K. Akum Yimchunger
Longtokur Village, Tuensang
The other day I read the article written by Rev.L.Souhie Mhasi on the “TMPO” and the President of the Naga Hoho. As a young writer with little knowledge about the affairs of the TMPO, Naga Hoho, President Etc, I congratulate the Reverend for highlighting some facts on the issues. As a layman, going by his words in the first paragraph wherein he says that “TMPO’s non-participation in Naga Hoho is a reflection of their sentimental resentment against the Naga Hoho’s inclination towards the NSCN-IM’. This is at best, inaccurate. As far as social and civil organizations are concerned, all of them have welcomed the ceasefire and they are working closely together. National objectives in my own understanding have definite goals and therefore, can’t be construed as what the Rev might have opined.
As for the historical developments of the Naga Movement the sequence is all correct to me. The concept leading to formation of the Naga Hoho is also correct. However, why is the genesis of the two social organizations like the TMPO and Naga Hoho not probed into? What are the fundamental differences in their outlook? Are differences because of individual leadership? Social imbalances? Economic disparity? Sense of subjugation? Exploitation? Systematic marginalization or any other factors that might be existing?
Naga Hoho is the umbrella of all Nagas. TMPO is only a social organization fighting for the welfare of the people of Tuensang and Mon. The TMPO has nothing to stand against any national duties and aspirations. Rather, the people of Tuensang and Mon are the people on whom the History of the Nagas shall rest.
A population which encompass almost half of the state geographically with so much differences and preaching Unity and brotherhood is betrayal of social justice. The people of the ‘Free Nagas were reeling under misery and death during the 50’s and 60’s. No Educational institutions were allowed to teach the students. But when Statehood was granted, all of a sudden people from “Not Free Area” amazingly were the big shots. For all deception in the name of freedom the people of Tuensang and Mon are subjugated to the lowest strata of the Nagaland State. The sons and daughters of the Freedom Struggle became outcasts after Statehood. Is this what we fought for? Not even ten people from the whole of Khiamnuingan, Chang,Yimchungrü tribes own a truck. Not even 50 people from Yimchungrü own a jeep, not even ten students will be found doing their Master’s Degree from these tribes. Can we say that all is well within the Nagaland State? Come on, don’t speak lofty and dream delight at the expense of the poor destitute for the faults of their father’s who gave everything for the Nagas. Yimchunger, the first NNC President of the Yimchungrü Region who waged war with the mighty Indian Army knows well about him. Come and visit their home and you’ll wonder “What a different world”. I might be going sentimental and emotional as many readers would feel, but it is reality. Friends and countrymen from other neighboring states – you are subjugated by people of other race, but here in Nagaland, the people of Tuensang and Mon are subjugated by fellow Nagas.
This much is true and I say in all sincerity hoping that we make amends and build Unity in the truest sense. I thank you Reverend.
