TODAY -

Quantum of freedom: The edge of self determination and need for solution
- Part 1 -

Ramvao L Shimray *



Freedom is an expensive commodity that comes but at a heavy price – blood, tears, toils and sweat being the primary concerns involved, not to elaborate so much as to the industrial, technological and scientific aspects of engagements. And yet, even after having finally achieved its ultimate goal, freedom was alas not so much free as made out to be, with all the assorted conventional rules both man made and natural laws of the globe put together.

Freedom was never free per se but for attainment of an independent slot for its national identity at global level, and all other peripheral interests subsequently fall in line with it. It is manumission for trade and commerce, industrial and scientific advancements, foreign policies and economy programming which ultimately determine the actual strength and power of that nation.

Before we go furthermore, a brief historiographical account of Sikkim state : Prior to April 26, 1975 when Sikkim was an independent kingdom under the monarchy of Chogyal position, it was precisely a story of not only failed administration but absolutely failed on all fronts including its economy.

The Sikkim Congress therefore proposed what appeared to be full integration of Sikkim country with the Indian union of States as a state of India, and therefore called for prompt abolition of the chogyal position (Princely kingdom) for all time to come, because it was an oppressive and undemocratic institution which does no good for that kingdom state.

Accordingly, on May 16, 1975 Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of Indian Union, and Lhendup Dorji became its first head of government (Chief Minister), thus the Chogyal position was permanently abolished, ending the monarchy. But it is an irony that North-Eastern states are mushrooming up for "self determination" at a time when others such as the Khalistan of the Northern India for instance had died down about two decades back and the Dravidar Kazhakam of the South, which had insisted upon for an independent movement at one stage of time had gone into deep slumber long back.

The shooting up of Maoists are of recent phenomenon in the country. But with the turn of 21st century, when the world had become seemingly smaller, it has also considerably swung intolerant on the catchphrase "self determination," thereby giving way to "self governance."

Suicide bomber Jihadis of ISIS, Al Qaeda and Talibans including the rogue nations are monstrous and disastrous elements to the world while they themselves claimed as exercising self determination. The world's view on "self determination" has sharply undergone semantic concept, that the contemporary generations are impelled to rephrase it as "self Extremisms."

Even UN has termed "self determination" as non grata words, best put to oblivion for good of mankind, because it has been severely abused oftentimes by terrorists and rouge nations in the name of self determination. Going back to Sikkim, as we subjectively put to perspective in terms of size, population and power, it is nothing more than nuggets, as Sikkim has a population of just 6,10,557 as per 2011 census and land size of 7096 km (2740 sq miles) i.e. just about half the population of East Timor nation then.

There seemed nothing much to be really envied about, save for its great tourist attraction. But if importance of a country is to be measured by land size and population alone, Vatican city is smallest of all countries in the world with less for than half km (0.44 km) of land size and with a population of only 800 people as per 2012 data and yet it is the richest and most powerful Society or community on earth the world had ever witnessed heretofore, in terms of financial power and other assorted authorities, as both on diplomacy and political aspects, apart from its religious Catholic pools.

Another instance is that of Monaco country which is less than two and half km (2.02 km) land size and its population of 38,400 people. With 30% of its population being Millionaires – giving out non-polluting Industries, having spurred in the late 19th century on Economic development of services, high tourist destination, banking center and recreation center famous for formula one race track and casinos.

Monaco country is known for being tax haven as they have very low business taxes with no income taxes at all. And despite having its own two military units, its defense is entirely vested under the responsibility of France. Size and population of a country is therefore not the only touchstones concerning strength, wealth and power of a country.

Coming closer to freedom of a nation and more appropriately of the Northeast States, particularly on the oft-repeatedly hackneyed story of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks processes – for now between GOI & and almost all factions of Naga national workers. We all know that both Isaac Swu and Th Muivah had not even joined as Naga national workers when Naga achieved independence on August 14, 1947 from the British India.

We also know that NSCN came into existence only on January 31, 1980 after break up with its parent body NNC under the then leadership of Angami Zapu Phizo. The fighters of the then pre- independent Naga national workers did their best with daos, spear, wooden clubs and muzzle loaded guns. Posts independence saw shotguns, 303 rifles, Japan's rifles, some stenguns and limited LM guns.

But sophistication on weaponry of warfare started with the inception of NSCN, bringing resuscitation on the tired and ageing revolutionary lots by introducing AK-47 & M-16 automatics with rocket launchers apart from their already possessed .303 rifles, SLR rifles, LMGs with mortars, grenades etc of the small arms. Even the Indian army began deployment of AK series much after the NSCN had thoroughly used the Vietnam war remnants.

What then is the so called "FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT" of August 3, 2015 all about, following long spell of ceasefire between NSCN(IM) & GOI since 1997, one may ask. It's the core of peace talks structure, resultant to the continuing relay fights between Indian armies (government) and the Naga national workers, consequent upon the latter's intrusion into Naga areas, one may conclude.

Is it another demand for second time independence of the Nagas? No, how many times of independence(s) do a nation need ?

It is virtually a precept towards give and take formula, a goodwill gesture with a view for long lasting peace and viable coexistence between the two entities, one may perceive. Its bound to reach a conducive conclusion and will certainly fructify sooner than later, it's believed.

At such a rife conjecture of negative speculations and amply unwanted heresies doing their rounds, where exactly do we stand in a place of continued discontents and intolerances, that seemed to be constantly evolving its scenarios, which are as reflective as the sea waves, changing its positions every now and then. It would be at this point of time when both people of the hills and valleys may need each other for even more than ever.

"Understanding attitudes" and not "overbearing attitudes" should be the keywords to be focused onto, while trying to comprehend on whatever likes and dislikes in our endeavors for better and firmer relationships among us. The hill people or for that matter the Nagas, will always continue to live in their respective same old places at where they had been, and in the same way people of the valley would also continue to live in their same old areas.

It will continue to be Manipur no matter what, but maybe with a tinge of differences on political and developmental spheres for the betterment of both the people of the hills and valley, one may assume.

To be continued.....




* Ramvao L Shimray wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on April 20 , 2018.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025