Frontier Nagaland Territory: Is CM Rio trapped between devil and deep blue sea ?

Nirendra Dev *

One feels sad and to a large extent baffled that all these are happening to a friend.

One time he was a 'modest' MLA focused on his family and the welfare of Northern Angami II. He was assertive and would often lodge complaint with the then Chief Minister Vamuzo for having promised him "...we all will be ministers". But he was later left leaking his wounds as a mere NIDC chairman.

But he played on like a good and disciplined test match batsman with patience and then came the golden hours.

In 1998, he became the Home Minister and S C Jamir's No. 2. A few previous No. 2 under Jamir faced their political obit too soon -- I K Sema, T A Ngullie and Shikiho and also K L Chishi. But Neiphiu Rio changed the course of the game. Jamir lost the 2003 polls and the rest is history.

But 'history' has taken a full circle and is now haunting him. Is it not ?

What will be the legacy Mr Rio leaves behind? Like this journo several political compatriots are puzzled and displeased by the manner the incumbent Chief Minister played his games.

Hours before the much awaited June 30 meeting was put off for the time being at least -- NPF leader Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu issued a strong statement saying the members of the 14th Nagaland Assembly are going to leave behind a "legacy of disintegration of Nagaland".

Azo is from Phek district and could be in the NPF, but he has been a Rio-loyalist in the past and has not been harsh with his old boss even during election campaigns. And when the meet was postponed as intimated by the CM's dutiful Home Commissioner; everyone was whispering -- 'Ki hoise ho? ---- What made Rio cancel the June 30 consultative meeting on Eastern Nagaland?

Let us presume one reason is the Chief Minister has to rush to Delhi or will be out of Nagaland. Then why was such a meet called at all without doing proper homework or assessing everything? Secondly, did the Chief Minister develop cold feet because none of the 'important leaders' were going to attend?

The ENPO made an appeal on June 27. "We hope to move forward courageously with the prayers and blessings of our fellow Nagas for a future where we can be equal contributors to the prosperity of our Naga fraternity", the appeal note said.

The cancellation of the meeting suggests there was the possibility that even '20 MLAs' would be under pressure to take a different stance in the meeting. Was there an apprehension that 39 MLAs from central Nagaland and Tenyimia belts (excluding Rio himself) could kick off a major row?

The very concept of Frontier Nagaland Territory as an idea is already agreed to by the centre, at least that is the assurance given. As someone who has been witness to Rio's style of politics and 'success', we know the Chief Minister has his own mind. When it comes to crux of the situation; Mr Rio is 'very secretive' and his words and actions would often have double or even triple meaning.

One official who has seen Rio's brand of politics and successful maneuvering of 'UPA and NDA shenanigans'; says often Rio's right hand does not know what left hand is doing. This is like a Guru Mantra with many successful politicians. Late J B Jasokie used to say, "What I do in politics even my shadow or my wife should not know, that is politics".

Another keen observer of Nagaland politics said, Rio learned many things so seriously from his mentor Jamir. But now possibly the Chief Minister is almost sandwiched. But mind you, this 'sandwiched' theory is also our presumption only. The entire thing -- summoning of the June 30 meet or calling it off -- might have been well planned by Rio himself. And whatever is happening may suit him in the ultimate analysis.

Rio's political mentor S C Jamir used to thrive in the 1990s with his famous oneliner - "I am the most harassed and longest surviving Naga politician". Rio is lucky, while he has been 'surviving' and even stalwarts like K V Pusa, Chingwang, Imkong, K L Chishi and K Therie could not unseat him during 10 years of Congress rule in Delhi. But he is hardly 'harassed'.

Even the media handles him with love; and a few odd guys like this scribe could criticise him but still regard him as a 'friend' at a personal level. Political opponents during Hokishe Sema, S C Jamir and Vamuzo days were more ruthless. In the contemporary settings, Rio's supposed rivals are 'more practical' and they easily bow down before the man in power who is also considered 'more than just resourceful'.

But every trick in politics would come to an end one day. That's the beauty of politics. V P Singh fell to this bitter truth of life and power-politics; and so have many other political maestros. India's most overestimated economist and under estimated politician Dr Manmohan Singh also faced his nemesis in 2014.

But what's the price Nagas have to pay in the entire drama is more important.

K Therie says, "My friend has forgotten how to smile". A few others will agree with him. The Rising People's Party (RPP) once called him a 'prisoner of BJP". In his victory lies hidden the cause of his 'unhappiness' ? Is this the fate of a five-term Chief Minister ?

How would Tenyimia people ultimately judge their leader if in the 40-member assembly, central Nagaland dominates the scene with 25 MLAs ? Spinmasters may say 'delimitation' may come soon and Tenyimia seats will increase.

Firstly, that's only a consolation prize and secondly, the delimitation exercise is a long drawn process with many ifs and buts. Even Central Nagaland or tribes such as Sema can have more number of MLAs in future.

From the media at this juncture, we may send sympathies to the 'friend' -- who is at the top; but possibly he is alone.