A structural analysis
Before we dive into the solution, first we must understand the basic fundamentals of the Naga socio-political structure. Whether we like it or not, we Nagas are still a CONFEDERATION of TRIBAL REPUBLICS comprising of the tribal republics of the Angamis, Sumis, Tangkhuls, Konyaks, Sangtam etc. The decision of the respective tribal republics is the decision within their respective jurisdictions. At this juncture, technically the Naga Hoho can only be a facilitator among the tribal republics and not the federal unit with any authority binding on the respective tribal bodies.
Note the key differences in a federal and confederal types of political systems:
In a federal system(Federation), all the constituent members (Tribal republics) are connected to the central federal body which has some degree of authority over the members of this federation.
In a confederal system(Confederation), all constituent members (Tribal republics) come together in unity but the central body has no authority over the members of this confederation.
Even though the steps taken by CCNTHCO by facilitating and working towards integration is indeed a welcome step and a great effort. However the idea of bandh doesn’t seem to be an agreeable idea considering past eventualities as decided by the respective tribal bodies individually.
Everybody wants integration and solution but the topic of bandh and solution before or after election becoming a debatable issue may not be agreeable to all constituent members of the Naga family.
So who is the leader is another question? Naga Hoho? CCNTHCO? ACAUT? The answer is that technically at this juncture, nobody can lead in a confederation of tribes. One can only facilitate. Naga Hoho, NBCC, CCNTHCO etc all are great facilitators towards arriving at a common objective and a shared vision.
Why do we need solution? We need solution because there is a problem. Now ask yourselves, what is the problem.
If the problem is between the Government of India and the Naga underground groups, and the solution is between them then my write-up stops here.
But if the solution is between Government of India and the Nagas including you and me, then my write-up starts here.
How we answer this question today ‘What is the Problem? What is the Solution?’ will determine our fate and re-write Naga history.
The reality right now is that everyone is interpreting The Solution based on their own vested interests and understanding.
The solution is neither with India, nor in Indian elections. However, seizing the opportunity of elections to highlight the dire need for solution to the Naga issue is a viable tactic to grab the attention of the central government and even the international community to expedite the process of finding a solution, agreeing upon it, signing it & live happily ever after. The coming together of all factions under one roof is unbelievably a dream come true. Wishing & praying NSCN K also integrate with the historic initiative. The idea of integration (Coming together/unity) and a sincere step taken forward to solve our political problems together sounds promising and very encouraging for the lakhs of young Nagas like me.
So before we seek for the solution, let us understand the root cause of the Naga political problem which can be broken down into two parts in order of priority:
1. Problem within the Naga family
2. Problem with India
Note that If we are hasty in solving the second problem, the first problem may even burst into greater complexities, hence it would be a wiser step to expedite(speed up) the former before hastily demanding for the latter.
The fundamental problem lies in the socio-political system which we have ‘adopted’ and not ‘adapted’ All the inter-tribal conflicts, corrupted and unstable local, state Governments emerged because of the virus which was installed into our once stable although hostile yet harmonious and egalitarian(classless, casteless) Naga society.
First the problem within our Naga family must be resolved. The Nagas ourselves are neither here nor there; we are a lost generation and wandering, bouncing off from democratic to socialist ideals and getting trapped in capitalist dreams. We will soon be doomed if this confusion continues.
Nagas are currently unable to adopt neither a sustainable Panchayati Raj (Village councils) nor a stable democratic Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) because we fail to understand that our fundamental socio-political roots emerge from egalitarian tribal republics and can never sustain or grow in a Indian or a Western society based political system. And we also must understand that Tribalism is not a curse if we can actually identify a compatible system suited for our ancient socio-political structure and adapt to it.
I hope that sooner or later, we will all use our intellect to revisit our roots to understand the basic fundamentals of our tribal society which is not compatible with any Democratic, Authoritarian, Totalitarian mixed with Socialist or Capitalist features but realise that we are all rooted in our Constituent Republics based on our villages, clans & tribes. The more we try to create a fusion of Naga society with Indian or Western systems, more confusion will be created which will continue till the day we are wiped out both politically and culturally as indigenous peoples that once inhabited the great mountains which connected the great Indian civilization to the wealthy Asian nations.
What is the Solution?
Architecting an ideal solution to the Naga issue involves a serious academic reasoning to identify the most suitable socio-political system which is compatible to our tribal republics either in the form of a Federation or a Confederation of Tribal Republics then include the ideal features within this framework and present it to GoI by a genuine body, a Council of the Wisest Representatives of all our Tribes and start implementing the vision within the feasible ambit of the Constitution until the time, we as a Federation or Confederation of Naga Tribes mature enough to be able to sustain, grow, prosper and support ourselves.
These are the kind of vision and framework which we the young Nagas anticipate from those representing us at the highest levels and deciding for our future. You must share the framework and the stakehlders involved in our solution, if this is really going to be agreed upon between the Nagas and the Government of India.
Shouting Solution! Solution! without even knowing what the solution is all about will only lead to more confusion and chaos. What we need now is a vision and the masses will not only support but join in wholeheartedly if this vision inspires this generation.
Yanpvuo Kikon
(The author is a Senior Government Advisory Consultant at Ernst & Young(EY), which is a global consultancy firm and is also the founder of ‘The Naga Blog’.)
