Political observers both young and old in Nagaland and in mainland India and perhaps Naga sympathizers elsewhere must be perplexed and astonished at the manner Nagaland government and some Hoho leaders are eulogizing the new political conundrum called the Alternative Arrangement, which is clearly limited to the Naga areas of Manipur. Is the Indo-Naga political issue a demand for Alternative arrangement? Yes, according Joint Legislative Forum (JLF) resolution 4 adopted on 19th July and also Nagaland Home Minster’s comment on August 2.
Naga ancestral land, be it in Burma, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam or Manipur, will always belong to the Naga people yet it is undeniable that in the last sixty years different political establishments and boundaries have been created without the consent of the Nagas which has taken deep roots. Despite the unconditional desire of the Naga people to survive and progress as a free independent nation, the geo-political situation of the day demands that Nagas be practical and seek the best political solution for their people. GPRN/NSCN understands that this reality along with the social and economic discrimination of Nagas living in the state of Manipur by the dominant Meite neighbours has compelled the Southern Nagas to seek Alternative Political Arrangement. This will be a fulfillment of Naga people’s aspiration in the state of Manipur.
The joint Legislative Forum resolution dated 19th July 2012, No. 4 clearly mentioned that all sixty legislators in Nagaland will vacate their positions if an alternative arrangement comes about. Whether it was an erroneous choice of words or deliberate attempt to demean the Indo-Naga political struggle, JLF owes an explanation to the people of Nagaland because there has never been a question of Alternative Arrangement at any point of time. GPRN/NSCN is pursuing an honorable and acceptable political settlement with the GOI and it affirms that Naga tribes inhabiting Nagaland state do not subscribe to such Alternative Political Arrangement.
Home Minister Mr. Imkong Imchen on August 2 at Mangmetong, called upon the people to support the alternative arrangement which is an Assembly resolution. It is not sure about Alternative Arrangement and which part of Naga area comprises it and Honorable and Acceptable Political Solution which the Nagas and GPRN/NSCN is pursuing. Unless a person has clear political thought and vision for the Nagas in the present context, one should refrain from making political comment on behalf of the Nagas because the present time is not about who comes to power in the next general assembly elections, it is about how prepared Nagas are to initiate the final political settlement with the Government of India.
All 60 members are elected from Nagaland, they are supposed to do everything good for the betterment of the people who elected them. They know that the alternative arrangement has nothing to do with the people who elected them. As Nagas we all express our solidarity for our Naga brothers and sisters anywhere but to reduce present Nagaland into the so-called Alternative Arrangement status is something Nagas will vehemently oppose. From 1947 till date no such gamble has ever taken place. It will only create problem and confusion if this type of solution is considered in the state of Nagaland. All sixty legislators 60 members must know that poor solutions create multiple problems. It is better not to enter their names in Naga history as troublemakers and creators of problems. Over all, Nagaland government, at the moment has a stark resemblance to a man, who, instead of going home to his wife and children finds comfort in the arms of his mistress.
A true measure of a man is when words are translated into actions. It would be most appropriate and a historical landmark if determined JLF exhibits maturity and selflessness by declaring to GOI and the Naga people that it would forfeit the coming general Assembly elections so that all Indian political parties in Nagaland can contribute meaningfully, partnering the Naga political groups under the aegis of FNR, towards the solution of the Indo-Naga political issue. This would also mean, firstly, the parties and candidates of various political parties would note indulge in vote bank politics. Secondly, millions of rupees stashed away to brazenly throw up during electioneering would be avoided. Thirdly, rational mind will be at work and not electoral mind, in making correct decision for the Naga people.
GPRN/NSCN believes that it is time for Naga generations, young and old, to open at least one eye to reality rather than be remorselessly entertained inside political circus arena.
MIP, GPRN/NSCN.
