Why Statehood?

The separate Statehood demand made by the conglomeration of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) representing six tribal groups—Chang, Konyak, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Yimchungru and Phom communities—has come as cause of concern for the Nagas as a people. While there had been stray media reports over the last two-three years about such a demand for separation by the Eastern Nagas, the latest news report about the ENPO having actually submitted a memorandum to this effect to the Union Home Ministry is by far the most serious development as far as the question of Statehood demand is concerned. However it will be good for all of us, as anxious as we are, to actually wait for an official comment from the ENPO. One should take note of the fact that the news report about the ENPO’s Statehood demand was filed from New Delhi by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency. While the report mentions about the grievances stated in the memorandum, we cannot be certain if there is an explicit demand for Statehood in the ENPO’s representation to the Government of India. The ENPO on its part has decided to remain silent on the issue and wants the public rally slated for January 7, 2011 to take place before making anything official on their position whether it is for Statehood or some other development option they are demanding. Therefore the media as well as the Naga public would have to wait before jumping to any conclusion.
 
Separation is not the answer
 
Nevertheless whether ENPO demands Statehood or some other fulfillment of their grievances, this is a good time for the present State government, the political parties and also the public leaders including from Eastern Nagaland to seriously reflect on the current situation, especially on the development front and the plethora of genuine grievances being highlighted by the ENPO. All of us are aware of the fact that the fruits of development have not reached the common men and women. This is true of not only the areas under eastern Nagaland but others, irrespective of tribe or region. There is a big development gap and this is the core of the issue. While policies and programmes do exist, it is the ‘governance deficit’ which has contributed to the present day problem. It is not that development programmes or government funds are lacking but simply the fact that these have not been implemented properly. Clearly, the present State (Nagaland) has failed to deliver the goods to the people. This is the verdict coming out of the ENPO grievances. It is something for the State government to gloss over and try and find some answers quickly.
 
Nevertheless, the ENPO will also realize the fact about how successive governments in Nagaland have also given enough opportunities to the region in terms of fund allocation, development initiative, leadership position etc. In fact since Statehood, several public leaders from the region have been given the opportunity to serve as Member of Parliament. If we may say so, the last three MPs (Asangba Sangtam, Wangyuh Konyak and now CM Chang) are all from the erstwhile Tuensang Mon region. Quotas, funds, relaxations etc continue to be doled out although their implementation also needs to be improved upon. Much more could have also been done by leaders from the region to improve the lot of the people. Having said that, the genuine grievances presented by the ENPO merits immediate attention and correction. Separation from present Nagaland is however not the answer.