U A Shimray
“Silence is a powerful enemy of social justice,” said Noble laureate Amartya Sen. I have not read Amartya Sen’s latest book, “The Argumentative India,” but the reviewers point out many interesting facets. It mentioned that- more action-oriented political protests and public agitations needed to demand a particular right for the people…when political activism is not accompanied by public discussions and intellectual resources, sooner or later, it runs the risk of losing momentum, spirit and vigour. Also, political activism and critical argumentation should mutually support each other in order to evolve social solidarity and to provide an effective political voice. The “Outlook” editor, Vinod Mehta said, “(w)e are in civilisation of chatters and this ceaseless chattering is good for our soul, sustains our democracy and lighten the mood. Increasingly, these days the argumentative Indian is giving little thought to the quality of words he so eloquently utters. Argument, which presupposes rationality, debate, logic, reason, has given to shouting, name-calling and abuse.”
“Little Thought to the Quality of Words”
Today we talk too much- argue without any substantive-ness, chat-out nothing and abuse it to the worst. We love talking; we like sweet words and also love listening to eloquent speech. In this talking world, language, words and conversation are the natural existence. However, the “art of conversation” is abused in the form of gossiping, rumour, propaganda and hypocrisy. The famous post modernism saying, “Television kills the art of conversation” is now disposable.
We are simply reduced to being mere “gossip loving people”. Our unnecessary talks and argumentative habit creates confusion and propaganda. Every nook and corner of the local tea stalls or hub we found people hovering around and engaging in never ending talks. In such kind of group talking, topics and issues are multiple. For instance, the famous Kallu hotel in Ukhrul town is one such kind (I have written an article regarding Kallu hotel in the local papers. Once again extend my sincere apology to the owner of the hotel for my reference. It is just an analytical depiction).
There is an inherent nature of “the good, the bad and the ugly” in every given society. Such character is inescapable to human nature. Indeed, the argumentative nature gives little thought to the quality of words. Ukhrul is one kind of place that loves argument. People gather early morning and ready for a round of sweet tea. Here, sip sweet tea and talk and gossip till the sun goes down. In this favourite hub, the state’s local papers were the main input. Here, you can criticise, you can insert, you can supplement because there are no rules and everyone is the winner. For heaven sake, forget your so-called “constructive criticism” and “alternative suggestion”. The rule is keep talking and the best eloquent talker(s) is considered the best (don’t believe them…the rule is just listen).
The cohort of this tribe can easily be identified by their conspicuous trademark of black coat, hand with files and diary and constant chewing of betel-nut (Kom-kwa). Watch and listen their debate over rounds of sweet tea. As said, words are limitless. Theories and analytical remarks are constructed as smoothly as the sweet tea flowing down one’s gut and then torn down and discarded like empty glasses strewn all over the table. Thanks to this tribe, now we have invented another modern Naga gossip platform. In this never-ending debate, one can be murdered twice and thrice. A caution, there is no room for mercy, justice, truth and forgiveness. Here, many political issues have been created as well as eliminated, propagandas and rumours crafted.
In the world of gossip, there is little space for appreciation. Of course, there are many good things as well as bad things. The only problem is we undermine the good things and propagate the bad things. Any good things happening in the society is not capitalised on but instead we sow seed of hatred and jealousy. In this argumentative business, appreciation is an “unkind” word.
The growing pattern of propagating propaganda manifests of sick society unable to crawl out of bed. Just hearsay in the corner shop can spread like a wild fire. We really love to create a chain of propaganda without knowing the reality and truth. Truth last, rumour first seems to be the principle in the world of gossipmongers.
Consultation and Understanding
The recent 12th Tangkhul Consultation under the theme of “Uniqueness of the Nagas” organised by Tangkhul Consultation Forum is one important platform for rational interaction and understanding. The two-day deliberation with the Forum’s special selected invitees from social organisations, prominent individual and NGOs and selection of audience was appreciable. However; the interaction is limited to the front chairs. If political activism is not accompanied by public discussions and intellectual resources, sooner it would run the risk of losing momentum. The fact is such debates and discussions strengthen the political cohesiveness and social outlook.
One of the resource persons fervently pointed “the good, the bad and the ugly” of the Tangkhul Naga society. In retrospection, it understands that Tangkhul Nagas are “clever”, which translate as, “quick to understand”. But the translation of the word clever is tinged with “selfishness”. The presenter candidly put Tangkhul as, “critical of everything” and also understands that critical is good for good cause and constructive work. However, in non-apologetic manner the paper states that most of the time it is “critical for destruction”. Also, most of the time, the argument is not based on issues.
The presentation cautioned not to be “hasty in your tongue,” and “Be united and keep our head cool.” No doubt, the statement indicates to our habit of indulging too much in shouting and name-calling things and ceaseless chattering. Today, many of us are too selfish, critical, hasty, emotional, and non-accommodative. These bad things are now being capitalised into an ugly form of propaganda. The good word- appreciation is losing appeal.
Remarks
Ukhrul town is the core centre of the Tangkhul Naga community on the other hand; Ukhrul is synonymous to the Tangkhul Naga society. The good, the bad and the ugly things happening in the town are the image of the Tangkhul Nagas. Also, a home of many Tangkhul Nagas apex social organisations like Tangkhul Naga Long (Tangkhul Hoho), Tangkhul Shanao Long (Women organisation), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (Student Union), et al. The community is counting on them as their undiluted mouthpiece to address the grievances and other common issues. Today, the town is not doing good business. The social supportive system is cracking. Political activism has not been democratised but gives undue importance to individual actions.
The recent social organisations’ boycott of India’s Independence Day, 15th August in Ukhrul is bad timing. As now, the Nagas are having ceasefire and political dialogue with the Government of India. The boycott indicates of non-accommodative spirit. The reason given (transfer of Ukhrul DC) by the social organisations for boycotting Independence Day is very weak. Moreover, such administrative arrangement issue cannot be compared to such celebrations.
Interestingly, it is learned that MoU has been signed between the Government of Manipur and social organisations at TKS Office on 13th August 2005 to suspend the agitation/boycott and agreed that the demand is met within a week. Now, it is understood that MoU is nothing but mockery to betray one another’s signature. In fact, such MoU is a sign of poor political activism, which fail to provide an effective political voice to people. The argumentative Tangkhul Nagas, the mockery is killing good politics. Dear “Leaders” don’t lead to the suicidal path (Otherwise, it would be like Pettigrew’s statement on Tangkhul as, “…elders open to bribery and corruption, gaining a reputation of being the biggest liars and the biggest cowards among all the tribes of the state…” 1922: New York). In this argumentative day out, many “mocking-birds” are watching at Kallu Hotel to kill it.
Last word, sometimes “slip of tongue” is dangerous excuse. It is a high time for the society to practice the Coughlin’s Law. It says, “Don’t talk unless you can improve the silence”.
