T.A. Rongmei
Nagas are by Nature or Cult, Federalists in Politics and Socialists in Economy. Every Village has its own Self Governance. The Tradition, the Customary Laws and its Usages even though unwritten, have been practicing since ages past. Every Naga Village has its own system of administration. Likewise, a Tribe is composed of many Villages which speak one language. Different Tribes together form the Naga Ethnic Group now known as Naga Nation. The question of size of a village or tribe does not make any difference to be identified or recognized as a tribe or a people. The cult or the tradition of the people is the vital force of existence as a People and Nation. These particular characteristics of the Nagas society and the form of Government, demands and necessitates an equal system of representation in all affairs of the Governance inclusive of politics, economy, social and religion. Here comes the truth of accommodative Policy which binds the Nagas together. Therefore, it is pertinent that, the nomenclature of the Naga National political institution be framed after the traditional and customary way and pattern of the Nagas. It is perceived that, the most suited form of Government of the Naga people could be federal in structure and socialist in principle.
In this context, we could not but have to retrospect the past events where many agreements had been made by the Naga leaders with the GOI particularly the nine Point Agreement of 1947, the 16 Point agreement of 1960, Cease-fire Agreement of 1964, and another Cease-fire Agreement of 1997. Notwithstanding any of the past Agreements except that of 1997 which is now in operation, had become outdated and null and void. However, notwithstanding any para of the documentation made in the so called 16th point agreements, there is an important point, to be noted, that is, the Nagas’ issue had been taken up by the ministry of external affairs of the Govt. of India ( point 2 of the Agreement). The same point was a political indication that Nagas are foreigners not Indian. Whereas the same was unilaterally abrogated by the GOI in 1972 and placed under the ministry of Home Affairs without the knowledge of the Nagas. The GOI has her own supreme authority to alter or delete or temper the will and desire of the people to her own suiting without considering the democratic principle of the Nation. As much as she can forfeit and forgo the decision of the people, it is possible that, India can and could try to turn the truth of the Nagas’ identity and nationality in any manner or status they want and wish. The fact must be well considered while reasoning out with the GOI in matter of settling the Indo Naga issue. The Naga leaders be aware of the possible consequences and the peril the Nagas as a nation would be facing in the days to come. As the matter of fact, the 16th point agreement has made to have appeared as two sides of the same coin contradicting each others. One side of the coin had on it a safety aspect for the Nagas as foreigners (non-Indian) whereas the other side of the coin has Indianised the Nagas. Therefore, the talk of the top ranking Naga National leaders with GOI is apprised to be aware of the wolf.
In order not to repeat such undesirable agreements, the Present peace talks with GOI should be conclusively undisputable settlement. While squarely considering the nature of the Naga society and contemplating the aspect of the Naga future, It is essential for all the factional leaders to understand and restrain from overlooking each others rights, position and situation. The current political transitional situation, demands that all factions refrain from creating hostile atmosphere that may complicate the ongoing talk with GOI rather cooperate and participate in the move for collective and conclusive solution to the long drawn Naga political issue. The writer is pleased to acknowledge the collective leadership for spear heading through pains and forbearance in the process of negotiation on behalf of the Nagas. Their consistent and persistent effort to bring about amicable settlement is highly appreciated. However it will be more perspective to look into the affairs arising at home in matter of seeming ignorance felt by some factional leaders about the joint concordant and its decision arrived at. Concern that, any collective decision taken should not be ignored or dishonored in any manner but responsibly and correspondingly implement it.
It may be recalled that, the three Factions at the Naga concordant 26th August 2011 had already agreed to form a Naga National Government on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas. Accordingly, a High Level Commission has been formed to work out the Modality and Pattern of Naga Government so as to suit the Naga National inherent rights and traditional practice of the Nagas. The said concordant had endorsed the high level Commission comprising of the signatories, headed by either the Chairman/ President or the General Secretary/ Vice President having not less than four competent members in the rank of kilonser/ major general and above. It is also pertinent to mention that the Naga concordant had reaffirmed the oneness of the Nagas, thereby denouncing the existing factionalism. And as such it is the duty bound responsibility for all present Factions to abide by the Concordant. It is the opinion of the General public that the high level commission should implement the follow up process of formulating the pattern of NNG.
The recent political development corresponding to the positive response from the Nagaland legislative Assembly and Naga Hohos, appraising the collective leadership to expedite the talk for early settlement is indeed a green signal of hope to the Naga people. Therefore it is necessary that the present talk should be of collective one representing from all factions so as to avoid further undue implication and complication of the issue. I appeal to all readers and concerned citizens to take stock of the present political changing phenomenon.
Comment if any on this publication may be referred to, through the given No. 9436830698/ 03862-224712.
