Who makes the town? - Phek district Day celebration diary notes

Nirendra Dev *

Politics often encourages outsourcing, it's like the order of the day. In Nagaland, the BJP has 'outsourced' its affairs largely to its regional partner NDPP; for its part Chingwang Konyak-led outfit has outsourced some of its affairs to well wisher Himanta Biswa Sarma in neighbouring Assam.

We are loving it ! But can friendship be outsourced?

"Norie Vorme?" --- Well, this is not Latin. It's a Tenyimi phrase roughly translated into "You also came?"

The context is December 21st, 2023, Phek town and the venue -- celebration stage of the 50th year of declaration of Phek district. It was a historic occasion -- and a solemn function and a lot of jubilation.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was whispered by one key host Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu that Congress leader Kewekhape Therie is also "behind". An emotional friend that he always is Rio took a turn and shook hands with his old pal. Apparently both told each other -- more in 'eyes' than words -- "Norie Vorme?".

Likes of former minister Zachchilu and former Speaker Z Lohe were also on stage but they might have missed the great opportunity of shaking hands with the successful Tenyimi leader who has held the position of Chief Minister for the last two decades.

Rio did not fail in his duty and in his speech had laudatory words for the Chakhesang community. He recorded appreciation for the likes of N Theyo, M Vero and former Chief Minister Vamuzo. -- with whom he had big political differences.

Rio's fellow compatriot of 1990s - Chubatemjen Ao of NPF - was witness to some episodes. In fact, his entire speech was praising the Chakhesang community and past leaders.He often sounded nostalgic sharing his personal experience in his dealings with Chakhesangs and how they dealt with him and ultimately come up the ladder and survive. Rio also took group photos with the family members of Theyo.

He said the Chakhesang community has come a long way and in 2023-24 --- 60 years since the historic Statehood the 'community' of Chhakros, Khejas and Sangtams have come a long way and are today one of the most progressive communities among the Nagas.

Politically, the Rio-Therie friendship was a kind of legendary tale in Nagaland politics in 1993 and beyond. Therie once hosted dinner for journalists in Kohima those days and all of a sudden Rio had landed into his ministerial bungalow. It was an 'intruding' probably possible only by a good friend. The two leaders were S C Jamir's dedicated lieutenants -- till they developed differences with the boss.

They used to travel together on many occasions including China. In mid-nineties when Chingwang Konyak wanted to contest election from Tehok assembly after sitting NPC MLA T P Manlen expired, Jamir had deputed Rio and Therie to "meet" the then AICC general secretary Sushilkumar Shinde. There could be many such stories and anecdotes to be shared.

The moot point remains both the leaders were bosom friends and they 'developed' political differences in 2005. Since then both have charted on their own respective roads. Philosophically speaking both the 'roads' probably give material expression to the inward classicism of the Nagas. Human beings too often have two souls - one northern and the other southern.

There is yet another anecdote from the Phek district Day celebration -- according to information reaching Delhi. The Chief Minister was in a bit of a hurry as he had to take the chopper flight to Wokha. But one of the organisers -- aware of socio-political sentiment - advised Rio - "Sir, don't miss the feast, it will look odd if you don't have food with our Chakhesang people".

Rio did not disappoint the hosts. Of course politically Rio may not have many 'sincere friends among Angami legislators' -- if the grapevine is to be trusted. In fact, most of his bitter critics/rivals have been the likes of Z Obed, K V Pusa (also a friend one time) and recently even veteran Shurhozelie.

Of course, Rio was overwhelmed to stay beyond time. "We appreciate his gestures. He literally needs our community backup in today's given situation," said one of his admirers.

In contrast to Kohima district Netas, the Phek district has always stuck to him -- in one form or the other. After Therie was eased out of the cabinet and 'friendly embrace' of the Chief Minister', came in - Mr Azo, the legislator from Phek. His rise too was quick and quite phenomenal.

Rio had a 'dedicated minister' in Neiba Kronu and now even Power Minister K G Kenye (Aja) is a neo-loyalist. In fact, the 'Chizami seat' was 'snatched' from BJP's share in 2023 polls leaving sincere political activist Kevechutso Doulo leaking his wounds. And the five MLAs including minister Kenye (Aja) remain loyalists and admirers of Rio.

Even on Dec 21st, they came with the Chief Minister at the venue and "left with the chief minister" --- as the saying goes.

In the post-lunch session no single legislator could be seen in the celebration venue reportedly. Loyalty, friendship and busy schedules often make a good combo giving fodder to journalists to wash the linen in public space.