NPF : Making news both in Nagaland and Manipur - But is the reason good ?
'Cock' is more desirable than Globe even in globalisation era
New Delhi
NPF legislative wing leader Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu has hit headlines in a section of Nagaland media by his statement that the 27-year-old ceasefire between Naga militant groups and the Govt of India should not be extended.
"....The Ceasefire has done more harm than good," says Azo, also elected MLA from Phek and that way is part of the 60-member strong all-party opposition-less government in Nagaland.
He says, "On July 14 at the Political Affairs Committee meeting at CM Neiphiu Rio's office I said frankly, we do not need Ceasefire.... I tell you this Ceasefire is only a licence to extort, licence to harass and license to issue intimidation to people".
Azo also goes to the extent of stating that as an elected MLA and part of the Rio-led administration, he has recommended that the state government should henceforth "object to further extension of ceasefire".
Obviously his words have been taken with a pinch of salt where it all matters.
The Govt of India may find Azo's words too strong and it is some what "impractical" in today's terms and conditions not to extend ceasefire.
But Azo's statement probably puts some pressure on underground leaders and groups.
Most of them if not all are not ready for a situation where the ceasefire would not be extended.
One tried to talk to some sections of underground functionaries. Most of them declined to join the tmissue with the NPF leader stating that will give a legitimacy to what Azo has said.
The argument from these sections is - Azo's suggestion to abrogate the ceasefire and that the underground or "NNW' should go back to original position is an illogical stance by any elected person. They believe abrogating ceasefire without Solution is open invitation to "bloody future".
This section also says - If Azo wanted to be frank he should have pressed for "fastest possible speed" to implement the Agreed Position and Framework Agreement.
One opinion was also that: "Azo should have said I am ready to resign and I have asked Chief Minister to resign and pave the way for early implementation of the Solution pact".
Can Azo, his party NPF and the so called self seeking opposition less goverment really bear the responsibilities of any consequences?
Nagas do not believe in a division of labour under which MLAs will earn crores and underground leaders will have to hop from jungle to jungle - was another refrain.
In Manipur, the NPF state unit has been advocating for holding of district council elections under the 'outdated' Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act of 1971.
The autonomous district and territorial councils exist in four states: Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
The scope, jurisdiction, power, and functions of these councils are outlined in the Sixth Schedule.
The Bodoland Territorial Council, under Article 244-A, states that “Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may, by law, form within the State of Assam an autonomous State comprising (whether wholly or in part) all or any of the tribal areas specified in Part I of the table appended to paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule and create therefor…”.
The Bodoland Council, akin to a state within a state, is the most powerful autonomous council compared to others under Article 244.
The argument being built up is why Nagas of Manipur are not insisting on effective implementation of Article 244 vis-a-vis giving powers to autonomous bodies.
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"The Nagas should consider a similar approach. The tribes of Manipur should abandon any thoughts of empowering the outdated Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act of 1971 through amendments.
This Act will always be at the mercy of the dominant Meitei community, which holds 40 of the 60 legislative seats and dominates the state government.
Under Article 244-A and the Sixth Schedule, the scope, jurisdiction, functions, and powers of autonomous district and territorial councils are enshrined in the Constitution and cannot be easily amended to their disadvantage," says an article in 'Ukhrul Times' penned by Ngaranmi Shimray.
"The tribes of Manipur must decide whether they want to remain at the mercy of the dominant community or free themselves by establishing self-governance enshrined in the Constitution," it further states.
The NPF is northeast India's oldest regional party and second oldest in India after DMK in Tamil Nadu.
But politics has taken different turns and twists over the decades. In more ways than one, it is often stated in different circles today that the NPF is losing out its relevance.
The challenges are not new and are complex.
It appeared very strong in Nagaland as long as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was at the helm.
In 2014 after Rio moved to Delhi as MP, veteran Shurhozelie and T R Zeliang indulged in power politics and that marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Left to him Rio would like to shoulder NPF responsibilities provided he is allowed to be party chief or someone who can 'control' the party fully -- as is the case with the NDPP.
'Cock' is more desirable and prestigious than the Globe even in this era of globalisation.
In 2023 Azo almost became NPF president but he missed the bus because the 'road' itself was taken to a different course by the outgoing party president Shurhozelie.
In Manipur, the NPF befriended Meitei communities by and large and politically is still part of the BJP-led NEDA and NDA (at the centre).
But people of Outer Manipur ensured the defeat of NPF nominee Kachui Timothy Zimik. He was humbled by Congress candidate Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur.
In Nagaland, NPF is only two-member 'weak outfit' in the 60-member House. In 2028, where will NPF stand is an often asked question.
For their part, Azo and also NDPP leaders such as Neiphiu Rio and Chingwang Konyak ought to keep their fingers crossed.
Talk to Supongmeren Jamir -- he will say the Congress is reviving and it may strike gold sooner than later.
ends
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