Issue on territorial integrity of Manipur and Naga political solution

ZK Pahru Pou *

Introduction : Of late, the Nagas 'seems' to have acknowledged the saying "better bend than break" as the once much debated demand for sovereign Naga nation 'appears' to have narrowed down to the formation of a unified homeland (integration of all Naga inhabited areas under one single administration) within the Constitution of India. Unification of all Naga inhabited areas was considered legitimate, non-negotiable and formed the backbone of Indo-Naga talks.

It was perceived that any solution reached but short of this, would not be an honourable solution to the Nagas. The Indian Government 'seems' to have pleased with this idea. A ray of hope beamed through the long hard struggle of the Nagas then.

But India Government has cleverly assigned the task to the Nagas to solve the problem by themselves and refused to tackle the problem together. The Nagas were told to consult the neighbouring State of Nagaland for the integration of all Naga inhabited areas.

The response of the neighbouring State was disheartening if not outrageous. My own State—Manipur, where Meiteis (Manipuris) dominate and rule the hill people rose up in furor creating a hitch to Indo-Naga political talks. How far can the Nagas 'bend' to the pressure put forth by Centre Government and its neighbouring State before it 'breaks' is a million dollar question today.

The Fears of the Meiteis : The modern State of Manipur covers an area of 8,628 sq miles (22,327 sq km). Out of this total area about 700 sq miles (2,238 sq km) constitute the valley and home the Meiteis. The Nagas along with other tribes live in the hill districts (Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel) which were not part of ancient Manipur.

There is a very visible sign among the Meiteis that if unification of all Naga inhabited takes place, then Manipur will be left with just one-fourth of its present size. Hence, the fears and protest.

The Meiteis have their own rights to protect their identity and unique history. It will be at one's own peril to tamper the Meiteis' nationalistic assertion, with a recorded history of triumphs, and defeats dating back to several centuries.

The Meiteis still wanted to regain its lost independence and sovereignty as many of them considered as 'dupe' of its merger into Indian Union. The ancient Manipur did not, however, cover the whole Manipur State as we have today.

Probably it was confined to the valley areas and some areas in Myanmar (Kabaw valley). So the hill people of Manipur live in their own land and not that of Meiteis. Therefore, the Meiteis and Nagas have their own distinct and separate settlement since time immemorial with its unique history and culture.

Similarly the Assamese and Arunachalese have their own unique history which we must acknowledge and show respect. While the Nagas duly recognised their neighbours' unique history and rights and respect them, their neighbours did not reciprocate them in the same manner.

Manipur State Integrity Day : Come June 18, the Meiteis will be observing 'the Great June Uprising' which date the Manipur Government dominated by Meiteis unreasonably declared 'State Integrity Day'. This Declaration has undoubtedly created a huge gap between the majority Meiteis and the minority Nagas of Manipur.

On June 18, 2001, a large mob of Meiteis burned down State-owned buildings and properties worth crores of rupees. 18 innocent Meiteis fell to the bullets who were infuriated to rise up against the extension of Nagas' ceasefire to Manipur. They were being remembered by Meiteis as martyrs who safeguarded the territorial integrity of Manipur.

However, many Nagas in Manipur regarded them as the victims of the few short-sighted meitei leaders who gained fame by fanning hatred card between the Meiteis and the Nagas. The concerned meitei leaders who organised and led this agitation failed to use reason and conscience to settle the problem amicably.

They have recklessly achieved what they want. They have sacrificed the wants and aspirations of the Nagas on the altar of 'territorial integrity' of modern Manipur. Everywhere in the world, where there is no good leader, the common people suffer.

This Uprising of the Meiteis forced the Centre Government to take back its own words about the extension of ceasefire with the NSCN. The phrase 'without territorial limits and beyond Nagaland,' which was a prerequisite to ceasefire declaration, was modified if not completely omitted.

Hence, while the Meiteis observed June 18 as 'the Great June Uprising Day,' (Martyrs Day), many individual Nagas and Organisations in Manipur observed this day as 'Black Day'. The 18 deaths of the Meiteis have overshadowed the blood of thousand Nagas of Manipur who sacrificed their lives for Naga freedom movement. The other neighbouring States encouraged by Meiteis' Uprising and its success denied extension of ceasefire to their respective States.

