Nagalim Voice OKING | VOL 006 | ISSUE 002 JULY | 2014

EDITORIAL A Naga International Support Center, NISC www.nagalim.nl Congratulations to Mr. Narendra A human rights organization Modi, the new Prime Minister of London May 6 2014, Amsterdam May 12 2014 on his successful election to the 16th In- dia Lok Sabha election held recently. We Absence of Postcolonial Accountability the root cause wish him a successful tenure in Parlia- ment while serving the people of the larg- of conflicts regarding Self Determination? est democracy in the world. We hope that Mr. Narendra Modi will be able to sail In the Netherlands, where I am from, we celebrated Lib- smoothly through the rough political wa- eration Day yesterday for the 69th time. Why? Because we ter of India as he enjoys majority in Par- should never forget how precious freedom really is; it should liament. We can’t help but bid adieu to Dr. not be taken for granted. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Min- Informal Meeting with Ajit Lal (GoI) This is especially true for the Indigenous Peoples of our ister of India who tried his best to resolve/ world because most of them have not been able to enjoy the transform the Indo-Naga issue. sible with a man guided by the teachings of the freedom we experience as normal. While congratulating the new Prime Prince of Peace and the correct political ideas I am the secretary of the Naga International Support Cent- Minister of India, it is also imperative to in- and wisdom. We, Nagas, must rise up to the oc- form him of his moral and political respon- er and as such support the Naga Peoples in their quest for Self casion. Time has come for the Nagas to capital- Determination, the right to determine their own future which sibility towards finding a solution to the ise on the prevailing circumstances we are in. protracted Indo-Naga political conflict. The has been denied to them from the time the Union of India and It’d be better if Nagas pull up their socks and Burma became independent. new Prime Minister of India is well aware work in unison. We must not allow anyone to of the fact that Government of India (GoI) spoil the game at this crucial juncture of our his- Nagas had nothing much in common with India or Burma, and the National Socialist Council of Na- tory. The present time calls for serious interven- not historically, culturally, religiously, neither in communication galim (NSCN) have been having political tion and involvement of the mass, civil societies, or trade. The British rulers knew this because already in 1929 level negotiations since 1st August 1997. intellectuals, media and personalities of various the Nagas told this to the which had come He may also be aware that Congress-led fields in putting pressure to the BJP-led NDA to prepare for decolonization of the Indian subcontinent. But UPA Government has deliberately failed to Government at the Centre to give the ongoing Great Britain handed over to India without as much implement the recognition of the “Unique Indo-Naga political negotiations a priority. History and Situation of the Nagas” by as consulting them further. Even though Nagaland declared in- GoI during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Prime We wish good health and political wis- dependence in 1947 the United Nations did acknowledge the Ministerial-ship on 11 July, 2002 in Am- dom to our Collective Leadership- Isak Chi- reception of the sent wire but did not honour the sovereignty sterdam. This official recognition of the shi Swu and Th. Muivah and the rest while of Nagaland. The Nagas did not want to be dominated by In- Unique History and Situation of the Nagas negotiating with the new Government in New dia and held a plebiscite to prove that point, but In 1954 India by the GoI is very important as far as the Delhi. The Collective Leadership’s Political invaded Nagaland. Because the new rulers thought they could political issue between the two entities is Vision, astuteness, Sacrifices; Achievements crush the Nagas in one day like Jawaharlal Nehru predicted that and Challenges shall surely bear much fruits concerned. The recognition simply means is when the war began. It is interesting to note that Great Britain now and for generations to come. India recognises the historical and political now the United Kingdom kept quiet all this time and so it may rights of the Nagas. It also means a solu- Kuknalim. very well be important to investigate its role in relation to post- tion will be based on the basis of the his- colonial accountability. After all, Great Britain only colonized torical and political rights of the Nagas. It a small portion of Nagaland; more than two-thirds of the Naga is, thus, very important for the new Prime A monthly bulletin “Nagalim Voice” territories was never colonized were known to the British as the Minister of India to be very serious in trans- lating