Sometimes in history, people who have been blessed with leadership, willfully adopt positions of untruths for selfish considerations. There is no uniformity on what happens to their political career or social standings as a consequence of such falsehood. Some change with time, some fall from grace of good luck, while some succeed in even changing the logical course of history.
At this point in time, in the world of Nagas in Manipur, two Naga politicians, namely Gaikhangam and D.D. Thaisii have joined their comrade Ranjit from the dominant community in maintaining that it is only a handful of individuals who are demanding for alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur by breaking up the state of Manipur. This is blatantly wrong and therefore what they have uttered is a lie. The Peace rally held at Tahamzam (Senapati), where thousands participated most enthusiastically came soon enough after their statements as a providential proof. But the falsehood does not end there. They are themselves Nagas, which has not been denounced as yet and they had been strong advocates of the Naga cause for which they were signatories in documents and Commander of the Naga Limguards, before they became leaders recognised by the State through the electoral process.
Thaisii and Gaikhangam knows that Nagas in Manipur have a strong desire to live with their own brethren elsewhere under a single administrative roof. But immediately they are crying out for an alternative arrangement, where they would be freed from the shackles of the suppressive regime of the communal Government of Manipur. The Government of Manipur and the majority community also knows it. Ibobi knows that Thaisii and Gaikhangam are playacting for their chairs of power and profit. As common people, Thaisii and Gaikhangam were Nagas to the core. Even now, in the corrupting seats of power, somewhere deeper in their selves, they will still be Nagas by blood, sense of identity and social aspiration. They cannot ever be Meities. But how long will this charade go on. How long will this drama continue at great cost of suffering and continued subjugation of their own people. How long will they continue to indulge in this sadistic pleasure, finding value and worth in perverted opposition to the ethos and history of their own people.
We hope they will change their statements and positions, now that the Nagas have proved them wrong and will always do so every single time their rights and aspiration are challenged with falsehood. History will definitely record the events unfolding now and what they stand for today will definitely effect its course.
M. Sapuno
Publicity and
Research Wing
Naga Youth Front
