Nothing new but different : From the UNC to the TNL
- Sangai Express Editorial :: October 19 , 2013 -

Nothing new but there is a difference. And the interesting part is the difference.

The call to sever ties with the Government of Manipur dates back to the Naga Peoples’ Convention of Senapati held on July 1, 2010 and since then Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur, pending a final settlement to the ongoing talk between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is a term which has served as the rallying point for the Naga frontal organisations under the banner of the United Naga Council.

This is not something new.

What is new and interesting is the Tangkhul Naga Long, reiterating this stand, a stand which has been there since 2010 under the aegis of the United Naga Council.

What makes the new development all that more interesting is the fact that none of the other Naga frontal organisations, such as the Senapati based Naga Peoples’ Organisation or the Chandel Naga Peoples’ Organisation have not raised this point on its own, leaving the job or responsibility of raising this banner to the UNC, the apex body of the Naga frontal organisations in Manipur.

Lest it is mistaken or wrongly interpreted, this is not to say that the TNL has taken a different stand of its own, but the latest development is interesting in more than one way.

Giving more teeth to the demand for an Alternative Arrangement could be one reason and why not, for the TNL represents Ukhrul district, the home of the Tangkhul community, which form a major part of the great Naga family in Manipur.

It is also interesting to note that TNL has raised this point, after the recent election, which had an ample dose of tragedy, in the assassination of a Presidential candidate, Jonathan Kashung by armed persons.

A new leadership, toeing the same line, but with renewed vigour is what can be read into the latest statement that has come from the staple of the TNL.

At least six rounds of talks have been held, but given the nitty gritty of such political engagements, it would not be wrong to say that it is early days yet and it would be hazardous to speculate which way the wind will blow.

However what should be amply clear is that the State Government will not kow tow to the demands for an Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur.

A State within a State or something like this will not go down with any elected Government, which the Government of Manipur is. This much should be clear.

What however should not be brushed aside is the need for not only the State Government but the people as a whole to introspect as to why such a demand has been raised in the first place.

Solely interpreting this as a tactical move of the IM group to save face would be missing the woods for the trees.

It may be this, but it could be something much more. The social divides, that is. History can be extra baggages, adipose if one may add.

But there comes a time when one needs to go back to history and see how things have come to such a pass.

As noted in the earlier editorials of The Sangai Express it is only the UNC which has been clear on what the Alternative Arrangement is all about.

Delhi and Imphal on the other hand have thought it better to hedge around the issue.

Political compulsion or merely taking the easy way out ?

All in all, what the TNL has said is nothing new for it dates back to 2010, but what is interesting is the difference.

The difference, in which the call for AA or to sever ties with the Government of Manipur has been sounded by an organisation other than the UNC.

A reflection of the change in leadership, a need to convey the message that the new leaders of the TNL are intent on taking the matter to a higher plane ?

The last word is yet to be said. Watch this space.