Manipur and Nagaland (December 9)

It is just a thought that occurred, but one that was inspired by the suggestion of a Naga gentleman of repute. Knowing fully well how inextricable the problems as well as issues before the people of the two states now seem to be, why not think in line of a unity in the line of Jammu and Kashmir. Perhaps not a merger, but a loose confederation. Perhaps the same logic can apply to more neighboring states sharing vital social, cultural and economic arteries. 

As we understand the problem, most underground organizations have such a vision too, and maybe overground politics can also work towards the same goal. Not out of any sense of correctness, but out of a necessity to defuse all the tension and friction that have resulted out of making these political distinctions and boundaries too watertight, making all our lives miserable. A political formation with its own independent identity, but one in which the constituents does not have to surrender their own either. One which is at once a greater Nagaland, a greater Manipur, a greater Mizoram or a greater northeast, as the case may be. 

Of course, this is just an idea, but an idea, which explored meaningfully, can turn out to be a sumptuous feast for the thought. Again of course, nothing of it can materialize without the consensus of the people. We also realize that, as much as the problems such a hypothesis can solve, there will be unseen number of new problems that arise out of it. 

All the same, it may not be all that worthless a thought for the peacemaker activists amongst us to seriously ruminate upon, without for once regressing into the depressing cycle of one-up-manship with each other. Instead of forever pursuing a policy of segregation, for once, they should attempt looking for the commonness that has throughout history clubbed them together. Apart from all else, it is the geography that makes all political attempts at segregation not only extremely difficult, but dangerous. It is difficult to see how the various communities living in this region can survive if they all turn hostile to each other.

We have all along been advocating the idea of a shared homeland. Our assertions that this is the only real solution to the ethnic turmoil in the region are still holding out. Attempts at segregation, as we have seen, only resulted in raising inferno. We have no other choice but to come to terms with the fact that each individual community's concept of homeland more often than not overlap with each other's. This is complicated further by the other fact that we have entered the modern times where territory ownership is defined by altogether different set of laws and norms. We have also to realize that as time goes on, we have to shed some of our traditional outlooks. If not for anything else, than for the sake of peace and security. 

Having said this, we would like to express our concern and condemnation at what is developing around the Jiribam area. Reports say underground organizations are now openly targeting and harassing civilian population. Worse still, there seems to be a communal tinge to the whole episode. This is most unfortunate for in the end it has the potential of igniting civil violence. After what the state has gone through in the recent past, we for one are not keen to see any sequels.

(Courtesy: The Imphal Free Press)

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