Strengthening Ching-tam tie

By C. Doungel *

It is said that history makes a man wise. This would be true where people look into the facts and view in true perspective without any deviation. We have however seen that economic interpretation by Karl Marx had chartered history to quite a different course in large parts of the world bringing about violent social upheavals and revolutions.

Another theory emphasising on racial superiority resulted in the rise of fascism through absolute dictatorships. Other revolutionary ideas that swept through the world during the last few centuries, also brought about national and ethnic awakenings. Such waves of national awakenings first swept through Europe, particularly the balkans and for that reason, the term balkanisation is now used when existing countries break up and new nations states are formed.

In smaller scale, big countries like India also get affected by pressures due to assertion of regional-subnational and ethnic groups. The end of British, French and Portuguese etc colonial rules also brought great changes in the political map of South Asia. India's Northeast was also affected. The problem here is more of sub-national movements as well as preservation of identities. There were three States i.e. Assam, Manipur and Tripura before India's independence.

Because of strong freedom movement led by A.Z. Phizo, Assam was truncated and Nagaland State was created by amalgamating erstwhile Naga Hills and Tuensang division of NEFA, followed later on by Meghalaya, and Mizoram. When the constitution of India was adopted, special provision for District Councils under Sixth Schedule was kept for the hill areas of Assam which enjoyed enormous autonomy. This continues even now.

Manipur, Tripura and Arunachal were also conferred statehood as a part of Northeast reorganisation in 1972. In consultation with Kuki National Assembly and Tangkhul Long President as also other hill leaders, six District Councils were constituted under Manipur Autonomous District Council Act 1971. In line with the policy of decentralisation and establishment of local self-Governments, democratic institutions like Panchayat in the Valley and District Councils in the hills are the natural outcome.

It is worth recalling here that there always was a dichotomy in the administration of hills and valley. This necessitated making a provision under 371 C of the Constitution of India for formation of Hills areas Committee. The same even provides for Governor and the Union Government's intervention should such a need arise. This is so because of tremendous autonomy the hills people enjoyed all along.

In fact, direct rule of the King was in the Valley and the hills people (tribals) were left undisturbed to govern themselves in their traditional way. There was more day to day contact with Naga tribes. As per records, some Naga tribes were traditionally a part of the palace establishment for some specific jobs or some were engaged seasonally to construct irrigation canals of supply timber etc. As far as Kukis are concerned, they mostly provided fighting forces as and when required.

Nagas or Kukis live in their own land without anybody challenging them. In olden days, even one village used to fight against another and only those who can hold their ground survive. Every village was a unit and the question of some people allowing others to settle in their areas did not arise. The hill tribes did acknowledge that the Raja was a bigger sovereign and accept his suzereinty. On special occasions like mera-haochongba or during other visits to the palace, there used to be exchange of gifts.

No tax/even annual tributes on the hill tribes, which is the hallmark of any rulers control over his subjects, were imposed. The hill tribes governed themselves in their own way and the king personally handled their affairs. Preserving this tradition, the Britishers made the king President of Manipur State Durbar but at the same time made a British ICS officer Vice-President who independently handled the administration of hill areas, and could make direct report if need be, to the Political Agent.

There was also a separate hill bench court. The degree of autonomy enjoyed by the hill tribes was far greater than those provided under the sixth schedule of the constitution about which the State Government seem to have reservation. Though so much lip service is paid to Manipur being one, the hiatus between preaching and practice, between sermon and solution is enormous.

Either with regards to autonomy or development, they need to be defined and institutionalised within a structural framework so that they can be translated into action. Meeting the aspiration of hill tribes thus would be a small price to pay for integrity of the State. It is here that drawing lessons from past history is advisable. Even Tripura and Mizoram had created District Councils under Sixth Scheduled and is working very well.

This will check the psychological fragmentation born out of frustration due to pulls in different directions. Most hill people feel that Manipur is equally their home as others and they are ready to defend but aggressive and domineering attitude of majority community pushes them to the zone of despair. Countering these through extreme options available often sharply divided the State into regions defeating the very purpose of harmonious co-existence and sharing the weal and woes of life.

I would also like to add here that holding District Councils elections as soon as possible is very important. Further empowerment of District Councils if existing powers are inadequate, has to go on according to new developments because society is also like a living organism where changes constantly take place. This should not be used to stall election.

Healthy relationship is built on mutual trust and there should not be any suspicion that the same will be used as a stepping stone for disintegrating its territory. It has to be understood that such fundamental issue as territorial integrity is a fait-accompli. The point I want to make is that utilisation of such democratic institutions will rather set in motion debate on burning issues which in its natural course, will go a long way in countering one sided propaganda of extremist groups.

Shouting about integrity without change in mindset and attitude can become counter productive. A more liberal outlook and accommodating approach is the need of the hour. A big hurdle in this is that most politicians are petty minded sans vision and understanding. Therefore, instead of trying to concentrate on governance, personal aggrandisement is considered as the hallmark of success. It suits their purpose as long as they are in control of the spoils and share of the pie.

There is hardly any effort to improve the administration except some firefighting. Further, it is assumed that Ministers are only required to play to the gallery while mundane things like actual maintenance of law and order or implementation of development plans have to be left mostly to bureaucrats/Security forces. It is as if "the world's a stage" as Shakespear had said as far as Manipur now is concerned.

The other disease which is eating into the very vital of our society is corruption. No doubt it is one of the oldest human weaknesses and a worldwide phenomenon. Nevertheless, when the same is patronised by people in the highest authority, there is no way the problem can be tackled and reduced at least. The result is that credibility of Government takes a plunge downwards and justice is the casualty.

Over and above these, we have mediocre minds posing to be most intelligent ones who consider themselves to be the absolute authority in their domain or sphere. Poor governance due to lack of vision and direction and bad law and order situation has driven everything on the verge of collapse. Moral and intellectual bankruptcy has destroyed institutions and the system of administration.

We have not only the worst law and order situation but other systems like education, health care, power grid, water supply etc are crumbling. It is essential to give people living in remote hill areas a sense of belonging. A good administration together with revival of local self Government like Districts Councils will go a long way in bringing about this.