THE IDEA OF A SOLUTION

K Saku Jamir
Retd Senior Citizen, PWD Link Road, Dimapur


Solution to the vexed and protracted Naga political impasse is still being solved. The issue is hotly debated and expression of sentiments and giving views by the public is on. However, on the ground, the mood is upbeat, the people are restive yet anxiously awaiting for a favourable solution. But, at the top, the mood is dampened by the unsavory offer of solution which is there in the knowledge of the public. Against this dampened backdrop, the situation is muddy, confusing and complex. There are two contributing factors to this. 


1. First the IM Group who are negotiating with government of India and have entered into the frame work agreement which is yet to disclose the contents of it officially and wholly. The content of this is still kept up their sleeves. A partial and brief of this has been disclosed only in the meeting held on 18.10.2019 represented by the presidents of the tribal Hohos who are not authorized and mandated by the public. In all fairness, this should have been floated in the public realms for consideration and offer their view and approval. It is understood, though not officially declared, that the competencies as stipulated in the Frame work agreement are not without strings and barbs attached to it. 


2. The formation of Autonomous or district Council for the Nagas living in the states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh being exclusively state subject rests with the consent and approval of the respective states concerned. And, as long as the integration is not given effect to, in as much as, the government of India has already said it as non negotiable, there is no possibility of having any direct administrative dealings with that of Nagaland's. As such, we wish them well and wish that their demand is fulfilled at the earliest. Admittedly, therefore, the competencies stipulated in the FA needs to be dealt with and sorted out. In this regard, the kind of approval and endorsement of the publics, on whose behalf, the national concern are fighting, should be taken and not simple impose on them, as faith, accompli; otherwise, they might not agree to be a party to it. The negotiating group might have been mandated by the public but they are not authorized to impose their decision on the stake holders as final and binding without taking them into confidence and prior approval. The voice of the people is supreme. It caught to be respected. One can ill afford to ignore it.  Formation of a pan Naga Hoho also appears not practicable and conducive for a smooth functioning being not within the precincts of an integration. 


Secondly, the Naga National Political Group are in talks with the government of India. It is said that they have entered into an agreement with GOI for a final solution to the Naga political stalemate, though, its contents are not disclosed to the public for their views and  approval and are waiting on the kings for signing the final agreement. The two Naga political groups are talking to the Government of India separately having parted ways due to conflicts of interest and ideological differences. However, it is crystal clear that the GoI is not going to sign the final agreement with two or more groups for the simple reason that it would create more problem than it solves. It is imperative than that the two political groups should be united, came together and prepare a common agenda for final solution. Realising that forgiving what we cannot forgive creates a new way to move on.  We need to change the memory of our past into a hope for our future. Beware of the maxim, too many cocks spoil the broth. The need for unity and coming together has been expressed by various individuals and organizations. Even the national workers themselves have emphasized the need for unity time and again. And yet there is no sign of unity and no group, party or organization is taking any initiative to make it a reality. The State government and legislative members, who are the appropriate authority and also the peoples’ representatives are not serious enough as they have not taken any useful initiative and explore all possibilities of finding the solution to the political tangle except expression of the need of an early solution as soon as possible. After all, the publics are aware that they would never indulge in practices, the result of which would be contrary to their continuance in their present position of power, even as they have officially admitted to sacrifice their position in the event of the solution being materialized. It is crystal clear that the government of India is not prepared to sign the final agreement with two groups knowing that doing so would be an abortive exercise not peaceful and durable. 


Nevertheless, it appears that the national workers are also not willing to forge the much needed unification on their own. In the face of this unyielding mess and if the government of India, having already expired the deadline set and having their patience exhausted, go ahead and signed the final agreement with either willing party, it would be a catastrophic and unfortunate conclusion, detrimental not only the left behind party but to the public as well. It is necessary that to national working groups should set aside all their difference and bury the past and come together in the best interest of the Naga public.


