Bendangchuba
Diphupar
Going by the recent developments Nagas seem to be heading to anarchy. It’s time for the Naga intellectuals to ponder over the issues as to what is really ailing our society. I seriously doubt that the greater issue of women reservation in ULB will die soon even after the exit of TR Zeliang. It’s immaterial for me whether TR Zeliang hangs on or there is change of leadership as it is none of my business. The only thing I want is that a leader should be far sighted and she should lead the state in the right direction. But this time around we seriously got the issues mixed up and the whole society is put into utter confusion. Many organisations are going with the wave without the least understanding of the issues. Forget about the common people we the educated are also confused whether this agitation is about—
1) Postponement of ULB election
2) Protection of our right under Article 371 (a).
3) Fighting corruption in public offices.
4) Engaging in political brinkmanship to change leadership or government. The issues relating to serial 1 to 3 are within the public space and we should do everything within our power to bring changes or solution. Serial no 4 is the least popular one and civil societies should preferably stay away from it. Let’s try to have a deeper understanding of the issues and see what are the ways out.
1. On the issue of postponement of ULB election the state government has annulled the whole election process for the time being but let’s not call it a solution it is just postponing a potential problem as we have to face it again. But in spite of the problems we are going through such as bandh, arson and killing the option available to us has not changed abit. It still boils down to whether we have ULB as mandated by the constitutionin Part 1X (a) with 30% women reservation or no ULB at all. There is hardly any scope for maneuvering as the high court in earlier occasion related to oil exploration observed that the Nagaland state assembly lacks competence to legislate on the subject under the recourse of Article 371(a). Article 243T which is incorporated in Part 1X (a) is an important legislation piece in the Indian constitution for women upliftment. It will be a futile exercise to make any attempt to circumvent it. So, it is up to us whether to accept the ULB in the present form or not. If we opt out, we may have to forgo some benefits which come with it. Smart city project could be the first casualty. I think that is a small price to pay if we are going to live in peace. After all it’s better to live in thatch house in peace rather than living in Palace and quarrelling all the time. But another sticking point is that there is no guarantee that GOI will make exception for Nagaland from the purview of Part 1X (a) and if it doesn’t then we are back to square one that is ULB with 30% women reservation. Since JCC has taken over the mantle for this issue, it will do well on its part if it can create awareness about the implication of this issue as more than 80 % of our population have no clear knowledge about this issue and little knowledge is dangerous. Of course, all educated Nagas can play our role here.
2. In regards to Article 371 (a) we should do everything possible to protect our right but we also should understand that Article 371 (a) is not absolute in itself. It has to be read with other sections of the constitution. At times, this may come in serious conflict with other fundamental provisions in the constitutions and then the problem starts. Fortunately, or unfortunately this provision of the law has not often been subjected to judicial scrutiny. I am afraid that some of our customs and practices may not stand the test of the present time anymore and it is in our interest that we don’t blow this sensitive issue out of proportion. Instead we should try to adept the flawed customary practices to the need of the modern time and this will be the best way to protect our right from interference. After all this provision, though sacrosanct to us is not a blanket right granted to Nagas to practice something which is out of turn with the modern time.
3. On the issue of fighting against corruption in public offices we have a credible organisation for the first time in the form of ACAUT. We all should try to strengthen it. Parallel campaign on this is not desirable as it will only undermine the strong institution we already have.
Lastly Politic is a dangerous territory and delving into it in the name of pan Naga organisation will be a blunder. It is not within the domain of JCC or NTAC or for any organisations which may come up tomorrow to pick or choose leadership of a political party or government at will. However, tempting it might be, it is best left to the MLAs to listen to their conscience and act. Removing TR Zeliang was never in the agenda but now it has pushed the real agenda to the back burner. JCC should not ignore this fact or else history will never forgive. Because finding a solution and changing the system is the need of the hour and we should set the priority right.
Having considered all these points, it will be wise on the part of JCC to go back to the core agenda and start a dialogue among all sections of the society and try to find out a solution. When we have understanding and unity we can bring about changes in the system. By doing this we can make this campaign a truly people’s movement which will be a fitting tribute to the people who have lost their lives and it will also bring back hope to our troubled society.