what was recognised in 2002 into a invites serious ideas. un-administered areas of the Free Nagas. So, how could Britain reality in the interest of the people of India give something to India it did not even own? Disputable also is and Nagalim. It is hoped that Mr. Modi will The Ministry of Information and the less than one-thirds of Nagaland which is being controlled take personal interest in implementing the Publicity (MIP) run bulletin “Nagalim by India and so that in itself should have caused international official recognition which was signed dur- Voice”, circulated extensively within the debate on the postcolonial nations which to say the least, decol- ing Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government. In NSCN comes a step closer to solicit the onized rather sloppily without as much as looking back to see doing so, Mr. Modi should have the cour- ideas of the Naga intellectuals, to take on the the conflictuous aftermath they caused with the possibility of age to exercise political wisdom in trans- table of decision makers. defusing the situation. No, neither Great Britain nor any other forming one of the longest running con- colonial nation did that and so many armed conflicts raging in flicts in the world. Taking full cognizance of the churning this world are directly related to sloppy decolonization; sloppy ideas of the youths and the intellectuals in It is also equally important that Na- because the rights of peoples were neglected, ignored or worse. this information age, the MIP attempts to gas do their parts in areas such as diplo- Most Indigenous Peoples around the world were not strong macy, dialogues with cross sections of the facilitate a platform of intimate dialogue with enough to stand up for their right to Self Determination but the people who matters to the issue, political the leaders of the revolutionary government activism at all levels from top to grassroots through “Nagalim Voice”. Nagas for sixty years now successfully defended their lands against what they felt as their invaders. Though are parts of the levels and establishing networking and re- For your valued ideas, opinions and International Community they do so without any help from the lations with all neighbouring communities constructive criticisms, write at any length outside world they were cut off from for a very long time. And, in informing them of the importance of re- but in less than 1500 words, and e.mail at spite of the successful efforts to divide and rule over the Nagas, solving the Indo-Naga political issue. The [email protected] basic point to drive home is that this hard- they still hold their ground but are cornered. Even though a cease- earned Peace Process should not be wasted Also visit our website at www. fire, signed in 1997, brought relative peace they are cornered at any cost. So many challenges are ahead of nagalimvoice.com. because their movements are monitored, their passports not re- us, but still then the word, “Impossible” is The article may be reached on or before newed and all communications like phone, email, whatsapp etc. found only in dictionary. Nothing is impos- 25th of every month. are being checked. Weakened because of divisions among them KUKNALIM. brought on by Indian Intelligence through money and weapons MIP-GPRN. deteriorates their situation further. This is why the Naga International Support Centre calls Disclaimer: each and everyone to do justice to the Nagas and all other Peo- ples who experience the same treatments. Nagas have the right The articles and opinion shared by to be free of domination and need our support to make this various writers are their own. Nagalim come true. Postcolonial accountability and Indian neo coloni- Voice does not in any way subscribe or zation should be exposed and serve as an example for all other own responsibility to their views. No Indigenous Peoples whose lands and livelihood are taken to en- rich those in power. Gen. Secy. Th. Muivah having intensive part of Nagalim Voice shall be allowed discussion with senior NSCN Leaders invited by to reproduce in any form without the Thank you very much the Collective Leadership in New Delhi prior consent of MIP-GPRN. Frans Welman, Secy. NISC 2 | NAGALIM VOICE JULY | 2014 THE OTHER SIDE OF CEASEFIRE Gideon Shadang Student of Political Thought New Delhi

I can’t let go unnoticed the anguished feelings of this despair, the forewarned fear strikes me deep. I am not a linguist but easy expression comes clinically of this multiple organ failures. Where could have I gone wrong all through this life, my senses were sharp until yesterday. I want to rise again once more, because there are loved ones whose promises I have to keep. The distance echo rings in my benumbed ears of foot soldiers singing the anthem of brotherhood. I couldn’t picture fully in my feigning conscience the dying looks of my compatriot, oh!

