An ultimatum is served to an opponent to fulfil the later demands. In other words it is a threat to the opponent if noncompliant. Conflict and misunderstanding between the two groups of people is parts of human history but at present every government / NGO’s is making great effort to bring peace to any warring societies. Human civilization is moving exceptionally fast and every ethnic group/ community love to live in peace as they recognize the importance of interdependence for development and prosperity. The ultimatum served to Rengma Nagas living in Assam by the so called Mikirs/Karbi People Liberation Tigers (KPLT) is shocking and beyond human tolerance. Such act is unfortunate and unexpected from people like Mikirs who were living peacefully with the Rengma Nagas since generations. The ultimatum by Mikirs/ Karbi People Liberation Tigers (KPLT) is very satirical as no human in sound mind can do so to son of soil. The dogma of KPLT is unacceptable and can be termed as high degree of nuisance in the present world. Since time immemorial, the Rengma Nagas has inhabited the plains of Assam much before the arrival of Ahoms. The Mikirs who were living under the suzerainty of the Jaintia king migrated northwards due to constant harassment by their masters and some group entered Ahom territory for protection. The term ‘Mikir’ has been derived from Rengma dialogue which means ‘burning of body’ as the Mikir’s burned their dead.
Today, just because one community more advanced than the other, one cannot take advantage and twist the history nor can they revise history or serve unnecessary ultimatum to son of soil. As any revolutionary group, KPLT will have their own aims and objectives and I’m afraid this ultimatum is not a part of that. Threatening landlords, going up to the extend of killing the whole community and impose tax is never acceptable. It is beyond modern human imagination of how such an idea is born in civilized leaders mind? Refer to the revolutionary history ahead of us, many strong revolutionary groups has come and gone but none has served such ultimatum to landlord nor have they succeeded. Just like the Mikirs have KPLT, Rengma Nagas also have Rengma Hills Protection Force (RHPF) to protect their rights which has been deprived for long. What authority dose a militant group have over others serving ultimatum to surrender before them? The KPLT should give the reason for taxing the Rengma Nagas in Assam and under what authority they have served the ultimatum. Let us keep in mind that any Government / organisation have the right to tax people if they are living under their protection or inhabiting / cultivating in their land and the same goes with the ultimatum. The Government and NGO’s has condemn immature act of KPLT and has requested them to withdraw ultimatum. This appealed to withdraw ultimatum is not to end the problem but it is a call for paving way for negotiation base on the history which can bring lasting answer to the present conflict. Until the ultimatum is withdraw and both the parties discuss the pros and cons of the problem peace initiative is at stake.
In the modern world, leaders lacking knowledge of their ancient history can make a blunder which may ultimately expose the whole community at stake. It is very unfortunate that the so called KPLT failed to understand “who is who” in the present context and the age old relation of the two communities. Rengma Nagas settled in Assam has taken the right decision by moving out of their village for time being. This movement shouldn’t be misjudged or taken as a witness by any group rather it should be viewed as conflict management. Serving threaths to indigenous people at gun point can never serve the selfish motive of any group. If there is any misunderstanding, it is always wise to bring to negotiation table for mutual benefit. The ultimatum by Mikirs/Karbi militant group to ‘son of soil’ itself is the exposition of the visionless leaders. In the near future, before taking any drastic steps, leaders / policy makers should carefully study their ancestral history. As a matter of fact, Nagas under no circumstance can compromise their history.
Dr. Soyhunlo Seb
Tseminyu Town
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