Nagalim : Is it an Utopian Dream ?

N Tangkhul *

Nagaland and Manipur have always been multi-ethnic States with cultural pluralism being the foundation of their society. At the same time, these States have suffered the fallout of many decades of insurgency and turmoil which however has seen some ushering of peace in the last few years.

Even though ceasefire has been effective with the Naga groups, the NSCN (IM) in particular continues to raise the bogey of emotive issues which rather than helping the common man has only served the interests of a select few.

It should be realised by all that peace is a function of 'give and take' and both development and peace are closely interlinked; however the NSCN (IM) does not seem to comprehend that you need to forego something for a larger gain. It must be realised that picking up a so called popular issue based on ethnic and tribal affinities and short term interests only to gain the sympathy of the people, will not serve the long term goal of bringing lasting peace in the region.

The demand of Nagalim, involving four North Eastern States including parts of Myanmar is one of the major issues that was once close to the hearts of the locals, but is now far away from ground realities.

At the regional level, some parallel can be drawn to the concept of Akhand Bharat involving most of South East Asia which is good for academic discussions only, but now impossible to achieve within the existing geo-political scenario. As long as such concepts remain in folklore, they can work constructively towards identifying our cultural heritage and glorious past of our descendants and possibly, even provide an impetus for a better future.

Problems however arise, when a particular section of the society takes up a militant view of such issues and tries to achieve their myopic goal using undemocratic means. 'Nagalim' is a classical example of the same.

After decades of fighting, although various groups have realised the unattainable facets of such demands, they surprisingly continue to promote these issues for their personal agenda and short term gains. It is well known that any form of insurgency survives only with the support of the local population.

Naga organisations are desperately trying to garner such a support by raising these emotive issues, mostly using fear tactics and projecting themselves as the saviours of the people. It is well known that any form of insurgency survives only with the support of the local population.

Naga organisations are desperately trying to garner such a support by raising these emotive issues, mostly using fear tactics and projecting themselves as the saviours of the people, for otherwise support may not be possible as the common man has gradually realised its futility.

The fact remains that whatever development has taken place in Manipur, is due to the Government and the efforts of all its citizens, which includes all Nagas of the State as well. However, a narrow minded approach and non-acceptance by various organisations has always proved to be a hindrance towards a final solution.

The biggest question being posed is—will such a utopian concept of Nagalim and continued animosity, fulfil these social aspirations ? The obvious answer is a big NO. This shows that the basic fibre on which the NSCN (IM) propaganda is based, is flawed and needs to be shed in the interests of the overall prosperity and peace of their people and the Region.

Whenever NSCN (IM) seems to be losing support and attention, it conjures up one or other issue—the recent Siroy incident is a perfect example of the same. Organisations which are raising such issues and making a mountain of a mole hill must realise that the Naga family only wants peace, development and better economic opportunities which can only be achieved by the principle of 'give and take' and not confrontation.

It is time to introspect our honest selves what has the demand of Nagalim given to the people of Nagaland and hilly regions of Manipur, except the blood of their own children and slowing down the process of development and welfare. The fact remains that whatever development has taken place in Manipur, is due to the Government and the efforts of all its citizens, which includes all Nagas of the State as well.

However, a narrow minded approach and non-acceptance by various organisations has always proved to be a hindrance towards a final solution. The biggest question being posed is—will such a utopian concept of Nagalim and continued animosity, fulfil these social aspirations ? The obvious answer is a big NO. This shows that the basic fibre on which the NSCN (IM) propaganda is based, is flawed and needs to be shed in the interests of the overall prosperity and peace of their people and the Region.

Eleven years of peace has borne fruit which is evident from the positive exuberance of the local population who have suffered the scourge of militancy since so many years. It proves a point that militancy for the cause of Nagalim is not the answer, but security, peace, prosperity and hope for the younger generation is what we should build together.

The world over, boundaries are slowly and gradually giving way to globalisation, and wasting even a single human life for a hollow cause must not be tolerated at any cost.

The answer does not lie in supporting other insurgent groups in the State to counter the NSCN (IM), for the situation will only worsen. It is the people of this 'Land of Jewel' who have suffered the most, tolerating the violence unleashed in silence.

It is now time for the people to rise and say enough is enough. Let the past be forgiven and forgotten and let us vow to speak out against any injustice done to the future of our children by a selected few.