"I shall lean neither to Partiality on the one hand not to Impartiality on the other". - An Irish judge had reportedly made the statement.
The phrase "lean neither to Partiality... nor to Impartiality" is self-contradictory in a strict legal sense. Now, how we do go about while talking about the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) ? To start with, the impartiality and credibility of the UNHRC are subjects of ongoing debate at the global stage.
A major factor undermining the UNHRC's credibility is the election of states with questionable human rights records (e.g., China, Cuba, UAE). These members have been accused of using their positions to protect themselves and allies, rather than upholding human rights standards. Thus when a youthful organisation seeks UNHRC's intervention, there is every chance someone is walking into a trap - a black hell-hole. Problems or grievances would be hardly attended to.
On the contrary, such is the reputation (negative) of the UNHRC; there are possibilities - other than a good headline in a few friendly newspapers you gain nothing.
Of course, there are a few indirect benefits. The Chief Minister in office may feel happy as another 'diversionary' theme song has been discovered. Some stakeholders too get a chance to continue to hoodwink the general public that Shalom shall come. That illusive 'deer' of Ramayana !!
There is still a twist in the tale ---
The "Shalom" (or "Salom") is a foundational Hebrew word meaning peace, completeness, wholeness, health, and welfare.
It is used as both a greeting and a farewell, acting as a blessing of harmony and well-being. Where's is the reality assessment ?
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| Blogger : Pondering about Lost Decades |
Lately, an article has been written in local papers in Nagaland by Limhachan Kikon (Duncan Basti, Dimapur).
His remarks: "Sovereignty, solution, settlement, integration, autonomy, identity—these words still circulate, but with reduced capacity to resolve what they name.
The political system continues to generate activity, but with declining ability to convert effort into outcome" --- offer quite a few powerful messages.
Beneath all these; there is Fatigue. This is a quieter condition.
Somehow, Kikon's description fits in for both the states - Nagaland and Manipur.
Ever since the killing of two children in Bishnupur district, the protest and other incidents of violence have been reported from the Meitei-dominated valley. But there has been rising tension between Nagas and Kuki-Zo groups as well presenting a serious challenge for the two-month-old government led by Y Khemchand Singh.
The Chief Minister has visited Naga-stronghold Ukhrul, Jiribam (near Assam border) and Senapati and held talks with leaders from both the Naga and Kuki-Zo tribes. But it is obvious he has not achieved much.
The problems between Kukis and Nagas are not new.
At a press conference the UNC asked Naga people to suspend social and economic ties with the Kuki-Zo community, describing the recent attack allegedly by Kukis as “a direct threat to the Nagas”.
The previous version of the problem had claimed around 1000 lives. The five-year conflict between Kukis and Nagas from 1992 to 1997 took over 10-12 years time to 'heal' and fade out the bitterness. Things have turned for worse in 2026.
In Nagaland in the absence of Sincerity - talks between state govt and other stake holders do not hold much significance.
The meetings may begin with welcome address and can end up stating let the chief minister and all his selfless ministers continue in office.
In Manipur as of today; things are serious.
There is total breakdown of communication channels with civil society organisations.
Whom do we blame? We may have to remember it once again that - Dialogues are avenues for the sensitive and emotional communities to vent out their anger within four walls. Else, they go out to the streets.
Bureaucrats and former Babus always seem to favour status quo. This syndrome is infectious. Having said so; we can point out that the central Govt took some initiatives in the past especially after May 2023.
One remembers -- the Govt of India key officials meetings with United Naga Council (UNC) on border fencing/FMR issues.
There were also interactions with armed groups like NSCN-IM, ZUF, SoO groups, UNLF etc on ground rules as well as political demands.
Some yielded dividends. Some did not, but exchanges between two sides did matter and kept certain hopes alive.
Series of meetings with the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar organisations like KZC, KIM, COTU, ITLF, ZC, ZU, etc were also held at Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Delhi to resolve issues related to High Way openings, burial of bodies of the deceased etc.
Even a few Joint meetings of Meitei and Kuki-Zo organisation for communal harmony and meetings with MLAs of both communities were held. The moot point is some of these deliberations can be tried yet again.
As the article by Kikon says -- the space for maximalist sovereignty—full separation, independent constitutional order, or external recognition—is no longer structurally available.
Importantly, in both the states; the public patience is eroding .... reducing tolerance for indefinite negotiation.
Yes; a number of decades are gone.
ends
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