Powerful political statement : UNC's take on Sangai Fest
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: November 19, 2012 -
Manipur Sangai Festival 2012'
In issuing the writ that all Nagas should stay away from the upcoming Sangai Festival, the United Naga Council is delivering a powerful political statement.
Perfectly in line with the Alternative Arrangement call, which it has been championing after the Senapati Declaration of the Naga Convention of 2010.
However, in a way this also runs contrary to the spirit and idea in which the UNC came out strongly against the 'disparity' in the allotment of fund for check drawal authority under the State Public Works Department, wherein Chandel, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts were omitted and a 'pittance' was given to Senapati district.
Or on the other hand, the stand of the UNC may be interpreted as taking their stand a notch or two higher.
A clear indication that the pressure tactics propelling the demand for an Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur, pending a final solution to the Indo-Naga talk, can come under different forms and packages.
This time, it is 'boycott the Sangai festival'. From economic blockades to boycotting a festival organised by the State Government, the manner in which the dice has been kept rolling is astounding and interesting.
How the State Government or the State Tourism Department respond to the new development remains to be seen, but it stands that the festival will never be complete without the participation of the Nagas.
A realisation which must have made the UNC issue the writ. With the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur endorsing the stand of the UNC, will the Sangai Festival of 2012 turn out to be some sort of a dud ?
All writs and diktats are issued within the framework of 'fall in line or face the consequences' and there is no reason to believe why the boycott call of the UNC will be any different.
But will staying away from the Sangai Festival help in any way in resolving the vexed Indo-Naga issue is a question that may best be speculative.
From Indo-Naga issue to Manipur-Naga issue.
A new definition of how issues can be turned on its head and given a new identity or pick up a new adversary.
Not at all a healthy development for Manipur and for the people, including the Nagas. To be sure the festival will go ahead as planned and will be celebrated, thereby underlining the point that it is not the Government or its Departments which stand to lose from such a situation, but the people as a whole.
A political statement, it is, but its social implications cannot be lost on anyone. This is the tragedy of Manipur.
When issues are seen and understood as pitting one set of people against another, it does not portend well for anyone at all.
Another reason why those in positions of power and authority to author the political discourse of the land and the people should be sensitive enough to look beyond one's own beliefs and ideologies.
If the UNC is under the impression that making a political statement by boycotting the Sangai Festival is an imperative, then let it end there with boycotting the festival and does not percolate down to the social ties amongst different communities.
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