Unity and Disunity

Geoffery *

Unity leads to oneness and growth, whereas disunity shrinks the already existing size and makes it smaller and smaller to the risk of being devoured by vested interests. Common populace is confused over the stand being taken over various issues affecting them directly. This is obvious as a run up to elections. Nagaland is to go for polls on 05 March 08. The CM Neiphieu Rio had requested (Nov 07) external affairs minister, Pranab Mukherjee to influence Myanmar Government for a ceasefire with Khaplng group of NSCN. He has also vowed to take up the issue with the PM. This created lot of uproar since it amounts to granting national and international legitimacy to the proscribed group. Similarly AICC general secretary Siddharth Patel has promised full implementation of all clauses of controversial 16 point agreement as a poll plank. The BJP has also promised the same issue laden with obstacles that are insurmountable. It is also propagated that ‘Nagaland is for Christ’. HE was an angel of peace and love even to his critics, then why factionalism, in fights and divisive tendencies in the society loved by Christ.

16 point agreement that resulted in birth of Nagaland, in the year 1960, involves the implementation of clauses 2 and 13 that central Government has been unable to do till date. As per Clause 2 Nagaland state should function under External Affairs Ministry as hitherto fore. Clause 13 states about integration of Naga inhabited contiguous areas under one administrative umbrella. Are these political parties meant to give leaders and direction to the society or keep the populace baffled? Are these leaders, to be mandated to power, determined to sow secessionist attitudes and keep these tendencies on the boil or settle controversies? Psychological union of the people with illusory issues and physical disunion with the same has its own drawbacks. Are these political parties meant to bring a change or live true to the dictum: if voting could change anything, they would abolish it? Or they live up to Winston Churchil’s qualification for a politician which says, “ It is the ability to foretell what will happen tomorrow, next month, next year and to explain afterwards why it did not happen”.

Are people not aware of the sensitivity of neighbouring states whose areas are likely to be carved out for making one administrative unit? Are people not aware of the violence that took place in 2001 over extension of Naga ceasefire rules to Manipur? Are people not aware of the chaos that takes place every year (June) over celebration of Integrity Day in Manipur? Are people not aware of the separatist tendencies that are existing in the Naga inhabited contiguous areas and aspirations of the other tribes staying in those areas? Is not the cascading effect visualized after such implementation? Wish they do! If it was possible, there was BJP led Government in the Centre and now UPA led Government, it would have been implemented by now.

Maj ZD Akho ( ex NSCN(IM)) cadre got associated with the proscribed outfit in 1990 but now he has disassociated himself due to malicious functioning of the outfit, disregard to erstwhile human values, disregard to safety & security of younger cadres etc. He says, “I joined the organization out of love for my country, why should I agree to be employed in destroying our own people” (Nagaland Post dated 18 Feb 08). Irrespective of the costs, outfits are more concerned with their personal aims rather than societal aims. News papers are replete with news of politicians being targeted by the outfits (in Manipur), with whom they had been associated, because their interests do not converge now.

Youth is powerful, progressive and always passionate for action and change. Keeping this in mind a large number of young people have filed nominations for forth coming assembly elections in Nagaland. Every one has projected himself as the forerunner and propagator of progressive vision. To quote former Naga Student Federation (NSF) president A. Kikon, “I will make a difference, I have a vision ... Politics is for the future young generation … young people should represent the Naga People.

I would like to appeal to people to elect young people…” Not to forget the experience of young ASSU (all Assam student union) leaders who came to power under the leader ship of PK Mohanta as Assam Gana Parishad (AGP). All lofty ideals and preaching were forgotten thereafter. Leaders need to remain associated and focused on to the promises they make.

There is a need for all alike to get united with the facets leading to peace, progress, property, employment generation, respectful and positively built society and move away from the negative factors. This can be done by uniting the youth and not belying the hopes they have.

“The entire law is summed up in a single command love your neighbour as yourself”.

Gelatin 5:14