Infringement on Nagas' Rights : The Nagas in Manipur, never at any point of time, tried to undermine the cause of the Meiteis. We respect their cause. We want them to live a dignified and respectable life with their unique history and distinct culture. While trying to assert their 'rights', it will be wise on the part of the Meiteis not to mix up their cause with that of Nagas as they are doing today.

One needs to accept the fact that Meiteis and Nagas are two distinct nations with its distinct history and culture who live together for centuries. We need to recognise this 'fact' and try to build up a harmonious society.

However, the Meitei rulers (rajahs) and leaders have the tendency to control over and suppress the rights the Nagas for centuries as written records and oral traditions testify to it. This was intensified with the coming of the British whose combined forces attacked Naga villages and forcefully collect taxes.

The supremacy mentality of the Meitei rulers still continues as shown in their concerted effort in opposing the extension of ceasefire to Naga inhabited areas in Manipur. This is infringement on the Nagas' right to self-determination.

The Aspiration of the Nagas : The Meiteis or for that matter the Assamese and Arunachalese, must understand that the Nagas wanted to live as one nation in peace and security as much as they aspired to be. The Nagas being minority in these States are experiencing step-motherly treatment in many ways.

Is maintaining artificial 'territorial boundary' more important than the well-being of people? Many writers, journalists, politicians and law-makers express fears and danger of changing the artificial or rather imaginary boundary of States.

They do not bother much about the welfare and security of minority groups living in these contentious areas. How far is 'territorial integrity' protecting and promoting the welfare of the minority groups?

If the Nagas (minority) and Meiteis (majority) cannot live together within the same State (Manipur) in peace why not give them chance to separate? If the Nagas in Assam cannot live there with peace and security, why not give them chance to integrate into Nagaland?

If the Nagas in Changlang and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh cannot live there with dignity and equal rights, why not give them chance to be integrated into the present Nagaland State if the people living there wished so.

The Nagas living outside of Nagaland State live a very insecure life. They live as 'aliens' in their own land, subjugated by the majority in collaboration with vested politicians and few local elites.

Economically they are poor, politically powerless, socially discriminated and are not recognised as bonafide citizen many a times. The problems faced by these groups are manifold. Government and majority groups never pay heed to their struggle until and unless the issue is made known through some extreme and violent means. This has kept the gun culture alive.

How long will the Nagas (presently outside of Nagaland) continue to suffer like this? There is an immediate need for the Naga leaders to find ways and means to rescue their brothers and sisters who are experiencing step-motherly treatment from the neighbouring States.

Feasible Solution : As a Naga, I would be most happy to see the attainment of Naga's Sovereignty or the unification of all Naga inhabited areas into a single administration. However, New Delhi may not concede to the demand of Naga sovereign nation and similarly our neighbouring States may protect their own territorial integrity at any cost.

Then how do we solve the problem of thousand Nagas who are struggling in the neighbouring States? Can there be solution which will uplift them at the same time not disturbing their neighbours?

Can there be 'solution' through peaceful means where the Nagas will be able to live an honourable life based on their uniqueness of history and situation? I believe there is a solution to every problem.

I would request the concerned authorities and parties (New Delhi, State Govt, Naga nationalists) and various Naga civil organisations to start identifying clearly all the Naga-inhabited areas of the neighbouring States and bring under the Sixth Schedule and form district autonomous councils or regional councils in which the Naga Hoho (the apex civil organisation of the Nagas) would have a say in their running.

The emerging structures could then negotiate their linkages with the present State of Nagaland. This will consolidate the identity of the Naga people presently outside Nagaland. The Naga Hoho can then introduce the common form of administration in all Naga inhabited areas by establishing indigenous forms of governance.

Territorial integrity would thus be preserved but the Naga communities would be united emotionally and would be self-governing within the existing States. Peace and social security can thus be achieved. Economy can be enhanced.

Nagas will be politically empowered to a great extent. Cultural identity and uniqueness of Naga history can be maintained. I feel this kind of solution is feasible and viable to the protracted Naga problem.

Reading the sign of the time it appears to me that it is better for the Nagas to 'bend' with this kind of solution (for the moment) than 'break' with a utopian dream of Sovereignty.