For Naga Unity In Consensus

For over a year and half now, there has been a sort of World War raging on Planet Earth with coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) having no distinctions regarding its victims irrespective of nationality and/or status. There is also threat of a third wave. The general media has of course been covering all aspects of it world-wide.

At great risk front line warriors like the scientists, medical teams, police and other security forces fully supported by Governments, Church and civil society orgnisations (CSOs), even individuals are reportedly doing their best and we pray that someone somewhere will eventually find a final vaccine to combat the pandemic ultimately. Meanwhile, we have to live with its variant and strictly follow the necessary protocols of safety as long as the virus is floating and attacking ceaselessly and vigorously.

Many people still do not follow standard operating protocols like keeping two yards distance, wearing face masks, not to speak of regularly sanitising hands and avoiding crowded places. We seem to have accepted the negative things as normal almost everywhere. So we have all the further shortcomings we are now afflicted with including increasing coronavirus infections through contacts from point zero a few months ago. There is no unity in consensus socially or even politically so far.

When we consider all aspects of our everyday life we find so many anomalies, contradictions and the like too numerous to our detriment. Births and deaths, sorrows and joys, good and bad times, tears and laughter are very much part of one’s life and it is up to us as how to deal with them accordingly.

Meanwhile, we are also concerned about our everyday life which must go on and we are beginning to realise the value of what we can make good use of resources in our very own land. Politics, economic, educational and all other aspects of society are taking new directions during this pandemic which ought to benefit us hopefully in the long run. These in spite of portending climate change the world over.

However, the anomalies that abound in our society also indicate our general tendency to disregard civic sense and rule of law. On the wall just below the old MLA hostel in Kohima, there is a graffiti which proclaims: “The difference between Singapore and Nagaland? Civic Sense!”

Present/Current Situation

At this very ongoing moment, the Naga voice as a whole is still yet to be in consensus formally with regard to the resolution of the protracted Indo-Naga issue with Government of India (GoI). The various tribal Hohos and other CSOs have in principle come together in understanding with Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups, State Legislature and the various Church Councils of whichever denominations.

Just a few days ago, even the ruling PDA and Opposition NPF plus two Independents have formed an Opposition-less Govt. labeled “Nagaland United Government’’ purportedly in the interests of expediting the solution of the protracted Indo-Naga issue. Regarding this development certain quarters have alleged the avarice to share in the loaves and fishes before the next political development. Formation of the Core Committee with its five-point resolutions has been described as “delaying tactics’’. The Angami Public Organization has, however, lauded the move. So forth and so on.

Be that as it may, let us have benefit of doubt by hoping that our elected Legislators are essentially honourable and do have the welfare and interests of their constituents at heart and of course, intention to foster peace, development and prosperity and as early as possible bring to pass the decades-long aspirations of the Naga people.

Issues Involved

GoI is emphatic that the Indo-Naga issue has to be settled within framework of the Indian Constitution. Independence is out of question. Also, there will be no territorial integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Of Naga areas in Myanmar, this has international ramifications and so has to be approached at another level.

A Framework Agreement has also been reached with NSCN-IM. However, its Chairman, Q. Tuccu has been insistent that for the sake of exercising flexibility, his group cannot forego the Naga National Flag and Yehzabo (Constitution). These two aspects can be sorted out through accommodating dialogue.  Arguments for and against would be too detailed to include here.

Another point raised by this group is its version of a Pan Naga Hoho which envisages having overall influence in practically all aspects of the Naga Dimension especially without territorial integration and would not be acceptable to the general public. As it is, full details of NSCN(IM)’s Framework Agreement with GoI is yet to be made public so far.

According to Ato Kilonser of GPRN/NSCN, Kitovi Zhimomi who is also Convener of Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has stated that non-declaration of the contents of post solution structure by any group is unacceptable and “secrecy by any entity at this time is a betrayal of people’s trust”.

NSCN-IM’s demand for exclusive rights over Intangki reserved forest compounded by Nagaland Govt.’s inaction in dealing with this is subject to debate and unacceptable to majority of Nagas particularly the Zeliangrongs. It can re-establish its CHQ elsewhere.  

Moreover, NSCN-IM needs to sort out its differences with the Meiteis, Kukis and Zeliangrongs in Manipur and Assam. These need to be ironed out by the powers that be for positive outcome. Both States are ruled in alliance as in the centre and are therefore in a strong position to convince the NSCN-IM to extend and also to receive the olive branch. For that matter, our now Opposition-less Govt. is also an allied one.  

Interlocutor’s Mission

Governor R.N. Ravi is also the Interlocutor representing GoI. His mission while not enviable would ensure his place in Naga history with consequent accolades or criticisms depending on his success or failure.

