Two things come into focus when one interacts with Nagas of Manipur. First, they are solidly united.
Secondly, to their understanding and convincingly so, the Naga issue is vital. Nothing should underestimate the issue and related matters like the ongoing talks with New Delhi. Part of this conviction is -- whatever happens like ENPO/FNT or whatever demand the UNC will make .. these are all stopgap arrangements.
When around 50 Vaiphei community -- originally associated with Kukis or being part of a larger Kuki family - "armed and civil cadres" joined the NSCN-IM sometime back it was understood in key circles as an important development.
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| Ukhrul : writing on the wall |
The local Tangkhul population in Ukhrul region and other Naga-dominated hill regions of Manipur continue to be overwhelmed by the onetime potent militant group - NSCN -IM.
In the process it may not be entirely wrong to say that the aging Thuinagaleng Muivah, general secretary of NSCN-IM, is considered the most influencer Tangkhul Naga.
That he could not visit his native village is both a matter of personal tragedy and strategic significance.
Hence other organisations such as the United Naga Council (UNC) and Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) though influential are still seemingly weaker contenders.
But things are changing fast.
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| Muivah in younger days |
The Change, however, does not mean the NSCN-IM will be shown any disrespect by Nagas of Manipur.
Nobody will say Muivah is 'demi God' but it is also true that his influence among Tangkhul Nagas is pervasive, remarked a shopkeeper in Ukhrul.
Muivah 'cannot go wrong' is the refrain among shopkeepers and other citizens in Ukhrul and Shangshak townships.
This 'awe' means the local people's mindset continues to be dominated by the stance what the NSCN-IM says or does or for that matter does not do.
So can we say, Tangkhul Nagas do not want Solution to the Naga issue?
To put such a question is like analyzing things in an oversimplified manner, said a social worker in Shangshak on the condition of anonymity.
There are other issues vis-a-vis the Naga issue and Naga people in Manpur and the roles being played multiple agencies of the government including the security forces.
"Who says, the Fauz (Indian army) is disliked in Naga hills of Manipur?," said a retired army personnel ex-serviceman. He too makes a request that "just to avoid any controversy", his name should not be referred to.
What follows next is surprising to some and the argument actually makes sense.
The ex-serviceman says it ought to be appreciated that a staggeringly high Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore is spent for twin districts Ukhrul and Kamjong exclusively by Assam Rifles or Indian army for developmental works and infra projects - such as street lights, community halls and heath services.
"In fact when a villager is found with complicated diseases or surgery related matters like skull injuries in road accidents are even provided with ambulances or requisite vehicles for taking the patient to Imphal.
Such good gestures are responded in a much healthy manner by Tangkhul Nagas as we are a very proud community and also never hesitate to show gratitude," he added.
Moreover, respected community leaders also help a lot. The Shangshak township for example is actually the home of 'cream' of Tangkhul communities such as the new Congress MP Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur who represents Outer Manipur was born at Shangshak.
There is also like the illustrious Shishak family - who run highly prestigious chain of educational institutions both in Nagaland and Manipur.
Moreover Justice W A Shishak served as a judge in Kohima bench for the Gauhati High Court and also as the first Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court when the new state was formed in 2000. He also became Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh.
There are numerous others. Ukhrul houses the likes of Sword Vashum, a former Deputy CAG from the elite Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS).
In May 2024 he was elected as the 42nd President of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) for the 2024-2028 term.
Vaiphei-Tangkhul 'emerging nexus' :
This so-called Tangkhul-Vaiphei nexus is a new trend but is being seen with a jaundiced eye views by various stakeholders and those who matter.
Vaipheis have sizable presence in Myanmar and hence all these need to be understood in proper perspective.
The 'growing coordination' between NSCN-IM with a few Vaiphei community people will have to be tracked effectively. This may be a small trend as of now but this has potential to grow up into a bigger spectre.
New Line of leadership?
The Naga peace talks that began in 1997 might have reached a stage of no further progress. But there are multiple reasons for the same.
Hence a bigger issue; can Solution come in the lifetimes of Thuingaleng Muivah?
And if not, how will the next generation leadership of NSCN-IM after Muivah actually resolve the issue ?? Either I will be a Congressman or NPF or BJP.... but when the crux of the issue comes, Nagas will go by a consensus feeling...and there will be a collective stand for the Nagas. All sections of Nagas have formed a consensus view to work for a greater autonomy power," remarked another eminent citizen in Ukhrul.
For many Nagas in Manipur, the UNC's mandate and decision will work decisively.
To clear any confusion -- whatever is in the minds of Nagas of Manipur - one retired bureaucrat explains it better.
"If the Naga peace talks between centre and NSCN-IM stand stalled; the Nagas of Manipur will have to act on the social realm. The demand for a new territory will be quite relevant than".
Of course - such a new territory etc will bank on three pillars - legislative power, financial power and executive power.
Who knows then -- the proposed Frontier Naga Territory (FNT) may become a trend setter !!
But left with some people on the street; the Nagalim may still be the hanging fire.
ends
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