Founding & former Editor of The Morung Express
addresses at the annual lecture of Arambam Somorendra Trust
Newmai News Network
Imphal | June 10
Founding and former Editor of The Morung Express, Along Longkumer while delivering the 11th Arambam Somerendra Memorial Lecture, 2016 in Imphal on the theme "Framework for a Shared Future: A Way Forward on Democracy, Integration…Peace” has stressed on the need to move to a higher level of understanding – openly discuss ideas and look for innovation, breakthroughs, novelty in addressing the difficulties. "If we can do this – a way out can be found," he said.
The annual lecture is organised by Arambam Somorendra Trust to commemorate the death anniversary of Somorendra, a leading playwright and social visionary of contemporary Manipur. Several intellectuals, scholars and leaders from civil societies were present at the event.
Along spoke at length on the idea of ‘a way forward’ on several pertinent issues that "confront us today in our immediate neighbourhood" and the larger North East Region. He said that the Government of India’s acknowledgment of the unique history and situation of the Nagas is an affirmation of Naga integration.
He also stated that the land that "belongs to the Naga people will belong to them wherever they are and under whatever administrative setup they may come under," adding, "This is the reality. That Nagas of Manipur have been living in Manipur for ages in peaceful co-existence with the other communities, including the Meiteis, this is also a reality we should not forget easily."
He further explained that the demand for ‘Greater Nagalim’ or integration of Naga areas has been a subject of huge public interest as also the subject of intense media and public scrutiny. This topic, he said, is bound to generate renewed interest given the recent ‘Framework Agreement’ that was signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM).
"Right from the time of the Naga National Council (NNC) to the present peace process with the NSCN (IM), Naga integration has been the aspiration of the people,” Along maintained. “Even the 16-Point Agreement, on the basis of which Nagaland State was formed, has a clause called ‘Consolidation of Contiguous Naga Areas’... where the then Naga leaders who were signatories to the agreement...they expressed the view that other Naga inhabiting contiguous areas should be enabled to join the new State (Nagaland). You will understand therefore that there is a basis to the present claims and the position taken by the Naga people on this issue."
He added that the Nagas' case for unification of its contiguous lands for now will have to come through a similar innovation of a cross-border arrangement. “The question now is if Nagas are willing to bargain for such an eventuality, will the people in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh also come half way to support a move to create a non-territorial model.”
Echoing the non-territorial approach of BG Verghese, Along said this is a way forward - on how a ‘non-territorial’ or even ‘cross-border regional’ model can be worked out that best suits the present reality of the Nagas, their neighbours and the working of Indian federalism.
“Can we, therefore, look at a ‘middle-path’ solution in the context of the Naga peace process?” he asked. “Is it possible that without disturbing existing state boundaries, a federal solution through a non-territorial approach can be worked out for the Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India and those Eastern Nagas in Burma?”
Commenting on the peace and order in Manipur, Along said power, politics and aspirations all change with time and it is not an exception to the state and the people who live here. He stated that the fundamental thing that should not change is fraternity and to live in peaceful co-existence, which applies to the Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas. “We need to restore that relationship to live in peace and amity but perhaps in a new political arrangement.”
Maintaining that any discussion on the North East will be incomplete if the Look East Policy of the Government of India is not mentioned, Along added, “Despite the criticisms that may be there I believe that by and large, this policy has the potential to bring both economic benefits and greater integration to the region.”
