Leader must lead

By Heigrujam Nabashyam *

Issues and problems are phenomena associated with the human beings. It could probably have evolved along with the evolution of the human species. In the Hindu mythological epic the Mahabharat, we are told by the professional story tellers of Manipur that before the beginning of the Mahayudh, the Kurukhetra - the World War, fought between the good and the bad, Duryadhon, the Paapi, the sinner, the prince of the Kourav, who was all powerful, swore not to part with or give "Yettoom Matonda Pukpa Lum Phaoba Piroi" – even the land measured by the tip of a needle to the Pandavs, his cousins.

Sometime ago I just could not help myself but laugh to see the statement of the Chief Minister, in connection with a land encroachment case by Nagaland telling the same monologue of Duryadhon aforementioned.

I remember how the Chief Minister while on an inspection tour in connection with a land acquisition case reacted when some local tribal women and children attacked him in the presence of his security, throwing clod of earth to him suspecting that he would grab their land on a hillock – a shock in the life of the Chief Minister of the state!

It is not my intention to make any point on the land encroachment case. What makes me write is the way CM Ibobi had shown his love of Manipur, and his method of solving problems. The matter could have probably been sorted out amicably between the two government of Manipur and Nagaland.

The Chief Minister of Manipur could well follow up the matter with his Nagaland counterpart and if necessary take him into confidence to resolve the matter. Writing letters to the Union Government or trying to involve it should come after the two governments could not settle the issue between them.

In the aftermath of June 18, 2001 then Chief Minister of Nagaland S.C. Jamir, told the writer – then s/s spokesman of UCM (United Committee Manipur), "What happen to your government? No one has asked me anything. Don't they need my help?", expressing concern of the volatile situation on his doorstep created by the indefinite economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) on the national highways after the NDA government unilaterally withdrew the contentious expression "without territorial limits" from the Bangkok Declaration of the Govt. of India and the NSCN(IM) on June 14, 2001.

Appeals from different quarters to the UNC to end the indefinite economic blockade went unheeded. The long hardships of the people provoked counter blockade. The State police force was paralyzed. The army and the central paramilitary forces remained amazingly silent. It was in that juncture that the UCM turned to S.C. Jamir to draw his personal attention to ensure safety of the drivers and the trucks which were stranded in Nagaland. Because at that point of time, any casualty to the drivers could ignite a violent clash between the tensed up communities in Manipur and elsewhere in the region.

Chief Minister Jamir was graceful and assured the UCM foolproof security for the drivers and the trucks. Nothing untoward happened. And that was the leadearship of Shri S.C. Jamir. On the part of the Manipur government which was under President Rule, no initiative or step to end the blockade was noticed. In fact, the government was playing brinkmanship which was too uncivilized and totally unacceptable. And I did condemn the PR government for that uncivilized act.

Those were trying times. The credibility of the elected leaders was reduced to nil. But UCM was very lucky to steer clear Manipur from the precarious situation. It would be unfair and incomplete if I do not mention and put on record the contribution of Mr. Vero - the name I do not forget, the then President of Naga Hoho, the apex body of the Naga organizations in resolving the crisis. It was sometime before June 18, 2001 that I came in contact or rather I caught hold of Mr. Vero on phone and by phone only. I have not met him till today and our voice on the phone was our only recognition. It was during a crisis involving some Manipur drivers in Nagaland that I got in contact with him.

Mr. Vero, who had a soft but deep voice, was quite understanding of the issues and problems which Manipur and Nagaland used to share. Whenever necessary I used to ask his cooperation. And he was helpful.

After that fateful day of June 18 and especially after the imposition of the indefinite economic blockade by the UNC I used to call Mr. Vero up whenever I felt necessary and asked him to see if he could do something to help maintain civility in the region. Ultimately when counter blockade suddenly raised the temperature I told him in quite strong words that unless the UNC did come to senses things might go out of hands and the UNC would be responsible. Mr. Vero understood my concern and the volatile situation as well.

That day, Mr. Vero told me he would call a meeting with the UNC at Kohima the next day and he would see what he could do to resolve the crisis. But, one thing he made clear to me was, there was no official communication between the UNC and the UCM and nothing should come out of it in the media. I understood his predicament and I agreed with him because whatever he and I were doing was in the interest, of the public of the region and of Manipur – but now I believe he would not mind.

Two days after, the UNC lifted the blockade "on the advice of the Naga Hoho". The crisis was resolved. Someone said, "a Naga Keeps his words" and Mr. Vero kept his words. I had respect for him. And he deserved our recognition and appreciation.

Resolving issues and problems is not about talking tough. It is about understanding one's own position and the stake involved. It is about understanding the adversary. It is about diplomacy. It is about finding avenues. It is about how much one can forgo one's interests. It is about the courage to come to terms with the most adverse conditions, and, etc.

A public leader with great responsibility is expected to be statesmanlike while dealing in public. And more so, for a chief minister of a problematic state like Manipur it is all the more desired. In the ongoing employees strike the proclaimed reason of the government vis-à-vis the JAC, not to concede the demands lacks reason. If the government has to win the tussle, win it but do not always make the public pay for the ineptitude of the government. Making mockery etc. of employees is not in good taste.