The possible set up of ADCs in Nagaland
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: July 28 2011 -

The Neiphiu Rio government in Nagaland, through a cabinet decision had, in principle, decided to set up Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the border areas of Nagaland which had openly demanded a severing of all ties with Nagaland to form a new state called 'Eastern Frontier'.

These are the areas previously known as the Tuensang area, which much against popular opinion was forcibly incorporated into Nagaland at the time of its inception. Since its open rejection of Naga dominance came to be clear and unmistakable, the very concept of the hastily stitched up 'unique' Naga polity became derailed.

It is to the credit of Chief Minister Rio and his colleagues that within a short period of time they decided to offer setting up of ADCs in this contentious area.

Whether the leaders and the public at large of 'Eastern Frontier' will be placated by the offer, or will they insist on a total snap of relations with Nagaland only future developments can tell.

The point is Rio acted positively and swiftly to a crisis which was laden with the potential of disintegrating Nagaland. Given the decisiveness and the speed in reaching the decision, if 'Eastern Frontier' agrees, the formation of ADCs in that area could also well be speedy and functional.

Should this come out as a truth, then it will come as a rude hammer blow to Manipur's Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh. It has been quite some time since elections to ADCs in Manipur were completed.

But are our ADCs truly functional, the answer is unfortunately no. In fact the government has not stopped crowing over its holding of ADC elections.

Has the government been resting on its laurels while not taking up positive steps to make the ADCs operational? It is upto the government to answer that.

What we know is that if ADCs are formed in Nagaland and if they are functional then it will gravely expose the distrustful nature of the government in Manipur, capable of giving promises but not capable of acting on them.

If such a situation does unfold what could be the consequences for Manipur? This has to be viewed from two perspectives.

Namely, what will be the positive impact on Manipur if ADCs are created in Nagaland. Next, what could the nature of suffering we will have to endure by dilly dallying on the steps to be taken to make our ADCs fully operative.

To simplify the case, the creation of ADCs in Nagaland will act as a permanent leash on the coveting nature of Nagas for other peoples lands. With the inception of ADCs the concept of a greater Nagaland will come loose at the seams.

For many in Manipur, it will also be a realization that the Holy Grail of a greater Nagaland is unachievable.

If arguments continue for separation from Manipur, it can only be conceived to be the product of vileness. As it is even the egg of the 'Naga People's Front' which Neiphiu Rio laid in Senapati will turn out to be a dud.

On the other hand, if the ADCs get to a flying start in Nagaland while we dither and twiddle our thumbs over the effective functioning of our ADCs here in Manipur, then this government will truly have landed us in a soup.

The first charge to be leveled against the Meitei community would be 'They cannot be trusted'. The damage extent will go deeper.

Such an act will only widen the hill-valley rift and politicians will play the advantage of the poor action of the government right to the hilt, and the worst sufferers will be the common folk both in the hills and the valleys.

What should the Manipur government do? There is no need to spell this out, it is self explanatory.

As a society what we can do and say is, for the people of 'Eastern Frontier', if you are seeking more than ADC powers, we empathise with you, however if ADCs should suffice, we say good luck.

We will not be the type of people to instigate others to ask for more. That is not in our nature.