Mathew Rongmei
Dimapur
The internecine strife between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) is a poignant reminder that unresolved political aspirations and ethnic grievances can fester like wounds left untended. At its heart, this conflict is a struggle for identity, territory, and autonomy, played out against a backdrop of historical complexities and present geopolitical realities.
The NSCN-IM, the torchbearer of the dream for a unified Nagalim, seeks to bring all Naga-inhabited areas under one political umbrella. For decades, it has championed the cause of Nagas across Nagaland, Manipur, and beyond, pushing for the creation of a Naga homeland with unwavering zeal. Yet, as the adage goes, "even the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." The Zeliangrong United Front, representing the Zeliangrong people—a proud sub-group within the Naga fold—feels its distinct identity is being overshadowed in this grand vision.
The ZUF was born not just out of discontent but out of a desire for recognition and autonomy. It stands as a voice for the Zeliangrong people, who inhabit Tamenglong and Noney districts of Manipur, demanding their rightful place in the region's political future. What began as ideological differences has spiraled into a battle for territorial control, economic resources, and political leverage.
At the crux of this conflict lies the contested control over strategically vital regions rich in natural resources. The forests, teeming with timber, and the minerals beneath the soil have become both a prize and a curse. "Where there’s smoke, there’s fire," and the smoldering tension over these resources has fueled repeated clashes, each leaving behind a trail of displacement and despair. The local populace, caught between two forces, has become collateral damage in a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
The ongoing peace negotiations between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India, encapsulated in the 2015 Framework Agreement, have further widened the chasm. The ZUF perceives these talks as excluding their interests, sowing seeds of distrust. For the Zeliangrong, the sense of marginalization is palpable, as if they are pawns in a larger game where the rules are written elsewhere. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease," yet their voices remain on the fringes of the Naga political discourse.
The NSCN-IM and ZUF is a stark reminder that peace is fragile, and unity must be nurtured with care. Yet, there is hope that with the right leadership and the involvement of all stakeholders, the hills of Manipur can once again echo with songs of harmony rather than the sounds of strife. To sum up, "The darkest hour is just before the dawn," and it is in this darkest hour that the seeds of peace must be sown.
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