Nagaland is at present in a juncture where there is absolute lack of clarity about the future of the people and the state. Almost 2 decades have passed since the ceasefire was signed and the peace talk continues today, and coupled with that the electoral politics of power struggle within the ruling party in the state has only worsened the matter with more formation of blocs in the already fragmented society. In such a scenario the common man is left without a vision and a feeling of hopelessness abounds.
There is an anger that is slowly showing among the masses but again it is not directed at anyone and anything in particular. The newer watchdog organisations, youth movements, social media groups, other voluntary organisations and the older unions and associations too, all are exhibiting anger at present. The church organisations are also not left far behind. There is “General Unhappiness” everywhere in Nagaland these days. The sporadic events of mass movements that the state has witnessed over the past few years indicate such a feeling among the people and our leaders need to accept that the situation is indeed volatile. In such a scenario it is always wise to ask the reasons why. In every field of study and profession the art of asking the right question is an art in itself. Our leaders today should be asking the right questions in accordance with the changed times and the changed dynamics of our society in the last 50 years. It is only then that both the leaders and the masses can connect else the present way of one-way communication between the two would become costly. There is no doubt genuine anger over the continued irritation of “tax” being collected by all the groups and the public might again target all their anger on the NNGs which will be costly indeed.
One instance is the utter disrespect that all the newer popular movements especially the youth have for the elected representatives of the state. Why is it so? Are they not the same people who elected them in the first place? Another instance is the show of contempt by the upcoming organisations for most of the tribal bodies including the apex bodies. Are there some issues that have alienated the masses? Does it indicate that the younger generation do not believe in the Naga traditional system anymore?
On the flip side another question is that, are the voices against the establishment just the ones who voted against the then incumbent ruling party during the last elections? But how can such a small opposition create such a noise when even the last remnants of the opposition have been completely obliterated in the state.
One possible answer might be the very interesting feature in Nagaland of grouping into clans/ village/ region/area/ tribes in almost all the spheres of the society. It starts right from the village to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and closely followed even by the church that is divided into tribal blocs. Consequently there is an unwritten rule of representation in all these bodies which is in one way a positive aspect of our system. But it is also evident that Nagas are yet to shed the insecurities build up over the centuries of headhunting to be unfortunately followed by the turbulent history post India’s Independence. So when it comes to the ballot the very objective and the building block of democracy is defeated in Nagaland because everyone will overlook the capability of the person in lieu of one’s allegiance to someone that the individual and his family/ clan/village/tribe can relate to in the Naga social order. Next group will the ones who will vote purely based on the amount of money they receive. So election is a necessary evil that comes once in a while and when it’s over everyone will don new clothing and go on with their usual business. Does it indicate that we have two parallel systems that fail to find a meeting place? Is it a failing system? Is the concept of accountability in the Naga context more a social norm than an individual’s true understanding and adherence even when monitored?
There can be many more answers to it and it is time that our leaders and thinkers start asking good relevant and intelligent questions so that public discourses can happen. There is too much of just skimming the surface by all and sundry for the sake of argument and just to make a stand. If this is left unchecked it will not enable anyone to get any remedy resulting in more anger among the people.
