New Delhi
The phrase 'Naga history is unique' could be an inspiration from the Sema tribe.
This is being stated more in a lighter vein.
Nagas do not like comparison with others generally, but Semas don't mind it if you make that comparison at the larger level or say the 'world level'.
I had asked this question innocuously to Congress leader Shiikiho Sema. His response was - "Our people like comparison at a large level; not merely northeast or Nagaland. Sometimes you will find our Naga people saying 'so and so is the first Sema achiever' in the world".
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| Jamir: Illustrious Naga veteran |
Shikiho was one character who wanted to be counted among fighters but would not fight.
Huska sumi, a committed regionalist, was always a fighter. He fought Congress fiercely and at times he fought Vamuzo-Vizol group and even floated a separate regional outfit Nagaland People's Party.
Semas are of course dynamic and exuberant in their own style and ground.
Look at N Kitovi Zhimomi of NNPG. He fought it out against Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah in 1988 itself and is still fighting. I had a chance meeting with him in a crowd in Delhi in 2021 and he made his intention clear - "Peace and Solution to our Naga problem are not easy. I know it, and so I am into it, struggling hard to achieve them".
Shikiho's decision to give up fighting in 1993 actually changed the game ultimately in favour of S C Jamir.
This left a lasting impact in Nagaland politics.
The 1993 post-election leadership tussle was the crucial battle, he not only gave in so easily; Shikiho had done
so even without striking a hard bargain with Jamir.
Shikiho's fellow comrades like K V Pusa and Z Lohe were definitely not pleased.
Prime Minister and Congress chief Rao had his own reasons and team and he preferred Hokishe Sema as his first choice for Chief Ministership. Because Chingwang Konyak was state unit Congress president, he also had a fair chance.
Jamir was not naive about all these and so he ensured the defeat of both - Dimapur I and Wakching.
So when the CLP leadership issue came, there was still suspense. Rao or the high command may not allow Jamir an easy cakewalk!
P R Dasmunshi was deputed as AICC observer and he changed his track more than once.
Ultimately, the high command agreed to accept Jamir as the leader provided there was no strong opponent.
Jamir spoke for an hour to Shikiho at the Kohima helipad enlisting his support as they awaited the copter with two other leaders from Delhi.
At the meeting of new legislators, Shikiho easily proposed Jamir's name and the sail was smooth.
This was a crucial strategic and political mistake by Shikiho. Jamir brought in K L Chishi as number 2 and handed him over the Finance portfolio. There were a few more powerful and 'juicy' portfolios but nothing came to Shikiho's kitty.
He was made only a Higher and Technical Education Minister --- essentially a boss for
eight government colleges.
The power portfolio was given to Shikiho only after N I Jamir expired in 1996.
That was a turning point. Jamir strengthened his grip in Congress with the blessings of Sushilkumar Shinde
as AICC general secretary and Neiphiu Rio and Kewekhape Therie were his two most trusted colleagues
in the cabinet. Slowly, they forced the exit of Hokishe Sema and Chingwang Konyak -- first to
Congress (N D Tiwari-Arjun Singh) faction and then to the NDM.
In the long run as NDM and NPC boycotted 1998 assembly elections, Jamir and Congress had a cakewalk in the polls. In the new set up, Neiphiu Rio was number 2 and he was given the portfolio of Home.
While proposing Jamir's name as the leader for CLP (in 1998), Rio had said - "There is no doubt, we all want Shri S C Jamir as the Chief Minister had he been from a larger state like Uttar Pradesh, today, he would be competing for prime minister's post".
Of course, the likes of Neiba Ndang, K Therie and others raised their hands and clapped on the grand occasion.
But a few years later, first, Therie and then Rio rebelled against their mentor Jamir, and the rest is little more than history.
The other day, Jamir in an article blasted Chief Minister Rio and his government.
Rio knows the art of playing it well.
A few days later his response was - “If he (Jamir) wants to put allegations, the burden lies on him to prove. Anyway, I have high regards for him".
ends
"Mr.Dev's knowledge on Nagaland polity over the years is impressive. Have been following his articles lately, and came to know that he had first hand encounter with many Naga politicians of yesteryear." -- from ---- Hachibemo Patton on Facebook
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