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.....