Given that the coming elections will be the most crucial that Manipur will undoubtedly undertake in years to come, for the Nagas in Manipur as well, it is clear that the future of several political issues will likewise depend on the outcome at the hustings. The entry of the ruling party in Nagaland, the NPF during the coming election and also the strategy adopted by the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Nagas in Manipur, there is every possibility that Naga votes will be counted for much more in terms of the value added to the larger question of political representation. The issues being taken up by the Nagas of Manipur should be distinguished from the every day bread and butter issue as it involves deeper aspiration of an ethnic community. While there are grievances of lop sided development and the exploitation of the hills people by valley politicians, today the issue is no more an equation of majority-minority but one in which the Naga people inhabiting the four hills districts are now seeking political identity rooted in their strong belief that their destiny is one of political affiliation with the larger Naga homeland and not political subjugation under the present dispensation at Imphal. As such, the outcome of the Manipur election and also the performance of the NPF will be keenly watched by all major stakeholders including by the Government of India given the fact that the issues raised by the Nagas in Manipur is intrinsically linked to the Indo-Naga peace process currently on.
In more ways than one, the Manipur elections will be a referendum of sorts on the integration issue. Not that the Nagas in Manipur need to produce any sort of certification to the powers that be to validate its aspiration and rights for integration. But no doubt a poll verdict in favour of the NPF candidates backed by the UNC will add further weight to the long held demand of the people as also the assurance given in the 16-point agreement under Clause 13 calling for the integration of Naga inhabited areas. Off course, it is all the more important for the Nagas to work in unison if at all they desire to achieve their stated political objective. In this context, how well the NPF is able to prepare and mobilize the general public as well as the intending candidates will be crucial for fighting the forthcoming election on a united front. At the end, a poll outcome in favour of the issues raised by the NPF or other Naga candidates will hopefully be respected by everyone including those from Imphal Valley as a support for Naga integration. So no doubt, the elections to the Manipur State Assembly will be one of the most crucial elections as it can determine the future of several burning issues both within the State and also outside of it. For New Delhi, it should remain sensitive to the fact that people are going to vote on issues dear to them and they are sensible enough to do this through a peaceful and democratic manner. As such, the Government of India and its various agencies must be cautioned that after having taken the democratic route of expression, failure to address the aspirations of the people will destroy whatever little goodwill that exists and spawn extreme elements that may well seek to resort to other means in order to achieve their stated objectives.
