By : UA Shimray/IFP
Election mood in Naga Hills at the moment. Recently, Manipur Government announced Manipur District Council election date [probably 18 April 2008] after more than one decade. In Nagaland, 13,00,507 voters are jubilant to exercise their franchise in the March 5 general assembly election. Every elections [also elsewhere states] money play important “role.” To put it bluntly “no money-no vote” so dear ones fishing time. Sanjib Buruah [in “Durable Disorder,” 2004: 74] also mentioned that: “…in Nagaland it is said that during elections when political parties distribute money to buy votes, acceptance of that money is seen as legitimate since it involves only ‘Indian Toka’ [Indian money] not ‘Naga Toka [Naga money].
On the other side, a big relieve for the 218 candidates as the NSCN [IM] and “NSCN/GPRN,” Sumi region have informed that they would not involve in the forthcoming state election. The MIP/NSCN [IM] in a press release said its collective leadership has made it clear that the NSCN [IM] cannot compromise its principle by participating in the election conducted under the Indian Constitution” [Nagaland Post, 19th February, 2008]. Even top Indian security officers meet the NSCN-IM delegation led by “brigadier” Pungthing Shimrang to ensure “free and fair” election [The Morung Express, 20 February, 2008]. Also various church and social organisations have issued “dos and don’ts” to the political parties to ensure free, fair and accountable election to the State Assembly.
Elections in Manipur Hills
The situation is different in Naga areas of Manipur State where NGOs and NSCN [IM] nominated their own independent candidates in the last general election [2007]. In the decade 2000s, Manipur witness three general elections. The decade witnesses how the Naga politics began to tag “Holy-Unholy” nexus with Manipur elections. In other words, imposed terms and conditions like: “Boycott,” and “Go-ahead” and “Blessed One” by the United Naga Council [UNC]. The UNC’s boycott the 7th Manipur General Assembly election but was defied by some candidates and got themselves elected. So the slogan “No Election, No Solution” miserably failed. Unfortunately, the life of 7th Assembly was shortened by 18th June incident in 2001 [Presidents’ Rule imposed]. In the 8th Manipur General Assembly election [2002], UNC order “Go Ahead” with certain “terms and conditions.” But the mood towards certain political parties particularly Indian National Congress [INC] was not good.
Recent 9th Manipur General Assembly election twisted UNC’s policy. Here, the UNC took keen interest in Indian Electoral Process and fielded its own Independent Candidates as “Blessed-One” with the theme “Lead Kindly Light” in four Naga dominated districts of Manipur. This was fully “endorsed” by the NSCN [IM] at the same time witnessed physical involvement during voting day. These candidates were also compelled to take oath to voice “Naga Integration” in the Manipur Assembly. Unfortunately, UNC reaped only 6 [six] candidates out of 11 [Three from Ukhrul district and one each from Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong]. At the moment “Lead Kindly Light” is leading no where.
One interesting development in the recent Naga political movement is departure from the earlier policy and commitment. Today, UNC extends its activism towards state’s politics. In this context, the policy seems to endorse that the Indian electoral process could be “potential” factor for Naga integration [or solution]. No doubt, Naga integration is crucial agenda however; reducing Naga issue into a mere electoral process is uncalled for. Naga issue is neither Indian Constitutional crisis nor electoral representation.
NPCC’s Manifestoes: Silence of UNC’s MLAs
Today, Manipur is not in good mood particularly political parties of the state. The reason: AICC’s endorsement on “Naga Integration” in Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee's [NPCC] manifestoes. Indeed, the phrase Naga Integration is “bad” for some section of population in Manipur. Taking grim note of threat posed to the integrity of Manipur some social organisations under the aegis of UCM has resolved to fight against all challenges and threats to integrity of Manipur State. Further the organisations strongly condemned the statement of AICC secretary Sidharth Patil which endorsed.