Did I fail to advocate the cause I have lived to fight, I feel I am threatened today. If I die only today without a bridegroom by my side to walk down the aisle, Would anyone still wait in the lobby for me that I brought a cause with heavy heart? I gathered pebbles to make the immovable gravestone when I could mobilize the stars. Now my fear is my enemy, it stands taller than the foe while I lay here searching my soul. I seek reason within but my inequity veils me from understanding why I tremble miserably. (From the Author’s Poetry “To Rise Again”)

Objectification of organisation concerned with the institutional strategy to resolve Marx is more categorical here about the ideologi- Man’s quests for knowledge is pronounced or contain the deterrents of law by rendering them cal circumstance which is reproduced perpetually to be saturated by many thinkers such as Lyotard, within the ambits of the law; as rule followers or through its structures and institutions, unlike other Nietzsche, Fukuyama, etc. However, unlikely that followers to the social order (Foucault, 1977). This natural circumstances. The state ideological appa- they have found answers to all the problems and gives the state to frame the deterrents of the law as ratus adopts the same Marxian condition i.e. struc- the questions of life. But, expectantly, it means challengers of the social order. Drawing upon Fou- tural and institutional domination to frustrate Naga that the basis to all the questions and the answers cault’s idea, Roger King explains that the state in . have either become tautological or mere cyclical. modern society has moved away from the use of When the organisation signed ceasefire pact Therefore, such as the metaphysical questions on violence and coercion towards form of control and with Government of India on 1 August 1997, the the existence of an infinite spirit “God” has been punishment which is legitimate in the eyes of the onus of the Naga national cause was suddenly re- considered largely moribund for now, or at least at people (King, 1986). duced to the responsibility of the few underground the surge of post-modern thinking. In times of this The success of the modern state, herein In- political elites, rendering the entire organizational philosophical aporia, the question to life’s fecun- dia, in reigning the Nagas through the signing of set up at the waiting bastion with the rest of the dity is casted to doubt. Every particle, element and the ceasefire can be perused on two counts. Firstly, Naga public. Being immobilized with ceasefire organ requires the capacity to reproduce, recreate, towards the underground Naga nationalists the ground rules, the listless life at the designated and reinvent themselves to sustain their existence. structural domination is played out with the pro- camps in this protracted talks took toll to its chief Otherwise, failing to do so the existential structure hibitory ceasefire ground rules. It gives both the casualty, i.e. the ideology of Naga nationalism. of nature is cruel to exterminate any at instant. For Indian Government and general public the power When activities are precluded, reconnaissance the humans, the emaciating earths’ resources is to audit the conduct and authority of the organiza- halted, and propaganda stopped, it does not only threatening, but the uncertain existential anxiety is tion and its members based on the prescribed rules. cost a mutual disconnect with the public but im- even more haunting. Beneath the avalanche of this It is no surprise that some NSCN leaders have been pedes ideological orientation, advocacy and dis- intellectual burden, the science community search- incarcerated behind Indian jails, and restricted free semination to both the cadres and the public. es the plausibility to create a perpetual motion ma- movement of the cadres, both based on the same Ideology is constituted by the dominant beliefs, chine, which will have the autochthonous capacity ground rules. Secondly, with the cessation of values and practices, which serve as a political or to generate power within. They know once such armed conflict in the region, a well-timed India’s economic functions and works through institutions machine which shall have the ability to reproduce neo-liberal market policy has been aggressively (Macris, 2011). Vicky Macris maintains that Ide- the power itself could be invented, many unan- pushed through to absorb the Naga masses with- ologies are transmitted through or within organisa- swered questions can be found or discarded. in its developmental framework and laws. In this tion or social structures, and achieved consent from Every organ, be it natural, social or political capitalists’ system the workers such as the Nagas the people through practices, values and identities follows the same logic. In the natural world, an or- are given little room to doubt on the adequacy of that are taught and learned. In this regard, the con- ganism is expected to reinvent itself in the chang- the market establishment in giving personal choice stant activities of the organisation, so as to connect ing ecological tide, and it must have the capacity and freedom. In a Marxist sense, Engels does not with the people is necessary for selling its’ ideol- to reproduce and sustain its existence. In the social mince words to call this as “false consciousness” ogy. Organisation should function, as to maintain and political world, state, institution, and organi- (Terry, 1991). favourable conditions for achieving the objective, zation faces the same challenge. Lest a nation or On their newfound ideas in Amartya Sen