What will this confrontation show?

Sapam Nandiker *

Before Meiteis were converted into Hinduism and hills tribes into Christianity they lived as one, harmoniously. Lai harouba is the proof. We the Meiteis only started to look upon our brothers as 'untouchables' after the conversion. We the people (Meiteis) of this generation are truly sorry for the conduct of our past generations' practice of 'orthodoxy' under Hinduism.

Time changes, now we are 'liberated,' we can see what is right and what is wrong. There are intermarriages, and quite a numbers of Meiteis are workers, drivers and Chowkidars of tribes. There were two Naga CM of Manipur, and one was CM for two consecutive terms. We don't believe the earth is flat anymore. In the past we believed the sun revolves round the earth, but now we know it is just the opposite. When Nicolas Copernicus (1478 – 1543) said it is the earth that revolves round the sun he was imprisoned for saying things against the Bible. Only some years from now, long after his death the Vatican realizes their blunder and says sorry.

To solve a problem, finding out the root cause is very important. The root cause of confrontation between Nagas of Manipur (as they want to be known as, now) and the rest of Manipuris is because of around 60 years old hate (grudge) of a certain individual(s) upon the Meiteis.

Outlook weekly magazine of May 31st 2010 in Borderline case by Dola Mitra, in an exclusive interview with TH Muivah general secretary of NSCN-IM, said, 'The Meitei – Naga conflict is at the heart of the current stand-off and, not surprisingly, if Muivah is to be drawn out, it is on this subject. The Hindu Meitei community which politically dominates Manipur, treated the Christians Nagas as 'untouchables', Muivah remarks.

He says he has to this day not forgotten the sting of a Meitei insult. "I was in class 3 at that time. My parents have taken me to work in the city on a road construction project. My employer refused to sake my hand. He said for a Naga it was audacious of me. I felt humiliated.

"Everyone will want to take revenge to cure the bitterness. Revenge is said to be 'sweet' but the hate that has been burning the individual far overrides the sweetness. 'A man who studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green.' – Francis Bacon.

To forgive and forget is the best form of revenge. When I was in Union Christian College, Barapani, Meghalaya ( Th Muivah is an alumni), it was probably in RI ( religious instruction) class that I learnt according to lord Jesus the best form of revenge is to forgive the person who have given you misery. That – the shame – will make him feel like a burning coal placed on his head.

We might think it is absurd but I have experienced it personally. Every religion and intellectual strongly professed against revenge. Many eminent Christians think Gandhiji was more Christian than most Christians. Gandhi was a staunch Hindu but he believes in non-violence and forgiveness. Chinese philosopher Ching Chow rightly said, 'It is the weak and little mind that rejoices in revenge'.

Real life happenings of my late maternal grandmother will help somewhat in bridging the gap. She was honored with a state award in weaving. She had represented some fairs held at different metropolis of India. There were Whites, Blacks, Chinks apart from Indians. Many felt touched by the material she was weaving.

Here in Manipur, one day through her agent she was made to weave for two lady guest of the then king Churachand Maharaja at a well kept shed at a nearby locality (Nagamapal, Chumkhang leirak). When she (grandmother) was weaving, the two lady guests watched from the courtyard. To have a closer look, one stepped up on the shed. That same instant the owner of the house cried out, "Sangoi mangai" (shed has become 'untouchable').

The British ladies were awe struck at that. When they know the meaning, they might have thought it was indeed a very strange custom. Recently in Oprah Winfrey Show, a correspondent of Asian region was telling her the practice of 'untouchablity' in India. She thought they were those persons that can't be corrupted or punishable as she has not came across single case of 'untouchablity', but when she was told the real meaning, she was really surprised in this 21st century there is still 'untouchability'.

What we need to do is fight against this ugly custom itself, not the victims who are engulfed with the 'viruses'. Why are we looking up for materials that will churn hate out; why not for brotherhood which will solve the problem and bring peace and harmony?

We are having full of problems and the frustration is driving us mad; deplorable electricity, water supply, roads… everything: the confrontation is only adding to our woes, and making the problems worse. Kicking a costly watch might make the watch work again but it is very risky. Rending a large chunk of land from this state to form greater Nagaland to solve the problem of autonomy is creating another problem far more badly.

The Meiteis resolved never to let anyone break the territorial integrity. We have to end this confrontation once and for all in the quickest of time: no one will win but only make life a hell. For every confrontation or conflict we have endured, lives are lost and the gap is becoming wider and wider. If this carries on for some time some Naga organizations of Nagaland will 'join in' and ultimately, heaven forbid, there would be internecine conflict between Manipur and Nagaland.

Only six tribes out of seventeen in the state of Nagaland backed the view of Naga Hoho. However, if the unthinkable happens, it has to be between the two states without exceptions to any tribes. (They (NSCN-IM) will make sure all seventeen tribes stand together as one by any means. Late Dr. Kishan was killed for being an obstacle to formation to Greater Nagaland. He was the SDO of Kasom khullen and worked with his life (literally) for the development of that much undeveloped sub-division. Three innocent people (Meiteis) were killed most horrifically , releasing the three Nagas to create a communal flare-up).

There will be no development and peace for the two states. When our house is on fire how can we think of other things? All our energy, time and money will be wasted when development must be given the greatest importance these days. Are we fools to waste everything for dirty politics played by some people for their gain?

We the people in both the states are surviving in the hope of better tomorrow. We the common people will lose everything while the politicians will gain their political mileage and enable them to carry on with the embezzlement, and tide over their controversies. Let's not make the unthinkable happen.

Now time has changed: the world has become one big global village. The Dark Ages has 'died' and gone; we must not try to live in it. Why perish together as fools when we can live together in harmony and happiness. Let the scars of others be our caution. Many have already fallen victim to the 'curse'. We need to realize it is not forming greater Nagaland or not that is the end. Welfare for every one should be the end. Let's strive to make it happen.

When Tehelka magazine (5 June 2010) asked Home Secretary Gopal Pillai, 'Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was a highly hated figure. Suddenly he has become popular, by not hesitating to use force. Is he not breaking the blockade to milk the situation politically? Pillai answered, 'Well, everyone's playing politics, but he is the biggest hero among the Manipuris right now. This is a highly emotive issue in Manipur, so it is not possible to ignore it.'

On the other hand N Rio the CM of Nagaland wants a greater Nagaland. He even came to Senapati, Manipur illegally. The Indian government too knows the consequences of letting Muivah at the time of ADC election won't be good.

The 2001 June 18 were 18 Meiteis lost their lives when the territorial integrity is at stake is deterrent enough. We must not be squabbling cats and let the monkey outwit us. India remaining a silent spectator to a 60 days economic blockade shows they are playing the 'monkey'.

'A truth that's told with a bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.' – William Blake