Of late, there are many demands for new states such as Telengana (Andhra Pradesh), Vidharbha (Maharashtra), Bodoland (Assam), Gorkhaland (West Bengal), Kodagu (Karnataka), Harit Pradesh (UP), etc. However, not all these demands can be met, as it would lead to proliferation of states to a point of federal burdens. Besides, not all these regions are economically viable. As for the cases of Uttakhand, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand that were granted statehood in 2000, they had their own genuine grievances economically, geographically, politically, etc.
While it is true that the grievances are genuine and the demands need to be met, the concerns of the federal government about other regions and ethnicity of the country raising similar demands must also be understood. The main reason for centre’s refusal to grant statehood even to Telengana was because, it will open the Pandora’s box creating demand for more states and add to the burden of administrative expense, which could have been utilized for developmental works.
The paradox of the Nagas’ demand for integration of the Naga inhabited areas under one administrative head on one hand and the demand for separate statehood by the eastern Nagas on the other hand needs to be logically understood. While it is true that the four districts of eastern Nagaland-Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphiri are still behind of the other Nagas, the solution for their advancement lies not on separate statehood but giving greater attention in developmental tasks in this region. Besides, for a region with no available resources that can generate revenues into the states fund, a separate state hood would not meant a better-developed state.
Political party leaders should not deceive the public with false promises by taking advantage of the ENPO’s demand for separate state. While at the time, when the Nagas are struggling for unity and integration of the whole Naga inhabited areas, it is awkward that some leaders are trying to fool the agitators for self-gain. Other than creation of separation Frontier Nagaland, certainly, there must have another better option, which is through creating opportunities in the field of education, employment, development, etc.
Khrukroku Vero
Kohima