that and ideology would function in ways to perpetuate the state is put to this extreme jeopardy, sovereign development is freedom (Sen, 2000), India rap- this condition. Ideology constantly orients the loy- power is covet of them as a source to reinvent and idly acquiesced the Nagas towards developmental alty of the cadres to the cause, also it perpetually reproduce themselves. Within the sovereign prin- agendas. Although, Sen’s theory is not plausible reproduces its social base. ciple; systems, goals and values are arranged to for the collective right based community like the Therefore, the ideological paucity during the guide the nation state. However for organizations, Nagas since his theory is individual centric (I will cease-fire period chiefly poses two problems, one it is the objective disciplines that play this ad hoc not discuss here for the lack of space), the new within the organisation concerning the indiscipline roles. And formal organizations like National So- generation Naga youths from the strife torn land of cadres, and two, the lack of ideological condi- cialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) is known to get attracted to this easy lure of jobs and opportu- tion for social production renders the organisation draw its authority, rules and procedures based on nities. The neo liberal market policy of India does without stable social base. its objectives. Like in the Weberian sense organi- not only entrenched the Nagas in the institutional sations are social units that aspire to achieve par- laws of the colonial policy, but it also brings a rub- ticular objectives or ends which they are structured ble of population disintegration into Indian metro Divided authority to promote. To realize the objectives, functions are cities. As a result, it creates a great disconnect be- Until one and a half decade ago, as recent as carried out rationally, and usually bureaucratic in tween the Naga public and the underground Naga early phase of ceasefire, the claim for legitimate nature (Weber, 1978). In this regard, adherence to nationalists. Therefore, if the creation of Nagaland representatives of the politically by the rational authority, rules and procedures create state in 1963 was Delhi’s policy to bring con- the NSCN was a non-issue. Through the thin and an ideological condition wherein, it reproduces or- flict between the moderate Naga leaders and the thick forces of the organisation the massive cam- ganizational and social disciplines which are the Naga extremist leaders, the signing of ceasefire paign carried out in all the Naga areas for self- vital requirement for sustenance. has become the cross-road of Robert Frost for the determination only found few deterrents. Either At the backdrop of the aforementioned Naga public and the underground Naga national- by consent or by force, the Naga civil societies, framework, this short article intends to grapple the ists. the social organisations, the tribe Hohos, and issues concerning NSCN organization during the Ideological paucity the Naga frontal organisations rallied behind the present ceasefire. leadership of the NSCN. The organisation then NSCN, once known in the region as one of commands legitimate rights in the political sense Subjectification of the Nagas the most disciplined underground organisations, either in the Weberian sense of traditional au- Ceasefire, technically speaking, is a strategic which earned them the status of role model to oth- thority or Gramscian sense of power to represent shift of statecraft from militarized violence and co- er outfits of minority nationalities gradually found their people. In politics, legitimacy is not always ercion to what Weber calls “punishment centered” itself replete with corruption allegations, dispensa- derived through consent but sometimes manufac- bureaucratic governance. The domination through ble drunkards, drug abusers and opportunists. Karl tured through power. Power is understood here, the latter is more fully discussed by Michel Fou- Marx has to say this, human nature is conditioned as predominantly exercised through a combina- cault as a characteristic civility of state machinery by circumstances of one’s life (Geras, 1983). tion of coercion and consent. In Gramscian logic JULY | 2014 NAGALIM VOICE | 3 consent is always supported by force or coercion, ality, the divided house is going down into debris. One very important point that the readers must however, through ideology rather than physical Conclusion keep in mind is that the article in no way necessar- force (Gramsci, 1971). ily represent any argument posing for withdrawal Beside the abovementioned points, there are The supposed political legitimacy enjoyed by from the cease-fire and the ongoing talks. The ar- many important facades (such as, political con- ticle is a mere reflection of intellectual insights to the NSCN, however, fell short at the challenge of descension, civil administrative fallouts, anxiety different social groups and underground factions in the given reality of NSCN at the present juncture. of taxation, international diplomacy, etc.) which However, as a poser we can ask to ourselves, is the conundrum of ongoing peace talks. From the needs to be discussed under the same title. But for former Prime Ministers to the erstwhile interlocu- ceasefire an inevitable necessity for a “political” the lack of space in this bulletin I have reserved to talk? tors involved in the ongoing talks have hinted to discuss on regard to them at another time. In spite the problems of posturing by different factions as of the limited themes addressed