Against the backdrop of this sullying scenario, the only way forward left is for the public to take the initiative to bring the two groups to seat across the table and declare unification officially in the best interest of the Naga political imbroglio. The ball is now left in the court of the public. No unification, no solution apparently is the cry of the day. Whoever refuses unification may have to be considered against solution and anti people It is always the public, the worst sufferers. We have had enough of hardships and pain. We need solution at the earliest. But, the big question is, who will bell the cat? No individual would have the courage and strength to do so. We have a number of public organizations, namely, the Naga Hoho, the Tribal Hohos, Naga Mothers Association, FNR and NGOs who can jointly shoulder the responsibility to give effect to the much needed unity. The unified body of the national workers and representatives of Naga civil societies should be the appropriate authority to finally discuss all aspects of the points of demands and put up to the Government of India for final consideration and agreement. Decision taken by two third of the members should, in the interest of justice and fair play, and in accordance with the practice of parliamentary democracy, which is in practice across the world, would be the final one. 


It must be understood that solution offered without constitution means no sovereignty and as much as constitution is the embodiment of the sovereignty. And no sovereignty means no constitution. So much so that we have been deprive of our rights of self determination and freedom. We have asked for a bread but we were given a stone. We have asked for a fish but we were given a serpent. Nagas have sorely missed the wood for the tree. It can be said that our freedom struggle has ended in complete fiasco. It is neither a chicken nor a fowel. However, it is unfair to blame the national workers. Inspite of their relentless and unflinching quest for freedom and self determination, it is yet to materialized due to the inexorable and adamant stand taken by the government of India. At this juncture, therefore, what choice can we make? Whether it is nobler  to resign to our fate, as if it were our destiny and accept the solution, sans sovereignty and integration and make a fresh effort  to exercise had bargaining for a higher status, opportunity of which is  still  available to us. Or, to take up arms and wage battle again in the suffocating milieu of our past miseries. Let the crucial decision be taken by the United Forum of national workers and representative civil societies. No matter whatever decision they make. No one can challenge hem. This decision will be final and durable. Nagas have come of age. There are retired bureaucrats, civil servants, well-meaning and understanding people among them. However, only a handful of them are subscribing their views and ideas towards the solution of the Naga political stalmade. Many have, apparently choose to stay away from the mud springing vilification game of national politicking. But, it is not fair at this critical juncture of our political history to keep silent, but contribute our views and suggestions, rather than set in the fence, withdrawn and abashed like sentimental milk sops. 


Presuming that Nagas have opted to be with the Union of India, even as the decision is still been made, a package of developmental and financial bargain can be made in the spirit of quid pro qua for compromising with the demand for sovereignty, not on their own violation but under compulsion though. 


1.    A battalion of Naga regiment, to be fully financed by the centre be established where all the national workers of the armed wing would be thoroughly rehabilitated in their present ranks and status.


2.    A type of government desired and conducive to the Nagas be demanded to rehabilitate officials of the civil wing in their respective position and status.


3.    For establishment of new state capital at Dimapur area where sufficient site is available, in place of the present capital, which is landslide prone due to unstable soil, which is gradually sinking, disfiguring and on the verge of being collapsed any time,  on which as sizeable amount of development money is spent yearly for repairs and restoration endlessly. 


4.    Construction of an Airport at Dimapur which is also a possibility. Development of road communication and development of power sector etc. 


In this regard, the honourable governor of Nagaland, the interlocutor, would be the most appropriate person, who has sufficient knowledge of the aspiration and demand of the Nagas, to appraise the government of India, in all details, and exercise his influence to convince them for acceptance of the demands. I am confident that the GoI would be kind enough to show magnanimity and  concede the demands in a favourable way, in view of the struggle they have launched for so long as 70 years, in the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, the ardent advocator of peace, kindness and non-violence. The views expressed are solely personal subscribed in the spirit of freedom of expression and in public interest. Let kindly light shine, in the darkening gloom, for there is a ray of hope and still light at the end of the tunnel.