Manipur Legislative Assembly resolved to disapprove of the statement made by Sidarth Patel, AICC secretary and demand that the AICC withdraw the controversial sub-para from the election manifesto: “the Indian National Congress in Nagaland will continue to urge the government of India the need to implement the 16-point Agreement of 1960 in letter and spirit.”
As said, UNC’s MLAs are essentially instituted to voice “Naga Integration” in Manipur Assembly. So far, no loud intervention is observed in Manipur Assembly regarding Naga integration issue. The Imphal Free Press [“House resolves to oppose AICC secretary’s statement; CM says his govt has sought AICC clarification” 23rd February 2008] writes: “Interestingly, most of the MLAs backed by the United Naga Council, UNC, who were present during the session failed to give any comments from their side during the discussion on the passing of the said private members’ resolution.” Indeed, instead of raising their voice in the Assembly the UNC’s MLAs gave Press Statement at one of the MLA’s residence as they are against the “resolution.” Such act of Cowardice indicates their non-commitment to the Naga integration movement. Now, what is the UNC’s position on this? Is Naga Integration for a mere Press Statement and keep silence on the floor of Manipur Assembly [As promise to voice in the Assembly…]?
Remarks
To tag the phrase “Naga Integration” in Nagas’ elections become a “fashion.” Hitherto, the trends is unfortunate, such important agenda is vaguely marketed in Indian electoral process [Indian Constitution]. Any manifestoes in election campaign can be read as “Dummy Official” letter [promises]. Is electoral process being viable solution to the Naga issue? Contrarily, some organisations targeted Congress Party [Naga Hills] in Manipur at the same time, “make” friendship to NPCC in Nagaland. Indeed it is well open secret that there is immense growing corruption in Naga politics. Such growing corruption inevitably weakening the Naga political struggles. Ongoing political confrontation [read as differences among Naga insurgency groups, political non-compromise among Naga leaders, and unholy contract-extortion nexus] culture of intolerance and violence creeping into the society. Such virus is deadly cancer for the Naga political movement. Nonetheless, Naga political issue is much beyond Naga integration.
IFP
Election mood in Naga Hills at the moment. Recently, Manipur Government announced Manipur District Council election date [probably 18 April 2008] after more than one decade. In Nagaland, 13,00,507 voters are jubilant to exercise their franchise in the March 5 general assembly election. Every elections [also elsewhere states] money play important “role.” To put it bluntly “no money-no vote” so dear ones fishing time. Sanjib Buruah [in “Durable Disorder,” 2004: 74] also mentioned that: “…in Nagaland it is said that during elections when political parties distribute money to buy votes, acceptance of that money is seen as legitimate since it involves only ‘Indian Toka’ [Indian money] not ‘Naga Toka [Naga money].
On the other side, a big relieve for the 218 candidates as the NSCN [IM] and “NSCN/GPRN,” Sumi region have informed that they would not involve in the forthcoming state election. The MIP/NSCN [IM] in a press release said its collective leadership has made it clear that the NSCN [IM] cannot compromise its principle by participating in the election conducted under the Indian Constitution” [Nagaland Post, 19th February, 2008]. Even top Indian security officers meet the NSCN-IM delegation led by “brigadier” Pungthing Shimrang to ensure “free and fair” election [The Morung Express, 20 February, 2008]. Also various church and social organisations have issued “dos and don’ts” to the political parties to ensure free, fair and accountable election to the State Assembly.
Elections in Manipur Hills
The situation is different in Naga areas of Manipur State where NGOs and NSCN [IM] nominated their own independent candidates in the last general election [2007]. In the decade 2000s, Manipur witness three general elections. The decade witnesses how the Naga politics began to tag “Holy-Unholy” nexus with Manipur elections. In other words, imposed terms and conditions like: “Boycott,” and “Go-ahead” and “Blessed One” by the United Naga Council [UNC]. The UNC’s boycott the 7th Manipur General Assembly election but was defied by some candidates and got themselves elected. So the slogan “No Election, No Solution” miserably failed. Unfortunately, the life of 7th Assembly was shortened by 18th June incident in 2001 [Presidents’ Rule imposed]. In the 8th Manipur General Assembly election [2002], UNC order “Go Ahead” with certain “terms and conditions.” But the mood towards certain political parties particularly Indian National Congress [INC] was not good.
