To be 'homely' or not to have a homeland !
Nagas of Manipur are in a dilemma
New Delhi
Former Manipur Chief Minister Rishang Keishing had said - "Let us live in peace and harmony with the Meiteis".
This statement from a seasoned Tangkhul Naga leader did not make much impact when Rishang was around us. In 2023, after the Meiteis and Kukis clashed, it appeared so statesman-like and visionary.
In 2024 - it appears so prophetic.
The Govt of India has been very firm about certain key demands from Naga militants -
-- No Flag, No separate Constitution and No 'integration' of Nagas areas - that is no Nagalim.
This implies -- the present geography of Manipur state will not be disturbed.
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| Rishang in Parliament premises |
Well, Meiteis would be happy about it. Only recently, the community showed their 'unity of purpose' when a helpless looking former Home Minister and Congress leader, P Chidambaram, had to delete his tweet.
New Delhi is displeased with Neiphiu Rio for his 'Naga integration' remarks at State Assembly 60 years function as such remarks from a powerful BJP ally could destroy Naga-Meitei harmony at difficult times.
Even Naga leaders of Manipur understand this hard fact of life. Old timers say even seasoned Congressman Rishang Keishing understood that and his words of counseling to all stakeholders has been about harmony with the Meiteis.
The bitter truth of 2024 is Nagas of Manipur are in a dilemma. The Kukis are demanding a separate administrative 'homeland'. The Meiteis are furious and are strongly opposing the division of Manipur.
On one hand, Delhi is going cautious. But the Nagas of Manipur now believe their 'time' for real reckoning has come.
The Nagalim was a good dream planted a few decades back. It worked magically as a miracle and even the Kukis were thrashed in the 1990s - both in Nagaland and in Manipur.
But today, things have changed..... water has flown across river Dhansiri and also streams and lakes in Manipur. The 2023 Meitei-Kuki clashes have changed things a lot.
Hence in December 2024, the Nagas of Manipur are apprehensive -- if they miss the bus this time about a 'homeland'; the minimum impact will be they will remain 'aloof' from the ground reality.
The United Naga Council (UNC) is an organisation that has always kept its feet on ground.
Dream merchants from Kohima as well could not influence their road maps and political discourse.
Far off from the wilds of north east, the New Delhi mandarins claim they are keeping an eye on ups and downs, coming and going etc etc.
"We presume protagonists are seeing the other side of the coin.... the handle of the sword is now on the wrong side. Our understanding is the UNC is coming under pressure to share their understanding of the Manipur mess and the community's immediate and long-term fate with the NSCN-IM," suggested an insider.
This implies probably the 'potent' militant organisation - which had taken up the cause of 'greater Nagalim' with all enthusiasm - is now growing "wary" of the tripartite talks being held in Manipur.
In 2023, the Manipur Nagas said - Meiteis are their brothers. It was a smart as well as a very practical stance.
The vigorous campaign that the Hindutva forces were targeting Christians (Kukis) did not cut much ice with the Nagas.
Nevertheless, in the Dimapur region, Deputy Ato Kilonser of NSCN-IM held a meeting with a few important UNC leaders. For the second round of talks soft-spoken former spokesman Rh Raising also joined the deliberations on Dec 2 or 3.
New Delhi analysts say in fact the UNC leaders were summoned by the NSCN-IM. However, this claim could not be confirmed independently.
N G Lorho, President UNC, Varaiyo Shetsang - general secy, Samson Remei, Paul Leo, A. Lorho and President ANSAM, Bruce Rangnmei, reportedly attended the crucial Dimapur meeting with NSCN-IM top guns.
It is also being claimed that the NSCN-IM will oversee the developments related to Tripartite talks and the matters concerning Nagas of Manipur. A committee of key leaders has been set up.
My interaction with Late Rishang Keishing in 2009 for the newspaper 'The Statesman' was quite friendly. To one of my questions, whether he would stick to the 'nationalist agenda' vis-a-vis Naga peace talks, Rishang Keishing - then 89 - almost reprimanded me,
-- "Why should I not? Why doesn't everyone realize that this country, India has given enough to Nagas and other northeastern people".
"If you are saying or doing anything on going outside Indian framework and sovereignty, I will have nothing to do with it. Any solution has to be within the constitutional framework and acceptable to all concerned," he had said.
I knew Rishang had backed 'unity' of Manipur more than once and I should have realised then that some issues often work as the last citadel.
And as the inevitability factor works on; - every citadel has to collapse one day.
ends
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| Blogger in North East |
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