here, we should Reference: the representatives of the Nagas. Talk or dialogue be able to draw trajectory through the arguments Eagleton, Terry (1991), Ideology: An Introduction. per se is not the problem here, but the signing of mooted out in this article. All the themes are pre- London: Verso. ceasefire and its subsequent immobilization of sented through interrelated subjects: firstly, it threw Foucault, Michel (1977), Discipline and Punish: cadres gave way to other factions for building their up questions whether the NSCN as an organisation The Birth of the Prison, New York: Pantheon. social bases that cost the unquestioned authority. has been able to adapt, reinvent, or reproduce itself Factional clashes was seen to have snowballed Geras, Norman (1983), Marx and Human Nature: in the paradigmatic context of ceasefire; secondly, Refutation of a Legend, London: Verso into heavy casualties on all sides during ceasefire. it showed how the NSCN organisation had been Thus, public could no longer stand as a mere spec- Gramsci, Antonio (1971). Selections from the Pris- clipped off its wing through the signing of cease- on Notebooks. London: Lawrence and Wishart. tator, learned and concerned citizens came to claim fire, and subsequently created a safe haven for pro- responsibility for reconciliation among infighting liferation of India’s developmental agendas to trap King, Roger (1986), The State in Modern Society: groups. Although, the objective of such organisa- the Naga mass within the institutional ambits of New Directions in Political Sociology, Basing- tions, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) can- Indian laws; thirdly, the arguments ensued that the stoke: Macmillan. not be doubted, the whole ongoing process has immobilization of cadres have caused ideological Macris, Vicki. (2011), “The Ideological Condi- further cast aspersion to the political status of the bankruptcy, as a result it brought indiscipline with- tions of Social Reproduction,” Journal for Critical NSCN in the eyes of India. The whole process of in the cadres and impeded ideological condition Education Policy Studies (JCEPS) 9.1. reconciliation has legitimized every disheveled, for social base; fourthly, ceasefire is being argued Sen, Amartya (2000), Development as Freedom, latent, and death organisation, let alone it further as the anchor of splintering political authority, sub- New Delhi: OUP. breeds factional tendency, fighting for similar priv- sequently NSCN is looked upon at the equivalent Weber, Max (1978), Economy and Society: Out- ilege and attention. As a result, the many postur- spectrum with other factions. Lastly, the response ing from different factions and organisations have line of Interpretive Sociology, California: Univer- of the NSCN to all the factors elaborated above sity of California Press. increased sharply. Unless, the FNRs’ objectives of is left to the readers for discussion and in depth forming “One National Government” is a near re- analysis. Westminster Conference on Self-determination: India’s position unlawful, untenable 6 May 2014: At a packed venue at the Houses desecration of life and of the holiest place of the 1. This Conference calls on the international of Parliament in London senior leadership figures Sikh People”. As to UK involvement in that attack community to make the right of self-determi- from national freedom movements gathered in he called for a full investigation so that the truth nation a primary driver of policy making so an impressive show of solidarity to demand UN behind that “terrible act” could be known. that intractable disputes involving the destiny action against those states that forcibly suppress Syed Ali Geelani, Chairman of the Hurriet of regions across the world may be resolved legitimate self-determination movements. Resolu- Conference sent a message from Kashmir which through peaceful and democratic means, in tions also calling for guilty states to be taken to called for the immediate involvement of the people accordance with international law. The UN task and for the creation of international criminal of Kashmir in the only process that has any cred- and its member states are obliged to promote tribunals to punish those guilty of systematic mass ibility and any hope of resolving the claims to the this fundamental, collective human right abuses were unanimously passed. disputed territory i.e. self-determination. This was which ultimately is the real safeguard for in- Lord Nazir Ahmed hosted a Conference supported by Professor Nazir Shawl who called for dividual human rights. which was supported by a number of other UK all aspirant nations to unite to pursue their interna- 2. This Conference calls on the international Parliamentarians, led the calls for self-determina- tional rights until justice and freedom was secure. community to establish international criminal tion to be promoted without fear or favour. Con- The Naga leadership from their homeland tribunals to hold to account those who have servative MP Richard Harrington spoke of his own sent a message delivered by Frans Welman of the carried out massive systematic human rights commitment, as a Jew, to the cause of Palestin- International Naga Support Centre; they said they abuses in order to crush lawful struggles for ian self-determination and for all other nations. would never accept alien rule and yet lamented self-determination including in Punjab, Kash- Stephen Twigg MP, Chair of the All Party Group that 17 years of negotiations with India had not mir, , , Southern Cam- against Genocide and Crimes Against Human- produced any results, as