The movement for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ has achieved landmark milestone especially in uniting the region into one collective voice for self determination, self sufficiency, self-respect and dignity. On one hand the movement is rooted in the historical reality of North Eastern Frontier Agency and on the other it is caused by a history of underdevelopment, poverty, suffering, economic depravity, negligence and politics of appeasement. This political quest has made its imprint in the state legislature and is making inroads to the parliament. It has awakened the masses and is hitting hard upon many complacent ‘elite’ Eastern Nagas and indifference of many ‘forward’ Naga tribes. There can be no better ‘timing’ than this.
The movement can be also seen as a vent to alleviate the plight of the common masses. Public sentiment and hope that their aspirations and potentials would be better expressed in a new state is essentially engraved in such a demand. What is most appreciable is the nature in which this political reality is sought through peaceful democratic dialogues and processes and without infringing upon the indigenous brotherhood of Nagas.
A pertinent question in seeking such a political reality is the plausible course towards viable statehood. Equitable governance, economic independence and self sufficiency of the region should be addressed if not ensured while seeking the passage of bill into ‘Frontier Nagaland State Act’. The movement should be all inclusive and comprehensive - involvement of all Nagas in different capacities and strategies to ensure full functionality and competency of governmental departments and all institutions in the region.
Civil society can maintain strict vigilance in the maintenance of existing institutions. Existing infrastructure should be managed and utilized to the fullest possible extent. Strenuous measures should be carried out to make public services fully functional so that services made available to public. This vigilance should also take into account government officials who are otherwise negligent of their duties and responsibilities. Equally pertinent is proper channelization of governmental funds, policies and schemes for infrastructure – transport and communication; education, health, water, electricity, etc. The intelligentsia can conduct inspections of public service sectors and procure information of governmental policies, sanctions, developmental funds and schemes through RTI and monitor their implementation.
Veteran politicians of the region should lead from front by engaging in open political dialogues by using their political references, network and connections at the state, national and international levels. The young politicians should provide back up to the senior politicians and also act as bridge between the locals and the political elites. In all these processes, the common masses can lend a voice and a vote. The rest of the task is to be carried out by few and the foremost responsibility is to deliver the masses from social injustice and economic depravity.
The dawning of new state will give out job avenues for the local masses. However, avenue is no privilege unless the region has professional skill or required qualification to harness such available privileges. What if the region does not have adequately educated youth to take charge of technical positions? What if elites grab power and the privilege of technical jobs pass on to outsiders? What if the new ‘Frontier Nagaland’ farmers continue farmers, poor remain poor, uneducated continue uneducated? What remains to be done is to ensure that the youth of the region are educated adequately so that they avail job avenues and fully shoulder the responsibility of developing a vibrant state.
Dr. Walunir
(Dr. Walunir is a Senior Lecturer at Amity Institute of English Studies and Research, Amity University)