Recent 9th Manipur General Assembly election twisted UNC’s policy. Here, the UNC took keen interest in Indian Electoral Process and fielded its own Independent Candidates as “Blessed-One” with the theme “Lead Kindly Light” in four Naga dominated districts of Manipur. This was fully “endorsed” by the NSCN [IM] at the same time witnessed physical involvement during voting day. These candidates were also compelled to take oath to voice “Naga Integration” in the Manipur Assembly. Unfortunately, UNC reaped only 6 [six] candidates out of 11 [Three from Ukhrul district and one each from Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong]. At the moment “Lead Kindly Light” is leading no where.
One interesting development in the recent Naga political movement is departure from the earlier policy and commitment. Today, UNC extends its activism towards state’s politics. In this context, the policy seems to endorse that the Indian electoral process could be “potential” factor for Naga integration [or solution]. No doubt, Naga integration is crucial agenda however; reducing Naga issue into a mere electoral process is uncalled for. Naga issue is neither Indian Constitutional crisis nor electoral representation.
NPCC’s Manifestoes: Silence of UNC’s MLAs
Today, Manipur is not in good mood particularly political parties of the state. The reason: AICC’s endorsement on “Naga Integration” in Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee's [NPCC] manifestoes. Indeed, the phrase Naga Integration is “bad” for some section of population in Manipur. Taking grim note of threat posed to the integrity of Manipur some social organisations under the aegis of UCM has resolved to fight against all challenges and threats to integrity of Manipur State. Further the organisations strongly condemned the statement of AICC secretary Sidharth Patil which endorsed.
Manipur Legislative Assembly resolved to disapprove of the statement made by Sidarth Patel, AICC secretary and demand that the AICC withdraw the controversial sub-para from the election manifesto: “the Indian National Congress in Nagaland will continue to urge the government of India the need to implement the 16-point Agreement of 1960 in letter and spirit.”
As said, UNC’s MLAs are essentially instituted to voice “Naga Integration” in Manipur Assembly. So far, no loud intervention is observed in Manipur Assembly regarding Naga integration issue. The Imphal Free Press [“House resolves to oppose AICC secretary’s statement; CM says his govt has sought AICC clarification” 23rd February 2008] writes: “Interestingly, most of the MLAs backed by the United Naga Council, UNC, who were present during the session failed to give any comments from their side during the discussion on the passing of the said private members’ resolution.” Indeed, instead of raising their voice in the Assembly the UNC’s MLAs gave Press Statement at one of the MLA’s residence as they are against the “resolution.” Such act of Cowardice indicates their non-commitment to the Naga integration movement. Now, what is the UNC’s position on this? Is Naga Integration for a mere Press Statement and keep silence on the floor of Manipur Assembly [As promise to voice in the Assembly…]?
Remarks
To tag the phrase “Naga Integration” in Nagas’ elections become a “fashion.” Hitherto, the trends is unfortunate, such important agenda is vaguely marketed in Indian electoral process [Indian Constitution]. Any manifestoes in election campaign can be read as “Dummy Official” letter [promises]. Is electoral process being viable solution to the Naga issue? Contrarily, some organisations targeted Congress Party [Naga Hills] in Manipur at the same time, “make” friendship to NPCC in Nagaland. Indeed it is well open secret that there is immense growing corruption in Naga politics. Such growing corruption inevitably weakening the Naga political struggles. Ongoing political confrontation [read as differences among Naga insurgency groups, political non-compromise among Naga leaders, and unholy contract-extortion nexus] culture of intolerance and violence creeping into the society. Such virus is deadly cancer for the Naga political movement. Nonetheless, Naga political issue is much beyond Naga integration.
IFP
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