The Litmus Test

The Ex-Legislators and the sitting Legislators jointly adopted a resolution on 7.12.2017 at Jotsoma not to have election but to have political solution first. The public resolution was adopted by several NGOs and Tribal Hohos on 9.12.2017 at Niathu Resort, Dimapur on the same that no election but solution first. The Nagaland Legislative Assembly Resolution on Naga Political Solution and not Election was adopted on 15.12.2017 too. Those who became part of the above resolutions are now facing litmus test. In other words, we all who became signatories to the resolutions on our preference of solution to election in Nagaland, have placed our integrity to be tested in acid solution and election. The questions being poised to the signatories is whether we adopted these resolutions to be perused in action or for a mere show shedding crocodile’s tear. Whether these resolutions were passed to temporarily please the Naga negotiators? Whether any group of these people have ulterior motive to adopt such resolutions for temporary gains? When we fail to pursue the resolutions, will it not make us a mockery of ourselves and tantamount to self betrayal? In 1952, though GOI wanted Nagas to have Parliamentary election, the Nagas successfully boycotted. The motive of the first election boycott in 1952 was to signify that Nagaland was not part of Indian Union. There was Naga consensus and it was a show of Independence. 1952 boycott was therefore a reaction against annexation. Again, in 1998, except INC the rest of the political parties boycotted the 9th State Assembly elections. However, there was neither Naga consensus nor the status of political negotiation between GOI and NSCN(IM) warranted the boycott. The negotiation was just at its nascent stage of a year and the consensus boycott would not have fetched positive result at that time for the fact that, that very negotiation is yet to achieve conclusion though it is 2 decades old. Quoting a portion of the statement of Naga Hoho(NH) published in Nagaland Page dated 14.1.2018 ‘......cautioned that the Government of India(GOI) would be held responsible in the event of unwanted situations due to failure to defer the election process in Nagaland.’ The NH having concern for political solution is appreciable, and yet I do not agree with the Hoho in warning GOI. Will GOI care if the NH threats? What can be the constitutional mistake of GOI when election is held on time? Therefore, the right approach is to convince the political leadership of India to appreciate our prevailing predicaments and to give more importance to finding political solution before State Assembly election. It is better for NH to think and talk sensibly, rationally and with maturity. Bombastic and shallow talks will neither help the Nagas nor enhance one’s image. Rather this is the challenge we are facing. The metaphor is, the cultivator is having intense praying session at his field hut asking God to enable him to complete his day’s field task. Yet, he has no will power to handle the implements to till the land and he continues to blame God to be arrogant and inconsiderate. In such case, God is considered to be the servant that whatever one prays for should be accomplished without taxing the prayerful believer. Exactly, we the people who adopted the resolutions or threatening GOI are that cultivator. We like GOI to do everything without any sacrifice on our part. Without admitting our weaknesses, we have the tendency to pass the buck to others. The present situation is different from the past scenarios. The negotiations are in progress and I believe the solutions are in the pipeline. At this juncture, it is imperative that we put Naga house in order. Look at what mess we have in our land. Reiterating what I placed in the media earlier, we cannot remain complacent with too many governments with too many authorities confined within the State of Nagaland. What better days await us and what brighter future is in the offing out of the ongoing chaotic revelry? The total haywire can be mitigated by the arrival of political solution. Therefore, how best the Nagas can ensure the smooth passage for successful negotiation is the botheration. After a long spell of suspense and uncertainties, this rare opportunity has come for us by the grace of God. We are required to handle the situation with care, and we cannot afford to allow the opportunity to fizzle out of our hand. The Naga negotiators alone cannot handle the situation without public cooperation and synchronization. I believe everyone’s sacrifice for the expected solution will not be a futile exercise. Whereas, at the moment, there is consensus amongst the Nagas specially the political parties preferring solution. If at all none files nomination despite of the election schedule so announced by ECI, it will definitely give bigger impetus to the process of negotiation. Despite of our factual fragmentation and lost of integrity, such show of unity will have our image recovered to great extent. If not at the moment when shall we project ourselves as a people. Elections will continue to come after every 5 years but not political negotiation. If election is rejected this time, it is not for cessation nor is it anti-India posture. The implication is positive which is good for the Nagas and for the Union of India. It is neither a pride for India to let the Naga political issue remain stagnant, nor prolonging the ongoing negotiation without conclusion can benefit anyone. Finally, let us not blame ECI and GOI when election is announced. The Indian authorities will not force any political party or any individual candidate to file nominations. Therefore the ball is in the court of the Nagas and not GOI. My apprehension is when election schedule is announced, everyone will dishonour those resolutions before its inks get dried. Once again, we will prove ourselves to others that we are a race of not trustworthy.

Z. Lohe