the Indians are using the eroon, Palestine, Western Sahara, Nagalim ity gave the organisers a substantial statement negotiations as a counter insurgency strategy rath- and elsewhere. Impunity for crimes including supporting efforts to promote self-determination er than an opportunity to solve the conflict. Again genocide cannot be tolerated in a civilised as a critical means to prevent such crimes. John they called for international intervention. world and the rule of law must be restored so Hemmings MP also told the Conference that self- that nations may freely determine their des- The Conference heard, time and time again, determination for all peoples was a humanitarian tiny in their homeland. that India’s official refusal to accept Article 1 of imperative which the UK Government must adopt the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Po- 3. Those states, such as India, that have formally in order to formulate a credible foreign policy. litical Rights, which guarantees the right of self objected to the right of self-determination (as Karnail Singh Peermohammed, President of determination, was the root cause of these bloody set out in Article 1 of the 1966 Covenants on the All India Sikh Students Federation, who had conflicts. It was urged that the UK Government’s Human Rights) being applicable to nations travelled from the Sikh homeland especially for policy toward India be reviewed such that India within their current borders must be brought the event, spoke of the Sikh nation’s suffering comply with international law – something which into line by the UN in order to enable those since the Indian army attack on the Harimandar the UN Human Rights Committee has tried and nations to freely exercise their right of self- Sahib (Golden Temple) in June 1984. After expe- failed to do. determination. We call on the UN General riencing genocide the Sikhs had resolved at their Assembly to adopt a resolution exposing Participants from around the world also national gathering (Sarbat Khalsa) in 1986 to se- those states that brazenly reject such a fun- spoke on the freedom struggles in Palestine, Ta- cure independence but that struggle too had been damental provision of international law and mil Eelam, Kurdistan, Western Sahara, South violently suppressed. The Sikhs he said, want the which thereby create a threat to international Cameroon and commentators on the Scottish inde- international community to intervene in the Indo- peace and security. pendence referendum also addressed the gathering Sikh conflict and ensure that Sikh rights under which was keenly attended by many community 4. The Thatcher government’s involvement in international law were respected – especially the leaders from Diaspora communities. the planning of India’s Operation Bluestar right of self-determination in the form of a sov- against the Sikh Harimandar Sahib (Golden Participating Sikh organisations included ereign state. He demanded the release of all Sikh Temple) in Amritsar in June 1984 has been the Council of Khalistan, Dal Khalsa, Akali Dal political prisoners in India and war crimes courts universally condemned. We call on the UK UK, Kesri Lehar, Akali Dal (Amritsar) as well as for those guilty of Indian war crimes to be pun- Foreign office to urgently review its foreign others. They thanked Lord Ahmed for his efforts ished. He presented Lord Ahmed and Ranjit Singh policy so that it supports the right of self-de- and pledged to defeat Indian colonialism in their Srai with a replica of an historic Sikh coin which termination instead of conspiring with states beloved Punjab homeland. Amrik Singh Sahota, was struck when the first Sikh sovereign state was that breach international law in suppressing OBE expressed deep appreciation for Karnail Sin- established in the 1700s. legitimate self-determination movements. As gh’s robust and inspiring contribution. Labour MP Fabian Hamilton sent a message a starting point it should support an interna- in which he noted that “Sikhs have long wished Resolutions passed at the PNSD Conference held tional, UN led, enquiry in to the genocide that for self-determination in Punjab”. He described at the Houses Parliament, Westminster on 6 May was carried out against the Sikhs between the 1984 Indian army action as “an unforgivable 2014 1984 and 1995. 4 | NAGALIM VOICE JULY | 2014 Where Does Naga Civil Organizations Stand Today? Porteus Shimray Research Student, DU It will not be justifiableto paint the picture of tribalism in Naga political movement, and if any nized their existence, but these organizations have Naga civil organization in a completely black and form of favoritism or partisan attitude is shown to come to represent certain aspects of what people white manner as far as their role in Naga politi- a particular group, there is a risk of being sidelined want and their desires for better society. Once cal movement is concern. Not all the organizations and ghettoized or accused of being bigoted. again, it is the lack of concerns that civil organiza- are either completely black, in the sense that they If we have to map the trajectories of steps be- tions have for the day-to-day difficulties that com- have worked against the political stand of Naga ing taken by Naga civil organizations before and face, irrespective of their tribal affili- nationalist, or they are completely white, by which after the commencement of Indo-Naga ceasefire, ations, that has given space for the emergence of we can understand as standing alongside with the we would find that there have been drastic changes new agencies to represent the ‘people’ and stand Naga political organizations in all the circum- in their forms of activism. Before ceasefire came up for common cause society. Now, it is interesting stances. By their very nature, being civil in terms into place, the civil organizations were stronger to observe that ACAUT, which has been formed as of organization and approach, and as ‘standing-in– in terms of its organizational structure and focus, people’s movement against taxation by Naga polit- between’ the ‘state’ and ‘people’, civil organiza- and had been vociferously fighting against human ical groups, has started to speak up for early politi- tions are supposed to take a neutral stand and also rights violations by Indian paramilitary forces. It cal solution to the new government in New Delhi, represent the people. Nonetheless, numerous Naga must be duly acknowledged that numerous Naga whereas our apex civil organizations are remain- civil organizations have openly stated their support social activist have made huge sacrifices in the ing silent, which is indeed an irony but sadly our for the ‘cause’ of Naga political movement in var- past, to the extent of giving their own life for the social leaders may not even realized this reality. ied occasions, which have become more explicit larger interest of Nagas, even if they were not On the part of Naga civil organizations, it may not after the signing of ceasefire agreement between armed combatants, nor part of the political groups. be a necessity and not even possible to be swayed Naga political organizations and Indian govern- However, when ceasefire came into place, we find by what the common feels all the time, but the ment. In the political history of Nagas, there have that instead of spearheading a strong call for ‘polit- authority that they carry needs to be maintained, also been some Naga civil organizations that have ical solution’ for the Naga political struggle, which and also have the ability to guide the people out of colluded with the rival agencies and orchestrated would not only mean ‘press releases’ and one day confusion and emotional outburst. But, fundamen- certain policies which have damaged the political protest rally, the focus of civil societies have been tally, the connections that civil society has with the movement. Of course, the explanation that every shifted towards mitigating the internal problems people needs to be strengthened, as it seems to be organization and social leader will give is: what- in Naga political movements, and they are often eroding with the passage of time. ever they have done, including the destructive ac- plagued by divisions within their own organiza- In peacetime, when the role of armed cadres tions, was for the interest of the Nagas. Notably, tions. The leaders heading various apex civil or- have been diminished and made irreverent to a large every Naga civil organizations worth their name ganizations have also been viewed as closely con- extent, the face of civil organizations in political have proclaimed to be working for the benefit and niving with the leaders in Naga political groups, struggle needs to come to the forefront. It has also interest of all the Nagas, no matter how their ac- and not in a position to take critical stand on varied been made distinctly clear by the Indian govern- tions and demands have resulted into. issues that common people are facing in everyday ment that the opinion of Naga civil organizations One of the notable contributions that Naga life. And, more often than not, it has happened that will also be taken into account for the final settle- civil organizations have made in recent time is the leaders in civil organizations have jumped into po- ment. However, more than just submitting memo- reduction of ‘factional conflicts’ between Naga po- litical fray by joining political parties and stood for randums, the civil organizations may be needed to litical organizations, which had become endemic elections. This has given the impression that Naga take extreme steps to make their stand and demand and self-destructive in the aftermath and emer- civil organizations have become a launch-pad for succinctly clear before the Indian state. In the last gence of new political groups during the cease- those individuals who are vying for political ca- decade, we have hardly come across any massive fire period and even before. The signing of ‘Naga reers and coveted seats in state assembly. There- mass movement for the political cause of the Na- Concordant’ few years back, and Latten Agree- fore, in its functions and approach, the civil organi- gas that has been led and initiated by the civil or- ment in recent times, have paved a way forward zations in Naga society have been construed by the ganizations. This does not mean to imply that civil for the Naga leaders in various camps to think be- common people, which would not always be their organizations are not doing their job, or that there yond their differences and work for better future actual objectives, as mostly working for the inter- are no constraints on them, but if some tangible for the interest of all the Nagas. Though the Naga est and on the behest of the ‘high’ and ‘mighty’ in political pressure has be made to the ‘entities’ that Reconciliation process have progressed in a snail Naga political groups and state government. are in the ‘negotiating table’ civil organizations pace manner, and it may have lacked the complete- may have to act more bluntly, and also take the op- The impacts of caricatured image of civil so- portunity to be heard. Whether civil organizations ness as some of the major