Moa Jamir
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) was once the apex body of the Naga people and considered the most radical student bodies in the South Asian region, working not just for the welfare of students, but also for the political and socio-economic rights and aspiration of the Nagas.
However, in recent years, the Federation has taken a murky political turn and State politics have affected the NSF, weakening activism and promoting politicking, commented an article in The Morung Express on the eve of its 26th General Conference on 2015. It concluded by posing whether NSF would indulge in more politicking or take up genuine activism with ‘principled’ leaders thereafter.
Two years down the line, as another confluence approaches, many are still searching for an answer. Such turn of event is unfortunate for a federation, who since its inception, has had been regarded as an anchor, pioneer and playing a pivotal role in betterment and upliftment of Naga society.
As a progeny of conflict zone, from the outset, its activism was foremostly political in nature – a common platform for solidarity and unity among the Nagas, especially the younger generation. However, its activism also encompasses diverse issues ranging from political to socio-economic matters.
But, questions are consistently being raised as to whether the Federation is living in the glorious past – a shadow of its former self. True, it is still overarching and powerful, but increasingly becoming perceptibly irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. In other words, the allegiance to NSF comes mostly by default, not by genuine respect and solidarity it once commanded effortlessly.
Critics are abound, occasionally accusing the Federation of being ‘co-opted’ by State and non-state actors, thereby an extension of ‘powers that be,’ and consequently becoming a tool to either obscure their omission or propagate their commission. Other sees it as a platform for shaping a future career in politics for many.
Consequently, it is seen as being too cautious and politically correct on most issues. Once, it set, dictated and steered the course of an issue. Now, it is considered as a trouble shooter and an insulator for others.
'Selectivism' would best describe the NSF activism at this juncture undermining its credibility and putting it in an existential dilemma. It does not augur well for mass based ‘pan-Naga’ organisation if it is perceived as acting with ‘deafening silence’ on most issues but having a vociferous voice on a specific issue. No doubt, it is not immune to factionalism, tribalism and regional politics inflicting the Naga society.
As the Federation prepares for its 27th Conference under the theme, “Amelioration” – or the act of making something better or improvement - from May 30-June 1 in Chungtia Yimsen village in Mokokchung District, it needs to introspect and bring back its lost ‘mojo.’
Peel the dimensions and layers of politics, NSF’s identity and credibility as an organisation is seriously eroded exposing its varied vulnerabilities. Apart from political arena, the Federation needs to adopt non-partisan approach towards the welfare of the people in general and the student community in particular. Not a ‘co-opter,’ but as a formidable ‘checks and balances’ to ‘powers that be.’
NSF has failed in some issues and has succeeded in others and there are still many issues to be followed up, NSF leaders told media recently. The upcoming conference is the most opportune time for introspection and course correction.
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