Logical reasoning vis-a-vis agitations and bandhs in Naga areas
Pr Haomei *
5th round of tripartite talk between Central Govt, State Govt and UNC at Senapati in Feb 2013 :: Pix - David M Mayum
Protest, objection or opposition to something is always shown in the form of bandh in this part of the world. It is also undeniably true that we are a bunch of neglected people, how far we have been neglected and deprived of our rights are clearly written everywhere we go. In such a circumstance, it is no wonder that we witnessed frequent bandhs, protests, etc. Bandhs, strikes, protest rally, etc, have been very much a part of our lives as far as we can remember.
Perhaps, somewhere along the line there is a serious defect in our democratic system. Maybe, public grievances redressal system of the government needed thorough evaluation once again. Or, are the public being unreasonable and irrational? I'm afraid this query will dig up an unending tunnel of controversies where we will get lost in a dreamy ganja ride. That's why I'd like to urge everybody, both the government and the governed, to dwell on the most important question: what do we gain or how much we are losing because of all these bandhs? Does Imphal or Delhi really care or bother for us?
With some reservation, I'd say that today's bandhs reeked of violence. Damage of properties, forceful blockade of roads, goods, works, etc, are some of the salient features of bandh. Violence is the most blunt and primitive form of protest. Creative reasoning gets lost once violence erupted. More often than not, bandh evokes violence in the sub-conscious level of the minds of the pack of human-hound.
And where there is violence there is all sort of confusions and disturbances. But who is to be blamed for all the chaos? Greater responsibility lies with the authorities that neglect and provoke its citizen. The onus is on the government to make sure the fences are well maintained and protected to ward off the wolves.
It is difficult to gauge the recent statement of Mr. Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (North East), Ministry of Home Affairs, whether it reflects a deep concern or lackadaisical attitude of the central babus towards what the local people considered as a burning issue. But the blame for any possible unpleasant outcome is waiting at the door of the UNC as indicated by his statement.
At home, our leaders are barking and raving about what seems an indisputable list of rights in principle, but how much ground they have cover in practical reality is yet to see daylight in term of political achievement. Our rights and claims are always overshadowed by divisions and confusions in our society. We have a very rich past, a past where our rights and history were clearly and indisputably etched. But sadly, what we see now in our present society is not something we can be proud of or be happy with. We are already weaken and broken though we don't want to hear or admit it.
The most recent statement of the State's Dy. CM that talks for resolving genuine issues are accepted and welcomed, but any move that would compromise the States interest in any manner will not be accepted, clearly indicated that the so called "interest of the State" doesn't take into account the interest of the Naga community.
So the interest of the State could be equated to the interest of privileged community only, other than that the so called interest of the State doesn't involve the interest of other communities of the State (this point may also be opened to further debate). And on the other hand, the reported threat by the UNC to resume its planned agitation if the outcome of the ensuing talks turns out to be against the collective aspirations of the Naga people: We have been struggling to achieve our demand (Alternative Arrangement) pending the Indo-Naga peace process to restore Nagas’ democratic rights, social and political justice. We will resort to carry out all possible agitation in a democratic manner till our legitimate demand is achieved" is an obvious cue to more bandh and agitation in queue.
For a State that is restricted from free movement and works for more or less hundred days in a year, it can be entered in the world record as one of the great wonders of the world that its people are still breathing, living and thriving. As if the apathy of the government towards the welfare of the people is not enough, what is the logic behind restriction imposed on the common people of the State when bandh doesn't really affect the government at large except the ordinary people.
Usually, bandh affects only the daily bread earner, government functionaries often carry on their affairs without any hindrance under the cover of heavy security. So what effect has bandh on the government when even bandh for months at a stretch doesn't yield anything for the people? Is bandh a harbinger of solution or a burden? Has any leader sincerely consider how the common man reads bandh?
Frankly speaking, common people considered it as a burden imposed upon them no matter how much justifiable the agitations or bandhs are. It is time all our leaders deeply consider the economy and lives of the common people. After all, in the end, it is the common people who are at stake.
The quest for alternative arrangement for Nagas of Manipur despite its nobility has cost the people of the State especially the Nagas a lot. It is not to say that we must drop it, rather, we must look deeper for a more practical approach to find a solution like the Manipuri saying: Cheisu tektaba Linsu siba. We must learn to view our issue from different angles too.
For instance, the conspicuously cold shoulder of Nagas (NTC & Co) shown towards Nagas from outside Nagaland is not something to be hopeful about; definitely, we're not welcome in their midst. So, the big question is where do our hope for AA lies, do we hope to merge with Nagaland where we are not welcome, or, shall we hope for secession from Manipur without merging into other State, or better still, should we look for a greater autonomy of Autonomous District Council?
It can't be guaranteed that vain sacrifices like that of the failed move to affiliate to Nagaland Board will not happen again. The political statement or official declaration of UNC to sever ties with Manipur government is a total farce, with the Naga people and its leaders still depending on the State government for reasons that are obvious to everyone.
The wit and wisdom of the highly advanced, cultured and seasoned Indian babus combined with their might pitted against ours is something our leaders should not lightly brag about but learn to respect and tread carefully lest we stumble in the end.
In these light, it is appealed that political gimmick that are void of any practicability and logical reasoning should not be conjured up at the snap of a finger mindless of how much the common people are suffering and being deprived of progressive development. And it is also high time the Government sincerely consider the plight of the less fortunate people and resolve the long pending issue to salvage the unfortunate Nagas who are committing economic suicide through countless bandhs and agitations.
* Pr Haomei wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao (English EditioN)
The writer can be contacted at voice(doT)of(doT)haomei(at)gmail(doT)com
This article was posted on February 01 , 2014.
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