Dimapur, March 25 (MExN): The Governor of Goa, Dr SC Jamir said the connotation of sovereignty and independence, which is the main demand made by several separatist outfits in the region, may not be consonant with the real aspirations of the people of the region and said that there is a communication gap arising out of these usage.
A copy of his speech which he delivered at the North East Poetry Festival held at Guwahati, which was also received here, stated that the limitations in vocabulary or terminology in the mother tongues of the different tribal language have forced the different separatist groups of the region to borrow certain words from the English language like “sovereignty” or “independence”.
“Being unable to locate the appropriate phrases or words to articulate what we really want, we have to borrow and substitute some foreign phrases or words or terminology to express our aspirations. This communication gap is genuine and severe” stated Jamir.
“Our concept of ‘independence’ or ‘sovereignty’ may not be consonant with the real connotation of these words and concepts” said Jamir and added that perhaps the people and the leaders of the region have no yet been able to conceive of the real meaning of their aspirations, which can be articulated and conveyed in a manner and language to be understood by the people and the Government of India.
To support his view, Jamir cited on instance where the Nagas have made a memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929, where it was stated “that the British Government will continue to safe guard our rights against all encroachments from other people who are more advanced than us… that we should not be thrust to the mercy of the people who could never subjugate us but to leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times.”
“The real meaning underlying this demand is that their tribal identity and their way of life should be preserved and protected. This has a very different connotation and a different meaning from the concepts of ‘sovereignty’ or ‘independence’, as is literally understood” Jamir stated.
Jamir called upon the people need to re-look at the way of preserving their tribal identity and stated that niceties of English words and phrases appear to have obscured the essence of the real issue and prevented a solution to the vexed problems facing the region. ‘Idealism, however noble it might seem to be, has to be related to reality’ stated Jamir and added that the people have already shed enough blood on this idealism.
“It is now time to embark on a realistic and pragmatic path to bring solace to the people of the region” added Jamir.
Stating that the common theme of the people of the North East people is peace, Jamir stated that from all the corners of the region, people constantly and fervently yearn for peace and security.
However, Jamir stated that unfortunately, the ideals of preservation of tribal identity and sovereignty etc have proved to be the major road-block in finding a lasting and acceptable solution to end insurgency. ‘No meaningful dialogue can be conducted if emotions and idealism continue to be the basis of negotiations’ reasoned Jamir.
Jamir stated that political realism and pragmatism have to over-ride political adventurism and unrealistic demands as in the name of ‘sovereignty’ needless miseries and sufferings have been caused to the general public.
Further, the Goa Governor and Veteran congress leader stated that under the cover of sovereignty, many other anti-India forces are thriving in the region and some are in collaboration with insurgents to undermine the unity and integrity of the country and therefore he called upon the people to think over the issue seriously.