Naga political groups cieties in the eye of the public have led to serious and also small splinter groups have stayed away may like it or not, during ceasefire period when ramifications in varied spheres. The immediate fall political negotiations are going on, they have are a from the process, it has achieved its purpose by out is: loss of connections and trust of the people stopping the internecine warfare to a great extent. ‘factor’ that has a role to play in solving the current with their own civil organizations. And, in the af- impasse in Indo-Naga political problems, as they However, to make a non-feasible demands that ‘all termath of that, what we find is rise of situations political groups should unite, before getting into are also representative of Naga people’s voice. where people have taken law into their own hands. Therefore, it is pertinent that leaders of various negotiations’ may actually results in prolonging There have been numerous occasions in Nagaland Naga civil organizations realized this fact as early the Naga political settlement, rather than contrib- as well as in , where public anger over as they can, and start to take constructive initiative uting towards such aims. If one has to be realistic, certain horrific incidents has led to complete chaos for bringing concrete changes in political negotia- differences among the Naga leaders should be con- and mob violence against Naga political groups tions, instead of playing the waiting and watching sidered as un-avoidable, however the gaps among have occurred on regular basis. It may be easy to game. Whether they are a party to be invited at the them could be lessen, in this aspect civil organiza- put the blame on ‘public’ or those culprits who negotiating table or not, or for that matter whether tions’ contributions matter most. have acted irresponsibly, but where have the civil their opinion has been sought or not, does not mat- One of the main reasons which constraints the organizations gone in such instances? And, even ter. They can always speak for the people and raise role of civil society, as often claimed by the lead- if the civil organizations have tried all their best to their voices on the streets, or in any form of civil ers and activists, is that they are always wedged mitigate the boiling situation, why have they miser- disobedience movement they choose, which will between two opposition forces: state agencies and ably failed and people are not ready to heed any of not be ignored by any agency. Political movements rebels, or between the rebel groups. Therefore, any their advice? This calls for serious introspections across the nations and continents have been taken small mistake or misunderstanding by one party on the part of civil organizations and all the lead- forward by mass participations and people’s voice, could boomerang into a full-fledged assault on ers who are supposed to represent their respective it is a power that have been tried and tested. In the the organization, and also the activists involved in communities. In the first place, they need to realize case of Nagas, instead of using such people’s pow- the organization’s activities. There could be loop- that there is a chasm that may have arose between er to further the political cause, we find the target holes and even grey areas in the activities of the the people and civil organizations, whereas they of people’s wrath have being directed towards our civil organizations, as they have to work with all are supposed to represents the people’s desires and own political groups. However, the big question is: the agencies whenever the need arises. However, pain in every circumstance. When people are not are all the Naga civil organizations, inclusive of all it became grave concern for the civil societies to connected with the civil organizations, a vacuum the tribes and affinities or even majority of them, function properly, if the ‘trust deficit’ became a is created, whereby people began to represent on ready to take up mammoth mass movement for the factor in the nature of relationships that it shares their own, and act on their own behalf and do what political cause of the Nagas? There can be numer- with one group or the other. In the ceasefire period, they feel is best for their community. ous excuses and constraints, but the question will the role of civil societies and its allegiance with Furthermore, what we have seen in last few still remain the same for years to come, lest they one political group or the other have become some years is the rise new civil organizations that does may come to realized the opportunity that they sort of jigsaw puzzle for the public and political not have any community affinities, but purely have now after fifty years as some sort of ‘histori- groups. In this context it is apt to recall that Naga- based on certain issues that have plagued the com- cal repetition’ that has happened in the past, which land Government had officially declared that it will mon men. Examples of such new civil organiza- we may say again is ‘typical Naga style of political maintain ‘equal-distance’ to all the political groups tions are: ACAUT and NTC in Nagaland state. brinkmanship’. If this actually happens then, tak- operating in the state. Such positions had been ne- Whether Naga nationalists and political groups ing Marx’s famous dictum, we may not just call it cessitated as factionalism have often coupled with may like it or not, or may not even want to recog- as ‘tragedy’ but a ‘farce’. Printed, Published and Edited by MIP/GPRN at Oking, Email : [email protected], Editor : 8014678869