The 'ban' on NSCN along with United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) came during the time when Late Chandrashekhar was the Prime Minister. This government was supported by the Congress party led by Rajiv Gandhi.
Of course, such a major decision was bound to have a political fallout.
In Nagaland; Vamuzo then ran a government of NPC and Congress party. The coalition was JLP - indeed a brainchild of illustrious S C Jamir.
Hardcore regionalist Vamuzo was close to the likes of Chandrashekhar and George Fernandes (then in Janata Dal) from the days of Emergency. He exploited Jamir's phrase "at the behest" and booted out all Congress ministers.
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| Vamuzo |
The NSCN and the ULFA were 'banned' in 1990. The AGP government in Assam was dismissed and President's Rule imposed. The fallout was political at Kohima.
There was a huge argument between then Chief Minister Vamuzo and Congress stalwart S C Jamir - who had only a few months back brought in non-MLA Vamuzo as the Chief Minister to oust K L Chishi.
The partyless government as Vamuzo and others used to say had perhaps support of 57 MLAs. T A Ngullie and Chubatemjen were unattached and K L Chishi - just ousted could not support such a regime.
Timing was critical and also crucial. The Chandrashekhar government took the decision at a time when Vamuzo was politically 'stronger' having the disqualification of 10 MLAs revoked. This club of 10 also included Neiphiu Rio - the incumbent chief minister of two decades in the state.
The Congress(R) comprising 12 legislators had already merged with the NPC.
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| S C Jamir |
Vamuzo was toying with the idea of booting out all Congress ministers from his ministry.
A tensed Chief Minister Vamuzo used to often walk into the VIP rostrum of the local football ground perhaps to take a pause from politics.
One such evening the fight between him and Jamir had turned quite serious. It actually started in front of Vamuzo's deputy chief minister - in charge of the Finance portfolio - I K Sema (Congress).
An upset Jamir told Vamuzo, --
"You want to do away with the Congress, can anyone survive in Indian politics without Congress? You know, the AGP government was dismissed by your Chandrashekhar government.
But it was done at the behest of Congress".
Sometime later, I asked Jamir whether it was his mistake to use the phrase "at the behest" as Vamuzo made use of it and campaigned aggressively against Congress.
S C Jamir shot back, "I forgot for a while, he (Vamuzo) has problems in his head. He does not understand proper English also".
He was talking about his one of the best friends in the world of Nagaland politics.
Jamir went on. "Do you say, I am lying...Politicians never lie". With great difficulty, I controlled my laughter.
However, the moment Jamir said ... ".... it was done at the behest of Congress"; Vamuzo jumped on this.
Jamir had given him a fantastic escape route. In fact, for a few days since the dismissal of the AGP government and banning of ULFA and NSCN, Vamuzo was under pressure. Some Congress leaders including Pradesh Congress chief Shikiho Sema claimed the centre must have 'consulted' the Vamuzo government before banning the NSCN.
Shikiho was member of Lok Sabha then.
In fact, even about six months later in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections in April 1991, Shikho had told me for an interview for 'The Weekly Journal' (run by J B Jasokie's son Riato) - " I enquired from the Union Home Ministry in Delhi and they said Nagaland Chief Minister Vamuzo was sounded" (about the move to ban NSCN).
I had asked, however, did 'sounded' really mean consulted. Shikiho replied - "It is simple. There were talks between the Union government and the Chief Minister". (Interview published on May 1, 1991)
But the moment Jamir used the phrase "at the behest" with regard to the dismissal of the Mahanta government, Vamuzo knew there was an opportunity.
He retorted sharply at Jamir, "You mean, the AGP government was dismissed at the behest of Congress...you mean both ULFA and NSCN were banned at the behest of Congress. Meaning your party wanted this ban on NSCN".
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| Thenucho |
Table was turned. A smart political operator, I K Sema gauged the mood in the room and told Vamuzo's PA (a south Indian) to type his resignation letter. For a day or two, Vamuzo did not accept I K Sema's resignation.
It was not out of love for IK. A shrewd politician that he was, Vamuzo wanted to keep I K Sema in his ministry - ostensibly because he wanted IK to fight Jamir within the Congress. I K Sema was deputy leader and was a constant pain in the neck for Jamir.
Jokingly, Chubatemjen Ao later called this brinkmanship - "Simple formula, divide Congress and rule".
Next day, Vamuzo was again at the football stadium. I was with then PTI journalist Yanger Thakkar.
We moved close to him and asked, whether I K Sema's exit was final.
Vamuzo gesticulated all his ten fingers and said, "Keep your fingers crossed".
He also added, "I told I K not to resign...but he is master of his soul just as I am mine".
Within a week all Congress ministers were booted out and Vamuzo ultimately formed an 'exclusive' NPC government.
With brother-in-law Thenucho as the Speaker, Vamuzo was confident he could manage future crises.
On the other hand, Jamir was not the type to give up political battles so easily. Again some members were managed for defection and this time Thenucho struck as he disqualified 15 members at a go.
Jamir was left leaking his wounds, angry and furious. A true wounded tiger.
Nagaland Congress state unit office bearers led by president Shikiho Sema smelt a rat and they issued a statement demanding that Jamir has to clarify whether he really said the NSCN was banned 'at the behest of Congress' as claimed by Vamuzo.
The signatories included the likes of K V Pusa, NPCC general secretary.
They met at Rainbow Ezung's residence (opposite Vizol's house near NST premises) and the copy of the letter was passed on to central government, Congress high command and Shikiho's "friends in central agencies".
It was really challenging times for Jamir but all rebels and pradesh Congress could not actually replace him as the Leader of the Opposition.
I K Sema later blamed Hokishe Sema for not backing their move.
ends
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