K Filip Sumi
From the Naga national political groups to State political parties (NPF), fragmentation has deeply affected the Naga society at large hijacking the very objectives of the respective bodies. The latest to be hit is the Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) which has seen two groups within itself – one saying that ACAUT did not endorse its participation in the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organizations (CCNTHCO) and the other group affirming its endorsement. The fragmentation began with the resignations of ACAUT Chairman and Media Cell Convenor & Spokesperson. Thereafter, the two groups have been engaged in war of words and counter suspensions of members from both sides.
The issue of whether ACAUT had officially endorsed its participation in the CCNTHCO is unknown to the public since both the groups remain firm on its stand. Public are being put into a confused state as to which group is speaking the truth. However, there are two aspects where the two groups stand together. One is the acceptance of resignations of Chairman and Spokesperson and another aspect is an ACAUT Advisor contesting the polls and both the groups wishing him well in his endeavour.
If ACAUT had endorsed its participation in CCNTHCO, there was no need for the Chairman to resign for failing to stop the Assembly Elections because it was ACAUT’s and all entities of CCNTHCO’s collective failure and not an individual failure. In his resignation letter, the Spokesperson cited other priorities that needed total commitment. The group which is saying that ACAUT had endorsed its participation in CCNTHCO should find no reason to accept the resignations since it was common failure of all bodies that were a part of the slogan, ‘Solution before Election.’
It would certainly destabilize all such bodies if their respective representatives to CCNTHCO were to resign for failure to stop the elections. With two ACAUT groups each headed by the two Co-chairman (one Co-chairman has been selected as Acting Chairman), three ACAUT members who were a part of the February 8 meeting have changed sides to the other group. With allegations and assertions galore from both sides claiming to have documental evidences, the imbroglio is likely to continue for sometime which would encourage further defections from one group to another.
ACAUT which claims itself to be a ‘public movement’ or ‘people’s movement’ has brought disrepute to itself with infightings resulting in its fragmentation. The issue was something that could have been resolved internally with proper consultations but the ACAUT leaders played the number games like the NPF-led DAN government during the last five years.
The February 8 meeting organizers played the majority number card while the February 14 meeting organizers banks upon the presence of its Advisors and some newly joined members who attended the February 8 meeting. Since it is a ‘public movement,’ if ACAUT leaders do not have the maturity to resolve the issue amicably, the public should have every right to intervene and give their decision. Few leaders who have differences should not be allowed to hold ransom for a strong public movement like ACAUT. Interestingly, CCNTHCO has been dissolved on February 6, yet its ghost has found a niche with ACAUT which is on the verge of losing ground and public support.
