Samsok Shimray, Ukhrul.
My attention has been drawned by various rejoinders on the boycott of Rev. Dr. Tuisem A Shishak by the Tangkhul Naga Long (Hoho). Interestingly, all of these objections were raised by individuals and a few organizations outside the Tangkhul community. To be honest, the opinions expressed are mostly based on trying to bail out the culprit Tuisem on personal consideration rather than to sympathize with the victimized Tangkhuls. But what is most disturbing is the way some of our well educated individuals have criticized the TNL decision without knowing the ground reality.
Frankly speaking, I had a great reservation over Tuisem’s A Confession, because it condemned the Tangkhul tribe in a whole sale. Secondly, his confession did not mention any of his personal possible short coming except that he was implicated by the sins of his own fellow Tangkhuls. I do not appreciate the ‘holier than thou’ attitude of Tuisem. It is void of truth to say that Tangkhuls are ‘arrogant and disunited’. In fact, if he knew well, Tangkhuls are extremely democratic, which is just the opposite of arrogance. Barring some differences within the Baptist Churches, Tangkhuls are one in belief and faith. We have one Tribal Hoho, one Village Chiefs body, one Women Hoho, one Students’ body, one Youths organization etc. We are also one in our commitment to the Naga national cause and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process. Therefore, it is totally wrong to say Tangkhuls are disunited. Surely Tangkhuls or for that matter no Naga tribe is free from omissions and commissions. But that is not a license for Tuisem to level all sorts of false allegations.
I have been wondering what the Lothas will feel if Father Abraham, in the name of confession, were to publish in the papers that, ‘Lothas are cowards and backbiters’. Or, will it justify if Rev. Dr. Wati or Kari Longchar says,’ ‘Aos are lustful by nature and not trust worthy?’ No, God forbid. It will also be equally not acceptable if Rev. Dr. Shiwoto preach about the entire ‘Sumi community as land grabbers and without principle’. I am sure, Rev. L. Mhasi or Rev. V.K. Nuh will be wrong if they say that, ‘Chakhesangs and Angamis have very blur visions’. Since, all these irresponsible statements are not true and there by tarnish the image of the said communities; the respective Tribal Hoho will have every right to summon the writers for explanation. I thought, judging by the damage that could be done, the punishment could be heavy too. Whether we like it or not, Tangkhuls need Tuisem. Now therefore, I was disturbed as to how the issue could be resolved amicably by the TNL.
I am probably one among the few elderly persons who persuaded the TNL not to take a hasty decision on Rev. Dr. Tuisem A Shishak. Accordingly, he was summoned on 18th August 2007. I was one among the packed house who attended that fateful meeting. The TNL President, with the best of intentions, thoroughly explained of the situation arising out of Tuisem’s statement and urged him to apologize and also to retract it as it is extremely controversial. To everyone’s surprise, Tuisem had the impudence to rather challenge the Tangkhul community to pray and reconsider their decision again. The President counseled him thrice to see to reason and abide by the customary laws as he can even be boycotted for 10 years for the false allegations, wholesale condemnation of the community etc. However, Tuisem insisted that he will listen to God rather than others. At that particular point of time, the emotionally surcharged members of the house began raising voices not to justify. But the President effectively controlled it. It was there that Rev. Dr. JH Thumrah realizes the sentiments of the people being further hurt by Tuisem’s justification and therefore urged him not to go beyond. Later, though with a tinge of sarcastic manner, Tuisem said at last that he is sorry.
TNL President immediately seized this opportunity and convinced the house that Tuisem should be forgiven. Accordingly, Tuisem was told to apologize and retract his statement, A Confession and publish it in the newspapers after duly submitting in written to the TNL before its General Assembly scheduled on 23rd August 2007. In agreement, the house raised up their hands to forgive him provided he fulfills the given conditions. Tuisem too raised up his hand. The meeting ended with benediction pronounced by Rev. Dr. JH. Thumrah. Many people shook hands with the President and Tuisem for resolving the issue in a very cordial manner.
However, in less than two hours, Tuisem betrayed his own commitment and submitted to the TNL his supposedly apology. The paper mentions that the Tangkhul community has negatively reacted to his article that he has written after long prayers. It was not only pure justification but an insult for the third time. Thus, chaired by the TNL President, the 2nd meeting of all the Tangkhul organizations recommended to boycott him for six years. This decision was put up by the TNL Executive in the 23rd August 2007 General Assembly for approval. Accordingly it was approved by consensus.
Those of you who are in defense of Tuisem are suggested to go through the video recording of the proceedings of the meetings for proper knowledge instead of writing anything that comes in your heads. One thing is for sure, that for the Tangkhuls no one is above the community, customary law and the society. Your write ups are directly undermining the office of the TNL and the age old Tangkhul customary practices and thus, it is doing more harm than good for Tuisem and the Nagas in general. Therefore, it is wise that Tuisem is made to realize his follies.
