Jack T Chakhesang
The Government of India (GoI) has invited the NSCN-IM to Delhi to “continue the talks’’ as stated by NSCN-IM Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday, Sept. 27. This follows the resumption of talks between former Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) A.K. Mishra NSCN-IM leadership on September 21.
Union Minister Amit Shah had also asked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to “assist’’ and make the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) come to an understanding for an early solution so that peace and development could be accelerated.
There had been “some differences’’ between the Centre and NSCN-IM over “some issues’’ but Rio expressed happiness over resumption of talks after a gap of nearly two years. The issues primarily concern NSCN-IM’s insistence on Naga Flag and Constitution.
NAGA NATIONAL FLAG
The original Naga National Flag was first hoisted at Parashen, Rengma region by Thongi Chang, Chief of the then Naga Home Guards on March 22, 1956. The same day, the Naga National Council (NNC) led by its President A.Z. Phizo, founded the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN).
The rectangular Naga National Flag has a rainbow-like figure curving from bottom left to top upper right in three colours with red on top, yellow in middle and green just above a Cross at bottom right against a white background.
Today we see different flags used by our various Naga National political Groups each claiming theirs as the genuine one---albeit without the Cross and the five-pointed star has been replaced by variations of a six-pointed star against a blue background! (Are we Jews to have a Star of David which is also in Israel’s flag?). I have three different coloured versions of said flags in addition to the original.
As such, the Naga people in general and more importantly the younger generations have every right to know why? For just as there has to be One Solution, there can only be One Naga National Flag. In this context, the NSCN-IM and NNPGs have to sit together and come to a consensus minor or major notwithstanding. They have to always keep in mind that personal views and interests are kept aside in the overall interests of the whole Naga Nation. If not, the GoI may also not be accommodating as the NSCN-IM version of its Flag may not be agreeable to the NNPGs, or even majority of Nagas for that matter.
It may also be mentioned here that practically every organisation/society has its motto/theme and even its own flag vis-a-vis schools, colleges, sports teams and for that matter all political parties have their own flags and constitution/rules and regulations. In the USA for example, each State has its own flower, animal, bird even flag in addition to the Star - Spangled Banner.
CONSTITUTION
Each of our Naga National entities has its own Yehzabo (Constitution). So when the NSCN-IM and NNPGs sit together, this matter must also be resolved among them. They have to be in consensus again. NSCN-IM cannot claim that its Constitution alone can benefit the Nagas. As far as can be ascertained, the NNPGs have not made their Yehzabo as a contentious issue with GoI. In fact, they more or less are willing to be accommodated within Indian Constitution. So also do some leaders of NSCN-IM.
GOVT OF INDIA’S STAND
Territorial integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas in neighbouring States of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is out of question as far as those governments are concerned so also the GoI. Political leaders of these States have even declared that they would cede “not even an inch’’ of land to the proposed new Naga dimension. What these leaders should do instead is to ensure that their majority communities DON’T encroach on Naga areas in their States and also resolve border issues peacefully and amicably unlike the unfortunate shootout between police forces of Assam and Mizoram. In any case, some measure of law must be passed or amended to protect the land and hills and natural resources of our Naga brethren in those states and implemented forthwith. As regards our brethren in contiguous North Myanmar, diplomacy through dialogue has to be pursued accordingly.
From this it follows that sovereignty for Nagas is not on the table for negotiations at the moment. In an earlier write-up “For Naga Unity in Consensus’’ which appeared in local papers on August 21, 2021, I had stated that two neighbouring countries are independent nations with their own sovereignty which literally means supreme and independent political authority. So why is the repetition on Shared Sovereignty by NSCN-IM? This needs further specific clarification and/or elaboration.
However, GoI may consider if what is non-negotiable for now could be put on hold post inking of solution which is eagerly awaited.
OTHER NSCN-IM DEMANDS
One thing is absolutely clear and that is Intangki Reserved Forest cannot be just given away to the NSCN-IM because it is within Nagaland and would be opposed by the Zeliangrongs in particular and most other Naga tribes. Our state government has official legal guardianship over the reserved forest but from its seeming lackadaisical attitude it probably is considering otherwise like pandering to the demand of NSCN-IM for exclusive rights which may become an explosive issue if not dealt with in a subtle and timely manner.
