Imkong Walling
Ease of governance is generally the implied intent when state governments in India redraw district lines.
In Nagaland’s case, lingual variation have served as the major, if not the chief factor, in drawing up districts since statehood, similar to the Government of India carving out its states based on ethnicity or language. As discussed in this column, in an earlier piece, it, though, is only the exterior as political and tribal dynamics combine to influence the process, way before formal sanction is put to ink.
Development deficit, apprehension of apathy by the public and desiring equal footing in a political playground dominated by a few tribes has served as the basis around which the demands for separate districts have pivoted around. To draw a parallel, similar sentiment can also be perceived in districts like Mokokchung, Wokha and Mon, where people of one area feel marginalised by seemingly more influential brethrens giving rise to calls for separate districts.
Coming to district creation based on tribe, Noklak in 2017 and the latest— Tseminyu, the traditional territories of the Khiamniungan and the Rengma, respectively, would serve as examples.
In contrast, the Nagaland state government dismembering Dimapur district to carve out Niuland and Chümoukedima as new districts went off the beaten track. More surprising was the pace with which the government came up with the decision, given that the latter was not even in the picture.
Now that it has been set in motion, there are certain concerns that need to be addressed. First, it is incumbent upon the brains behind to making the “Christmas gift” worthwhile by ensuring it is smoothly seen through leaving no room for dispute in future. The ambiguity over boundary demarcation between the undivided Dimapur district and Peren district should serve should serve as case in point.
Secondly, the creation of new districts comes with additional financial burden. It calls for new infrastructure and logistics, including more government workforce starting with the district administrative and police heads and support staff. It automatically translates into more expenses for the exchequer, juxtaposed with a state government that has seldom committed to streamlining revenue generation to foot the mounting bills.
The policy makers may have their motives, but the Deputy Chief Minister explaining away the grounds using vague terminology brings up more questions than answers. One cannot help to wonder whether the decision was electorally motivated— a PR stunt to consolidating vote bank in a comparatively populous Dhansiri River plain of Nagaland than actual administrative concerns, besides the feared ‘Delimitation’ exercise hanging overhead, which the state government has so far managed to delay.
To reiterate, carving out districts, alone and in itself, is not the answer to progress.
The writer is a Principal Correspondent at The Morung Express. Comments can be sent to imkongwalls@gmail.com
