Rejoinder to Hills-Valley divide in Manipur or afraid of modernity

R Rungsung *

An article by Dr N Somorendro Singh is good to read and a relevant topic for us to come to know each other and come to better understanding for good of all. Without any compunction I want to give my humble opinion as stated below. Some of his contentions are quoted followed by my reply and questions.

(i) "Demands for 'Alternative Arrangement for Nagas."

(ii) An attempt to receive funds directly from the Centre rather than from Manipur Government.

(iii) From sovereign to alternative indicates weak/unrealistic foundations of this demands.

(iv) Sabotaging, blocking and manipulating democratic and modern processes in the hills etc etc.

To all these, my question one is : Manipur Valley is starving in all fronts. Not a single self-support production exists in plain (called Sana Leipak). All shops/stores are filled by/with outsiders' goods. No minerals plus limited/cornered land and he said funds from Manipur.

1. Government where Imphal has nothing extra thing to give to the hills. What do you want to say?

My answers to the derogational remarks are : We have resources, expert hands to manage our own with the help and guidance from outside Manipur.

2. (i) The artificial fear and other phobia based politics include 'threat to tribal land and rights' .... call for homeland.

(ii). They include political and social elites/middle class in the hills and are mostly afraid of modernity in Manipur and genuine democratic processes.

(iii). They desire to keep traditions as untouchable reflects their fear of losing both traditions and modern privileges.

All charges carry no meaning at all, for, there is no threat to our lands and rights. We are enjoying them to the fullest degree and shall continue to do so with technology in the years to come. We (tribals) are all equal and, as such, no social elites/middle class in the hills. We cherish our traditions. Moreover, we love Hindus/Muslims as per the words that go—"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

My question number two is; It is not we Nagas, but, it is you who is afraid to live alone in Imphal. Why, then, false and unfounded allegations hurled to hillmen? Can you dare invade us?

3. (i) "In contrast to valley, modern, progressive ideas and institutions have been obstructed in the hills.

(ii) King of Manipur welcomed all people.

(iii) Democratisation is working well that include Municipalities, Panchayats, with 33 per cent for women.

(iv) Demands for Sixth-Schedule are meant for status quo of traditional institutions."

It is not, at all, the hill people themselves are obstructing the progressive ideas and institutions, but, the valley people are strangulating the hill and obstructing all norms of hill people's livelihood. Let any hillmen (big or small, rich or small, wise or foolish) in Imphal Valley as he/they wish as the 'Non Resident Nagas' like the 'Non-Resident Indians' in the UK, Canada, Australia and the USA. There are about two lacs (non-residents Indians) Indians origin including NE people in the USA. Any Nagas can do so and happily live in the valley of Manipur. No obligation.

We have, at village level, all inclusive clanwise members without any dispute or fierce/dead or alive contest. We have elected women representatives, students representatives, youth (man & women) representatives among the elective members of all Tangkhuls known as, 'The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) Assembly'. TNL is formed/instituted by democratically elected people. (No tradition).

In this connection, question number three is : Do you have any knowledge about the Sultanate kingdom of BRUNEI, Sandi Arabia, Jordan, Monaco—all traditional forms of Government? All are thriving prosperously and peacefully. Why question Nagas? Manipur had invested tribal welfare funds to the construction of Khuman Lampak Stadium to the tune of Rs 4.5 crores. And you accuse us Tribals? We are smelling and inhaling dusts in sports, etc etc. Would you/or anyone mind if I say; "Stolen and diverted funds are shining in Imphal valley? Your pure guess.

4. "European Union for peaceful co-existence and mutual benefits". He mentioned Nagas are communal/selfish etc. Well no problem.

It seems the writer fails to see the deep meaning and reality of 'European Union' which clearly and distinctly indicates that it is formed by separate and different identical countries/nations having and maintaining its cultures, faiths, livelihood and exchanging goods under union laws and rules. Take the different angles of, Scandinavians, German, French, English, Scottish, Ireland, Poland, Italy, Greek, Spain etc etc.

Likewise, we, Northeastern States can form a union like them without harbouring any ill-will. So my last question (No.4) is : What is the harm of having a separate/alternative arrangement/governance for Nagas? It is not we (Nagas) but you who is afraid and, in fear, adversely pointing accusing finger at us. I hope we become good neighbours as brothers and sisters instead of flinging muds against one another. A day is coming as one sees the silver lining though the sky is cloudy. The skies are not cloudy all days. God bless us all.