadly the only tribe which still practices old Naga traditions, customs and claims its uniqueness, we don’t consider it a Naga tribe anymore – The Herakah. We were never conquered-yes, until the Britishers came in and ravaged us - at Khonoma, Kohima..... I have the fortune of getting my education at Shillong and privy to local history. The Khasi Kingdom is much older than ours; Manipuri boosts of a written history dating back to the 3rd century till 1949, when it was forcibly annexed by India. If we read history, many Kingdoms in India are much older in vintage and culture. The Santhal tribes, South Indian tribes, other NE tribes are so unique and have recorded history not to name of Oriya’s, Tamils, Maharashtrians and Rajputs etc etc. The thought that only Nagas are unique is misleading will generate such attempts by other communities and I fear Nagas will face a massive backlash throughout India. Kingdoms came to mind to any history student. So if our history is unique, why is it unique from these examples. The mediating group must explain this fact to all Nagas. Doesn’t granting of concessions on this issue, further lead to similar demands from such ethnic groups, as well. Lets not be like a pigeon with closed eyes in front of a cat- lets be ready to face uncomfortable pointers to maintain our unquestionable uniqueness.
Thirdly, why has the NSCN (IM) remained silent on the provisions. It may continue to answer through counter questions and allegations in the media but if the group is genuinely working for the interest of the Nagas, it must face the Naga society and answer these disconcerting questions, since it concerns all of us Nagas. Way is the NPG so sensitive on the matter, Has the Government of India bribed them into dilution of earlier stance? I agree with views of Mr Bharat Bhushan and Mr Khekiye K Sema, who have in sighted into the peace talks.
In case NSCN (IM) is genuinely interested, let them shed their arrogance and face the Nagas, for our better tomorrow.
