Gwangphun Gangmei
In the long struggle of Nagas’ resistance and refusal to change into India and India’s insistence on Nagas to Change the Nagas was persistence till date. India’s undermining the Nagas’ determination to be free as an indigenous people is a direct violation of Human rights and the universal rights of the Indigenous people. Now the ball is in the hands of the GOI. The Nagas’ future is soon to be decided.
Analysed and Concern that the Nagas’ right to self-determination and nationhood since its instinct inception till date continue to suffer under Indian subjugation and is at stake now. There is a chance of changing the course of solution from Independence to a large limit of autonomy for the Nagas; a better economic and political power. Will the present talk liberate or succumb the Nagas? It is a known fact that, India is not ready to free the Nagas from their hands. This is clear and true. This is India’s core reason for delaying the Nagas settlement this far. They are doing it for their good reasons. The Nagas struggle for freedom continues since British time till date. The rights of the Nagas to freedom has been rejected many time till date. India is still trying to negotiate or bargain the rights of the Nagas to freedom and Nation hood with the offer for better economy and political status to the Nagas. Is it right for India to do so? To this India is determined and Nagas is undermined. The truth is; India is oppressive and Nagas is oppressed. India is aggressive and Nagas aggrieved. Perceives that, India’s offer of Supra state is her best gift for the Nagas. To Nagas, it could be the second best solution or the only way to settle. There is neither good reason nor racial relation for India to give anything for the Nagas or Nagas to take anything from India. The problem may justly be defined as, India’s claim over Nagas’ land as theirs’ and Nagas’ refusal to accept or submit to Indian imposition. As much as India wanted freedom from British rule, and got it only after British Quitted India, so is Nagas want freedom from India and is possible only when India Quit Nagaland. Any settlement other than this truth is no solution. Only corruption or robbing. I am to speak out the truth though bitter or risky or unwanted. No power but the truth will set us free.
Reasoned and analysed that, India’s policy on the Nagas is strategic whereas Nagas’ approach non-strategic. India’s vision and policy on the Nagas is based on Nehru’s analysis and understanding about Naga people. In his personal secret letter to Shri. Bisnuram Medhi, the then Chief Minister of Assam, he described the Nagas as “sensitive and proud.” He urged Medhi to recognise the Nagas as “tough people having their own internal democracy and sense of discipline.” He states, “I am sure that... our approach should be friendly and not coercive”. Let us further consider what he said to Medhi, “... I am against any hurried attempt to absorb such areas into what is called normal administration. Such tribes (Nagas) have a definite culture and way of living of their own and any attempt to break it might well lead to a rapid disintegration of the tribes”. Nehru also mentioned that “the British treated them(Nagas) as anthropological specimens to be kept for museum purposes and not interfere with. This was how Nagas were looked upon and treated. India tried certain strategies to tame the Nagas into their hands; one such was to treat the Nagas like any other Indian citizens. Nehru, advocated three principles as middle way to treat the Nagas;(1) Interfere as little as possible with their natural way of living and custom, (2) Protect them from the exploitation (3) Open out ways of advance to them through educational and other social methods. However, he warned that, “there should be no attempt to break up their social structure. Adequate protection should be given to them from aggressive elements in other regions. Thus their land should be protected and such tribal democratic customs that they might have should be allowed to function. They must have a definite sensation of not being interfered with and at the same time help being made available to them”. Nehru, concluded by saying that, “they should have a considerable measure of autonomy within large limits”. Analysed that, Nehru was not rigid about the Nagas in matter of constitutional stand but flexible in order to accommodate the Nagas with certain measurable limits of freedom. The present UPA Govt as inherent legacy holders of both Nehru and Gandhi’s political culture keep on insisting the Nagas to settle their issues within the box. Nagas are now coming closer, feeling the sweet and positive taste of the Indian constitution as the only resort.
Nehru’s venom is being mixed with modern political honey or hypnotising power of influence to catch the Naga National political and social leaders. Nehru was clear and intended that, Nagas should not get independence. In his own word expressed in the letter states, “we are anxious to preserve as a large a measure as possible of their autonomy and their way of living and have no desire to interfere with it. Our desire is to help. But to talk of independence has no meaning and we cannot accept it.” In a nut shell, Nehru policy on tackling the Nagas is: “do not try and absorb the Nagas too quickly into normal administration, recognise their unique situation and traditions of democracy, follow a friendly way not a coercive policy toward them, do not let them know or feel that we will submerge them in our sea of politic, honour all commitments made to the Nagas.” Following these, strategic policy or principles of Nehru, India is gaining the ground to bless the Nagas and settle them within the Box. Reasoned that, Nagas’ talk for solution is now around the box (Indian constitution) about to enter into the box. After the entry, India may close the Nagas within the box. The spell of India through the mouth of Manmohan singh, is not outside the box but going the extra mile to understand and accommodate the Nagas. Reasoned that, the Nagas on the other hand, are busy building on the concept called federal Relationship with India as proposed by our honourable leader Th. Muivah as Bold and positive plan, published in telegraph in Oct.9th 2005. There is a contrast of understanding between GOI and NSCN about the nature of solution both desire to bring about. Here let God interpose His judgment and roll down His Peace and wisdom upon both the Indian and the Nagas.
Having reasoned, on the above analysis, I am to humbly appeal to all Naga people to wake up and stand up to response to the call of time for positive action to save and build the Naga Nation. The ragging storms of oppositions and the evil forces of destruction are at work with full swing to demolish the hard earned and priceless history penned with the blood of the Nagas’ patriotic martyrs. We shall not be moved by the seeming defeat nor shall we conform to it in any manner. It is often the last blow that open or guarantee victory. Not by might of men but by the spirit of God shall our battle be won. Hindrances stimulate our sense of purpose, difficulties nerve us to renew our spirits let us continue to stand on our ground till the last. Our cause is just and righteous. Our mission be tough, we must be tougher. Our mission must be accomplished as designed and assigned. We shall turn the victims to victors at last. Kuknalim.
Free talk is an open sharing of Ideas, interest and concern in a friendly manner intending to heighten our thoughts, capacity, relation and responsibility towards building and serving humanity and Nation. It is a research initiative of likeminded friends whose hearts and hands have been touched by the graces of service to humanity. Gwangphun Gangmei, a researcher, social worker. freetalkteam@gmail.com. # No. 9612848686.
