How Vamuzo exploited Jamir's phrase "at the behest"
New Delhi
The National Socialists Council of Nagaland (NSCN) is in the news, certainly. This is no new occasion in Nagaland or with the Naga life.
But the theme being stressed in this piece is something else. In 1990, the NSCN was 'banned' by the then Chandrashekhar government along with ULFA. The AGP government was dismissed in Assam 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.
Timing is crucial in politics. The Chandrashekhar government took the decision at a time when Vamuzo was politically 'stronger' having the disqualification of 10 MLAs revoked.
The Congress(R) comprising 12 legislators had already merged with the NPC.
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 broke out in front of
Vamuzo's deputy chief minister - in charge of the Finance portfolio - I K Sema.
An upset Jamir told Vamuzo, "You want to do away with 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".
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.
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 say 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".
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 actually wanted to keep I K Sema in his
ministry - ostensibly because he wanted IK to fight Jamir within the Congress.
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.
He 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. Congress pradesh 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 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 for not backing their move.
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 shotback, "I forgot for a while, he (Vamuzo) has problems in his head. He does not understand
proper English also". He was again 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.
ends
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