Sadar Hills District and 'The Dog-in-Manger Policy'

P Gangte *

Hunger strikers demanding for Sadar hills Districthood at Kangpokpi :: August 25 2011 - Pix :: Kamboi

1. As the battle of wit; and brawn surrounding the ongoing demands for Sadar Hills Revenue District continues, the Nagas under the aegis of UNC countered and thundered the stir with an indefinite blockade on the three NHs with effect from 21st Aug, 2011 as on expected line of tit for tat! Meanwhile, civil society groups voiced their concern but not coming forth with a definite decision or call save the demand as justifiable but still consider it inappropriate time to decide!

2. In the context of the situation, some facts and factors are to be peeled off to enable all concerned to look at the problem in a dispassionate manner which may bring about a sagacious and practical solution to pave way for a 'win-win' situation for all instead of remaining in a 'to-be' or 'not-to-be' as it will only spell disastrous consequences.

3. It is a surprise for everybody why the CM is playing his part of a non-starter-stand of 'The Dog-in-Manger-Policy'? Would the past 40 years constitute a 'hasty decision'? Would the resolution taken on the floor of the Assembly duly spiced by the promises of three CMs including a revered Naga CM during this period still constitute a hasty decision? With his rich past experiences gained from weathering through the rough weather of socio-political and economic confrontation, and engagement of militants, and still looking forward for a third term stint at the helm of administration, it is time now for the CM to have the courage and wisdom of Alexander the Great to cut the 'Gordian Knot' once and for all. It would prove that it was more of a case of 'loud sounding nothing'.

4. Despite villainous attempts to poison the minds of people, to the great credit of the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee and the inhabitants at large, the movement retains the fact that this demand is for all inhabitants belonging to various ethnic affiliations including Nagas of the Autonomous District. In fact the Kukis have proved the fact that wherever they live in majority, they always project the image of being cosmopolitan. This fact is not seen in any Naga majority areas will stand as mute testimony.

5. Facts and Factors for Immediate Conversion for a Full-fledged District.

5.1. It is undeniable historical fact that after the subjugation of the Kuki-Rebellion, 1917-19, a host of changes in the structure of administration pertaining to Hill areas, came into being - of these - a hill Office under a Constitution came into existence and located in the Manipur Secretariat, and it was placed under the direct control of the President, Manipur State Durbar as it was taken out of the control of the Maharajah.

5.2. Along with this, following administrative units named Sub-Divisional Offices such as Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, (now Chandel) were created. The Laijang Hqs was changed into Tamenglong Sub-Division. And each of the Sub-Division was manned by officers of the Assam Civil Services.

5.3. Imphal being a District of Assam then, areas not so far covered by the new administrative units were clubbed under the Special Administrative District Area Region (SADAR HILS). After many years later, we see creation of new districts such as Imphal East and Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Senapati. All these districts including Ukhrul district have some boundary-lines common with Sadar Hills; and so far there was no problem.

But whenever question of Sadar Hills comes to be considered, such little things which could be settled are given so much of limelight obliterating the real issue and factors that favour grant of full districthood. It is the most unfortunate dealing. We expected our Naga- brotherhood to say, "Grant them districthood but take care of the Naga villagers." Whatever is said and claimed, we are dealing with administrative conveniences within the Manipur territory, and not of Naga territory, and hence there should be no question of uncalled for rattling of sabers which do not cut any ice!

5.4 Having shown their unfriendly attitude in a most inhuman and unchristian method, it is all the more pressing for the Government to grant full districthood to Sadar Hills so that what has not been administered and unimplemented policies of the Government of Manipur may be expedited for full implementation. One is reminded of those days of ethnic violence (1992-1996) unleashed by United Naga Council's quit notices spearheaded by Naga Lim Guards duly led by elements of NSCN (IM), making it impossible for the Kukis to avail themselves of the Govt's help led to shift office of the ADC (Addl Dy Commissioner) at Kangpokpi.

5.5. Parliament having passed provisions of the Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District into an Act details of which was published in a Government of India Gazette Notification, dated 31.1.1971 - Sadar Hills was one of the Autonomous districts; and yet it continues to be under the Senapati district is indeed an arrangement which is not only anomalous, but illegal and hypocrisy of the highest order.

