Beauty queen Imlibenla Wati turns to politics

It came as a surprise for many observers when news broke that Naga beauty queen, Imlibenla Wati was appointed as the General Secretary of the Central Youth Wing of Dr. Shürhozelie-led NPF on August 18 last. She was also appointed the “NPF Ambassador for Clean Election.” At a time when Nagaland state politics is going through an unstable situation, the young beauty queen accepting her political appointment has drawn much attention, particularly in the social media, drawing cheer and flak from her fans and critics alike. Imlibenla Wati, who is in her hometown Mokokchung, spoke her mind out on some pertinent questions in an exclusive interview with The Morung Express.  

Why join politics at 22?  

I get the remark often that I am too young for politics. However, I am taking that as my strength because I experience what youth go through on a day to day basis and have learnt to embody the conviction of the youth.

For politicians in Nagaland, it’s a memorised phrase to say, “We will empower youth and solve the youth problem.” But the more I discuss with the youth, the more I realize that youths are not the problem to be solved by old politicians but the solution to our many problems.

So, I in fact encourage young people to join politics and bring the much talked about elusive change. Age is not a factor, your conviction, mental maturity and integrity is what matters.

Given your background and profession, do you think the glamour industry and politics can work alongside each other?  

I think people have very misconceived and preconceived notions about ‘glamour’ and ‘politics’ both. An individual’s capability doesn’t necessarily have to be put in separate boxes.

There are a number of Beauty Queens and people from the glamour industry who have gone on to influence politics all over the world and are thriving in what they’re doing. Former Miss America 2003 and Angelina Jolie are two women I look up to as they have managed to combine their beauty and capabilities.

I believe we, as a state, need to broaden our horizons and learn from others, not only within our country, but from people worldwide. If we can look outside the box and see the positive changes being made around the world by women, we can start making more of a change here.

The division within the NPF is there for everybody to see. Why have you chosen to support Dr. Shürhozelies’s group?  

Ever since I became politically conscious, I’ve had the heart of a regionalist because I believe in its principles and ideals. I chose to join NPF, being the regional party that work towards the Naga Solution.

Looking at our leaders today, it is sad to see that many do not uphold principle and sway in whichever direction their selfish motives take them. However, I find Dr. Shürhozelie as a man of principle. He has been one of the active members of the regional party in Nagaland - UDF, later NNDP, NPC and presently NPF - since its formation and so far he has remained loyal to the party and not given in to temporary lures and attractions.

Along with this, I don’t know if the other group can really be called NPF. They consist of a mixed group of opportunists who have abandoned their principles.

Some might say you are joining politics for your personal benefit, maybe even to support your glamour venture in some way. What would you like to say to critics who might question your move?  

It’s hilarious and sad at the same time to realise how conditioned our minds are to quickly assume the worst in people, and how calculative our minds can get to look for dirty details in every situation. People will always have something negative to say about anything, so I need not justify myself much.

Finally, what if the luck is not on the side of Dr. Shürhozelie? Will you still continue working as the General Secretary in the NPF Central Youth Wing?  

I sincerely hope and pray that the truth shall prevail because I think the case is very simple and we have to follow the constitution. So without a doubt, we have a legitimate reason to the entitlement of the Party symbol. However, if fate has other plans, and as the question states, the judgment is not in our favour, then with much humility I will step down from the post on moral grounds along with our leader, Dr Shürhozelie.