Jack T Chakhesang
The Naga Students Federation (NSF) hoisted the Naga National Flag at Parashen in Tseminyu district on March 22 last. It was to commemorate the first hoisting of the same in 1956 by Thongti Chang, Chief of the then Naga Home Guards. The Naga National Council (NNC) led by A.Z. Phizo also founded the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) the same day.
On that historic occasion, Thongti Chang read from the Scriptures: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. The people He has chosen as His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).This was followed by the first Kedhage (President), Khriesaneisa Seyie quoting: “But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed, their sound has gone out to all the ends of the earth” (Romans 10:18). Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) Wheha Rengma encouraged, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). Then the Angh (Governor) of Angami Region, Kruzhalie Peseyie assured “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God Who justifies” (Romans 8:33). Finally, NNC President A.Z. Phizo perorated, “Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6).
Naga national flag
The original Naga National Flag that was first hoisted at Parashen that of the then FGN which was rectangular with a Star of Bethlehem on left top, a rainbow-like curving from bottom left to top upper right in three colours with red on top yellow in middle and green just above a Red Cross on bottom right against a white background. The Star signifies the birth place of the Messiah while the Cross signifies the Crucifixion of Christ glorified by His Resurrection. Lathon Kemp (1924-2021) of Sendenyu village was one of the women who wove the first Naga National Flag.
Now it seems that flags of NPGs have varied six-sided star on top left, same rainbow-like curving but no Cross against blue background and each one claiming theirs as the right flag. The picture which accompanied the news of NSF hoisting the Naga Flag was not very clear in the printing. The question here arises as to which version of the flag did the NSF hoist? The Naga people in general and more importantly the younger generations may like to know why the Cross has been removed and the five-pointed star substituted with a six-pointed star? Are we Jews to have a Star of David which is on Israel’s flag? There can only be one Naga National Flag. In any case, every sports team or various civic organizations and most institutions have their own flags and uniforms plus rules and regulations. As it is, the GoI has accepted in principle, the use of Naga Flag to flutter on significant historical days and on Naga customary institutions. But there can be only One Naga National Flag.
No sovereignty, no integration
Be that as it may, it is now accepted that where Government of India is concerned, there is neither question of Naga sovereignty nor territorial integration of contiguous Naga areas in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. However, Autonomous Regional Territorial Council is to be independently funded by Govt. of India. Regarding contiguous Naga areas in Myanmar, this will have to be pursued at the international level through diplomatic dialogue.
The NSCN (IM) and all the seven Naga Political Groups (NPGs) have their own Yehzabo differing on some clauses. For Naga issue to be fully resolved all these groups have to sit together and sort out differences with the aim for consensus on Yehzabo and Flag. However, only with (independent) Sovereignty will Constitution and Flag assume their proper hierarchy. Nevertheless, they fully understand that whatever dispensations the Government of India will extend to the Naga people will be within the framework of the Indian Constitution. So, the backlash notwithstanding, Minister Temjen Imna Along Longkumer had declared no sovereignty, no integration emphasizing the position of Government of India, for ultimately truth will prevail.
What is of immediate concern is that apparently a proposed Special Economic Development Zone (SEDZ) stretching from Peren to Mon districts to adjust fellow Nagas from Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh seems to be in the pipeline. The question here arises as to why such a proposal? Do our Naga brethren in neighbouring States not have their own land and other assets in their places of origin? There is no such conflict that our brethren in those States have to migrate conveniently into Nagaland State. As it is, we have enough migrants who are already benefitting from the facilities available. Besides, such adjustments will definitely be opposed by the Zeliangrong, Angami, Sema, Rengma Lotha, Ao and Konyak tribes whose ancestral lands would be affected perhaps NOT for the better. These areas are also potentially rich in petroleum, gas, coal, tea, forest, flora and fauna and other natural resources yet to be fully explored and economically exploited.
Catch-22 in reality
All leaders from the public spectrum including Legislators in Nagaland Assembly, the heads of NSCN (IM) and NNPGs, civil society organisation (CSOs), even some personalities, to cite a few, must now fully realize that it is high time to call a spade a spade. Some of them have been harping on clichés that are so worn out that the general common people are fed up of hearing them ad nauseam thus being misled and sometimes confused. Even the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights could have expressed more concern based on its nomenclature. There also need not be any more negative comments on the 16-Point Agreement because we are all partaking of whatever benefits and facilities we can as the 16th State of Indian Union. As Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), sixteenth President of the United States (1861-1865), although assassinated was known as the “Great Emancipator” of Negro slaves said, “You can fool some of the people all the time and all the people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”
Our United Democratic Alliance (UDA) a.k.a. Opposition-less Government of Nagaland keeps reiterating its role as facilitator which is fine and has so far been encouraging. But for how long? To give it the benefit of doubt, let us understand that it is sincere in its intentions. The Government and its administrative machinery assisted by the Police Force and medical fraternity encouraged by the GoI has done as much as possible for the welfare of the people in all sectors as also during the menacing spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is only that due to various twists and turns in the Naga Saga, perhaps a sort of delaying tactics has become the norm and transparency the victim. Our Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has even contemplated general elections at this juncture. But why now since the ensuing general elections to the Legislative Assembly are just a year away and various entities are already preparing for it with slogans like “Clean Election Movement”? Moreover, veteran NPF leader Imkong L. Imchen has suggested President’s Rule (PR) but keeping the Legislative Assembly in suspended animation. PR can be extended every six months up to three years.
Such views tend to suggest a motive to hold on to power directly or indirectly even indefinitely. This leads to the impression that perhaps this mandated Government of ours may be wary of all the irregularities/anomalies in financial matters repeatedly pointed out by the Comptroller and Accountant General (CAG) in its Annual Reports not forgetting whatever salvoes the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has been able to deliver. The Chief Minister who also holds the finance portfolio has announced Rs. 150 crore plus balance for FY 2022-23 but the overall deficit exceeds Rs 2,400 crores because of leftover deficits from previous financial years. Incidentally, most of the present Legislators were elected in previous terms also. Just in case, if a number of our present leaders were to be voted out of power perhaps they worry about becoming targets of the ED, CBI and NIA? Let us hope not.
Meanwhile, let the Core Committee of UDA bring the representatives of NSCN (IM) and NPGs to arrive at a consensus regarding sorting out whatever differences and conclude its facilitating process without delay so that our elected leaders can carry on their urgent day to day activities for their electorate and for which they have been entrusted. In the process Government of India headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which has fast-forwarded Look East to Act East policy, and our Naga National leaders inked a historic solution which will be better than nothing pending further development and progress with peace as the security guarantee. Nevertheless, be not surprised if this expected inking may be delayed till after general elections to Nagaland Legislative Assembly in early 2023. Moreover, do not really be surprised if this hope is further extended till after the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. As the Scriptures reiterate, delays in expectations should not be construed as denials of prayer; it will depend on the overall India’s political scenario. Still, let us fervently pray for unity in the Naga family and have faith that the Prime Minister who expresses much affection in words and deeds for the North-East Region will press the Green Signal at the earliest.
A time for everything
Every day is today between yesterday and tomorrow and so is the focal time between the past and the future. Only we, the people at present can rectify the cons of the past and ensure the pros of the future provided we consider things honestly and armed with the confidence in courage of conviction go all out to voice our stand for better change and positive action in our daily lives and open a new frontier. For we shall reap whatever we sow. “All we can do is to be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. All of us should eat and drink what we have worked for. It is God’s gift.” (Eccles 3:13). As the preacher emphasized, “To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heaven.” (Eccles 3:1).