5.6. The much vaunted slogan of 'Naga areas' is indeed a foul cry which has no relevance in the grant of districthood of a district, and they must consider themselves, not only as citizens of the same State and country; and being Christians, there seems to be little influence of being good samaritans. It has been said of the Nagas that you can have a good number of individual friends, but when it comes to Naga ethos, they found themselves totally different personality and will bark out with no hesitancy for a 'Dog-in-Manger policy'. What would benefit them for such an attitude?

One is strongly reminded of Pahom who wanted so much of land but when he died while trying so hard for so huge a place, what he found was, a four by six feet grave to bury him in!! They have not learnt the lesson of forgiveness. One South Korean Pastor is reportedly to have said concerning their brethren in North Korea, "Forgive us for not forgiving you!"

5.7. Lastly, it may also be revealed that according to Census 2001, the total population of Senapati stands at 208,408 consisting of 517 villages. Of these, 1,04,674 constitute the population of Sadar Hills alone and the remaining 103, 732 for Senapati. Amongst the hills district population quotient are as below:
CCP - 1,42,518 With 502 villages
UKL -1,09,275 With 222 villages
TML - 86,278 With 124 villages
CDL - 61,341 With 292 villages

You be the judge yourself for fairness.

The 'Me - Decades'

6. The Nagas should not continue to harbour that they are the only ones born with their own 'birth right'. They must know that Senapati district was born out of Sadar Area. Therefore, question of gaining or losing Naga area does not arise. Sadar Hills is an area meant for all kinds of inhabitants - be he a Naga, Kuki, Nepali, Meetei etc. etc. The Nagas should not try to inject their poisonous spirit. Therefore, their raising a slogan of "Not an inch of Naga area will be surrendered" is but hollow. Why play spoil sport by barking on 'Dog-in- Manger' policy?

7. "Men are ready always willing to believe what they wish!" (Julius Caesar). The "Me - Decades" of the Nagas movement has already crossed Diamond Jubilee of Selfishness and we are seeing unreasonable edifice being chipping down! Needless to remind the attempts of the UNC to play the interest of Nagas and Nagas alone ended in burning its own finger! Review its Quit Notices and what benefit, have they brought to the Naga people?

They declared to cut their relation asunder with the Govt of Manipur. Yet, they still are a part of it! They tried to pay taxes to the neighbouring Nagaland State. That too failed. They tried to change the educational system and resulted in dislocating students' career. The result of their serving Quit Notice to the Kukis resulted in killing of over 1000 innocent women and children, men and the aged besides uprooting them from their original places. They did not stop their killing spree on Sunday and inside the church itself in the name of taking vengeance as Christians against the Kukis who were then Non-Christians!

8. We all belong to the perfect Church where imperfect people know a lot of forgiveness. From our previous experience there appears to be no such flow of human sympathy and Christian kindness and love from the Nagas. "The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory is to be gained is not by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart" (EG White).

9. I believe in the saying that "Change is inevitable except from a vending machine" (Robert C. Gallagher). And I also believe in what John A. Simone'(Sr.) who said, "If you are in a bad situation, Don't worry; It will change. If you are in a good situation, Don't worry; it will change".

10. We value a lot of Friendship and Marilyn Webster puts it right when she wrote:
"Friendship is not a big thingit is a million little things.
Friendship is also a bond pulled together by laughter and tears.
Friends are like rainbows - they brighten up your life,
And you can see the beauty that comes after the rain".

11. Let us not claim what is not yours; but let us claim together what is your Pseudo claim only churns up bad blood. Sadar Hills is for the Kukis as much as for Nagas, the Meiteis, the Gurkhas etc. etc. Give what belongs to Sadar Hills and accredit its Revenue Status. If any other to be adjusted, let it be done in peaceful and accommodative atmosphere.

We salute those women who, for the first time, amongst the tribals who pick up the courage to take up this democratic Gandhian weapon of fast unto death.
May they all succeed.