As it is, he is dealing on three fronts. On the first he has reiterated that the Agreed Position concerning practically all aspects of the Naga dimension had been reached with the NNPGs who in turn have the support of the Tribal Hohos.  That is acceptable insofar as concerning give and take position.

The second front concerns the stand of NSCN-IM being insistent on Naga National Flag, Yehzabo and Pan Naga Hoho. There could be other conditions like “Shared Sovereignty” which needs specific clarification and/or elaboration. For instance, two neighbouring countries are independent nations with their own sovereignty which literally means supreme and independent political authority.  

So, if the Naga imbroglio is to be resolved within Indian constitution, there are two possible ways. One is for Indian Parliament to pass an Act ceding full Independence to the Naga Nation. The other is at most, concede a higher status to the new Naga dimension. The territorial boundaries of Nagaland with neighbouring States can be resolved through dialogue but with certain criteria for our Naga brethren inhabiting contiguous areas in the other States.

It so happens too, that the Interlocutor, as Governor, has some matters to resolve with our Hon’ble Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. These include facilitating the solution with NSCN-IM and NNPGs vis-a-vis GoI as also dealing with the financial irregularities in various departments as pointed out in the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Nagaland.

Governor’s Role  

Article 154 of the Constitution of India vests the executive powers of the State in the Governor who exercises it either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution under Article 163.

Under Article 163, the Governor as constitutional head exercises all powers under the Constitution “on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.” It includes summoning and proroguing the session of State Legislature, Promulgation of Ordinances, giving assent to Bills and appointing the Council of Ministers.

There are certain functions which are possibly to be exercised by the Governor on his/her discretion as sending report to the President under article 256 and reserving Bill for the consideration of the President under Article 254(2).

As regards the Indo-Naga issue he will not make a move until and unless the Council of Ministers conveys to him officially that all Nagaland Legislators, NSCN (IM) and NNPGs are of one accord to ink the way for a new Naga dimension.

However, in the event, Heaven forbid, if any of the entities remains rigid in its stance, the Governor might recommend President’s Rule under article 256 and carry out his mission as per directive of GoI. Or, in a less harsh move the Legislative Assembly may be put in “suspended animation”. This would be more tolerable than having all 60 of our Legislators resigning en masse as has been suggested by some quarters including NPCC President K. Therie.

Unity In Consensus

The Naga Rising has called for Unity for Purpose. May it be added the Need for Naga Unity in Consensus also. The time is ripe since Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to resolve the Naga issue. This has also been reiterated by Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh when he interacted with the media at Kohima a few days ago on Tuesday, August 17.

As such, it is to fervently hope that the “Nagaland United Government”, NSCN-IM and NNPGs thrash out whatever differences in the spirit of give and take in the larger interest of the entire Naga Nation. By all accounts, GoI may be willing to concede if our leaders in general consent to accept say, 80 per cent rather than insist on 100 per cent. In politics things can be resolved with good will also.

All Nagas appreciate the commitment of the national workers be they of the NSCN (IM) and NNPGs for striving and even sacrificing for our Homeland. Herewith it must also be mentioned that almost every Naga family has some relative or the other connected to the various entities. This apart, the general public has been supporting the Naga movement willingly or otherwise, covertly or overtly and unfortunately, there have also been complaints galore of unabated taxation.

Moreover, the general public is engaged in their various day to day activities as government employees or otherwise, earning their livelihoods and this in a deeper sense also defines them as national workers.

Therefore, it is imperative for everyone concerned to unite and bat for a solution putting aside major differences to usher in an era wherein we can devote our energies and talents to sustain the Naga Saga.

To quote British statesman, Sir Winston Churchill, If we open a quarrel between past and present, we shall find that we have lost the future. Initially, this may seem difficult primarily because we Nagas in general in spite of our many fine qualities, tend to avoid committing ourselves for most matters of public concern unless directly affected individually or seemingly benefits others. However, when some sort of solution is imminent, more than many are in the forefront rush to take some credit whatsoever.

It is time our leaders vouch for a statesman who, as the First among Equals, will steer the process without any more delays legitimate or otherwise, for an early solution which must be well before the next general elections to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly slated for early 2023. Failing this, we are most likely going back to square one.

Can Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio rise to this once in a lifetime opportunity?

Not the Least

The Holy Bible states: “Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Our Almighty God, in His Divine way, took some centuries to answer the prayers of the tortured but imperishable ancient Israelites for freedom. Nevertheless, let us fervently pray and believe that the Good Lord will see fit to time now the Unity of all Nagas in Consensus and sequenced ultimate fulfillment of our decades old aspirations.

Kuknalim.

Jack T. Chakhesang