Another factor of concern is the proposed Pan Naga Hoho of NSCN-IM which envisages having overall influence/authority of practically every aspect of the new Naga dimension. This is not feasible until and unless matters regarding territorial integration, Flag, Constitution and shared sovereignty are dealt with first. Some other demands are yet to be publicized which is intriguing.
WHY DECRY PAST PACTS?
Time and again, genuine personalities and organisations criticize the failure of the 16-Point Agreement of 1960 which came about because of the untiring efforts of concerned leaders who formed the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) to alleviate the sufferings of the Nagas especially in the rural areas due to operations of the Indian army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and the then Assam Police.
In fact, this led to incorporation of Article 371(A) in the Constitution of India. Thus Nagaland became the 16th of the Indian Union. To cut to the chase, hostilities between the Indian security forces and Naga Army variously described as hostiles and insurgents escalated but the latter proved their prowess in guerrilla warfare. It may also not be an exaggeration to say that the Indian Army eventually established a Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare (CIJW) School in Vairangte, Mizoram. No need to detail here the horrors of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers act, 1958 as they are well documented. The act is still in force. But with statehood, Nagaland was given the chance to advance with development and progress.
Eventually, subsequent clauses were added to Article 371 and the States of Manipur and Meghalaya also came into being. So, why we have not advanced as we should have gives us valid reasons to retrospect. Then we must introspect and speak out boldly and also get into action to ensure authorities concerned are held accountable by law for whatever lapses and further laud them for whatever progress they have sustained. Yes, physically we are supposed to be brave but do we have the moral courage to ensure good governance?
Recently, the Naga Students Federation (NSF) made some comments about the 16-point agreement. But do they ever ponder that because of Nagaland’s statehood through efforts of NPC, we all including national workers are enjoying whatever conveniences we can muster? As a well wisher, I personally appreciate that many NSF office bearers have gone on to shine in various professions including politics. In fact, some have become Ministers, MLAs and Assembly Speakers. Even now, former office bearers are Legislators in the current Assembly.
Here’s to suggest that whilst involvement in affairs of public concern, NSF should also look more into the grievances of students all over the State like shoddy school infrastructure, proxy and/or absentee teachers, payments of stipends/scholarships etc. All students, girls as well as boys are the future leaders and respectable citizens of our society and we trust them to continue to sustain our identity and history or Naga Saga, in fact. In this context NSF can play a vital role.
POST RAVI SCENARIO
When Governor R. N. Ravi who was also interlocutor was transferred as Governor to Tamil Nadu some quarters were jubilant. He also had some differences with the NSCN-IM collective leadership. Others felt that he acted more like the Opposition in reminding the Chief Minister about the many cases of corruption at various levels of government and take necessary action. He even pointed out that Rio seemed to be more inclined towards a certain entity. However, senior NPF leader Imkong L. Imchen stated that Ravi could not understand the “dynamics’’ of Naga politics.
With due respects, NPCC President K Therie has slammed the Opposition-less Government being formed to loot the State’s treasury. A cartoon “This is it’’ depicts someone (Minister?) sitting behind a large desk and facing two colleagues sitting on smaller chairs. The caption reads: “Look, we’re all in the same Govt. so let’s know how to share too.’’
Now it remains to be seen whether newly inducted interlocutor Mishra will reiterate Ravi’s suggestion that Naga Flag and Constitution could be addressed post solution but rejected by NSCN-IM. If not, what option is left for inking the final solution? This gives rise to speculations that the United Democratic Alliance which is also Opposition-less Government comprising many veteran politicians may be having some other agenda up its sleeve.
Be that as it may, be not surprised if inking of solution is delayed due to the ensuing general elections to the Manipur Legislative Assembly slated for early 2022. The BJP-led State has four NPF Naga Legislators including two Ministers. The results will indicate the position of the BJP.
This leaves one to wonder that following the results of elections in Manipur, whether some reasons might yet be cited to delay the final inking to Naga solution till after elections to Nagaland Legislative Assembly slated for early 2023. And then, who knows the final inking might yet be delayed till general elections to the Lok Sabha in 2024. In such a scenario, Heaven forbid, the Naga Saga might take a new turn depending on the results. Our only hope is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to resolve the Naga imbroglio at the earliest.
Therefore, let us fervently pray and believe that Almighty God will bestow his forgiveness and grace for our long suffering desire to live in peace and develop according to our capabilities.
Kuknalim.
