"We should be concerned about Naga mentality and love for guns"
Logic and Wisdom : 'Kohima system' getting sucked into a whirlwind
New Delhi
This time, the 'system' went beyond lip-service. It made a push to redefine the basic narratives of Naga peace talks.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio does not realise that he and his consultative committee have no power to decide who should represent the Govt of India in any talks -- not to mention a complex and sensitive subject like the Naga issue.
They also are passing a diktat whether a new armed Naga group should be formed or not.
And when it comes to real tasks, let there be no cry for an early Solution. This school of thought believes Peace is linked to prosperity and Solution to the Naga issue may wait for another season.
Extortion was never curbed the manner it ought to be. Instead, Governor R N Ravi was targeted.
But playing with power-politics is often playing with the fire and the future of the younger generation. Peace and Solution at this juncture could have brought in the much needed official and corporate/industrial investments.
The state ministers including Power Minister and a former MP need not rush to Delhi or blame Delhi for the electricity failure in Dimapur. K G Kenye cannot say - I am just doing my job.
His stint in Rajya Sabha should have made him wiser !
But Naga legislators and two parliament lawmakers (including from the BJP obviously) are looking the other way. The official system is playing their cards -- and playing it all pretty good only for selfish political gains. And others are enjoying the fun around the Banquet and Bolero Club of India.
There was a B-grade catering agency type approach of handling things. 'Tea and snacks' were ensured throughout the meeting period. Is that so important that it has to be mentioned ?
(See Image ..)
Apprehension, however, was shared by some stakeholders from the NNPG once the meeting was over - "Only God knows now what will happen to thousands of unemployed educated youths".
But if they see the writing on the wall, the NNPG ought to call a meeting of its working committee soon.
Another participant (from an established political party) who did not speak at the meeting, later said - "We should be also concerned about the nature and mentality of Naga/tribal blood and a natural love for bird hunting with guns".
There are merits in these concerns. But some people do not seem to bother much.
The powerful section - apparently guided by philosophies of China directly and indirectly - have developed a conviction in the efficacy of Monetary Solution’ to every malaise.
Once upon a time, "military or even militant" footprints were important. Spread the fear and eliminate those who defy you. S C Jamir and Late leaders Vamuzo and Hokishe Sema had warned about these problems years back.
But now there is a faith in the 'outsourcing' culture. Nevertheless the governance is people's issues - "Not without Us"
The 'system' that reins as a result has failed to help bring economic sustenance, mutual trust and security and regional and intra-Nagaland state peace and development.
The 'cry' for a new homeland with adequate financial power and less (or no) interference from Kohima is linked to this state of governance failure.
The Sept 12 meeting should offer a lesson on how some people were ultimately forced to cut a sorry figure.
We can credit G B Federation general secretary Shikuto Zalipu and NPF leader and Phek town legislator Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu and a few others.
But sadly, they were not the winners. And outside the meeting venue - nobody believed such people could be 'shakers' of future events either.
One legislator was more candid. "I have attended enough of such meetings may be 10 of them; but never have we discussed anything substantive to work for a Solution".
History often offers road-maps. We know the role and functions of the state (governments) has undergone some course corrections first in Europe and then elsewhere.
Constitutionalism is therefore a vital stepping stone. But such a flexible and yet robust system also has a lacuna. This can be misused.
Naga underground leaders who are negotiating with the Govt of India had never raised or asked to appoint a new Interlocutor in the rank of a Minister. But why is the Chief Minister asking this?
Should he not tell New Delhi and the Naga people the urgency of this new Interlocutor when everything had been finalized ! His government passed a resolution thanking the then Governor's address to the assembly.
"Everybody seemed to be confused ...If we take all Naga ethnic groups including Myanmar, we will have 80 of them. It's not practical to bring everyone under one roof," MLA Azo's words are the right reminders as in 2024.
ends
No comments:
Post a Comment