Nagaland regionalism : Azo-Aza cold war may heat up this winter in Phek district

Nirendra Dev *

'Cock' crows well and it does so more emphatically in the twin districts of Kohima and Phek. The NPF 'presidentship' has now gone to Mokokchung district. Native Aos of Mokokchung are practical politicians as well as voters. As a result the Congress party thrived, and BJP also made penetration.

But the veto power used by veteran regionalist Shurhozelie against Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu has opened another Pandora's Box. Sitting Phek legislator Azo is now an injured tiger and will have his reasons to feel 'hurt'. If he is further marginalised in the party under Shurhozelie-remote controlled affairs, it may be natural for him to look for greener grass.

Chingwang Konyak, NDPP chief, has a loveable personality managing contradictions very well. So presuming Azo Nienu wants to move closer to the NDPP leadership despite being in the NPF; we may witness an unruffled K G (Aza) Kenye.

The power minister under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio banks heavily on taking political risk and luck has favoured him from time to time. In the 1990s, he vacated the Chizami seat for non-MLA Chief Minister Vamuzo braving criticism and yet he survived in politics -- having flirted with both regional and the nationalist Congress camp.

In 2019, as NPF MP in the Rajya Sabha he voted in favour of the much controversial Citizens Amendment Act (CAA). But his voters did not punish him in the battle of 2023. Rio helped him get the NDPP ticket from a seat which in 2018, BJP's nominee Kevechutso Doulo had put up a good show. In 2023 as well, Doulo as LJP (Ram Vilas) managed over 6000 votes but lost to 'resource-rich' NDPP nominee Kenye.

But how is Aza Kenye reading the politics of Azo Nienu? NDPP sources decline to comment saying he has better things to do. Possibly, they are right. But politics is a peculiar game wherein protagonists have to often stay away from 'better things' and take a byte of bitter stuff.

Azo's coming closer to Chief Minister Rio may not go down well in the Aza Kenye camp.

On Oct 21 at the NPF convention venue at Kohima; more than anyone else, Chakhesang workers and district level office bearers were more than enthusiastic about the turn of events.

One of them said, "Azo Nienu is an injured tiger but in Nagaland people know who can give healing touch. It is none other than the NDPP stalwarts Chingwang Konyak and Neiphiu Rio; and if such a thing happens; Chizami-Phek town politics will come into play".

"Our Power Minister Aza Kenye will not like any other mercurial leader such as Azo Nienu overshadow him....," he said.

For the media, well it’s hard to articulate exactly the mood in Phek district, without doubt a strong regionalist stronghold. Whether NDPP will consider Azo Nienu as an asset at this juncture?

In the meantime, all eyes still remain on the former state Home Minister and ex-Speaker Thenucho. Will he accept Shurhozelie's offer or should he give a clarion call for a 'new leadership' in the NPF?

Thenucho has represented two assembly segments in Phek district - Pfutsero and Chazouba. Maybe, one can say they all are in a situation where everyone is trying to help each other feel okay because they themselves are not okay.

It is well known that serving truth entails a price. But serving regional politics in Nagaland whether Congress or the BJP being in power in Delhi most often calls for a very heavy price.