Who is Who?

It is not the who’s who that children study for competitive exams. It is the who’s who that is creating chaos and confusion in the society. Print media is full of news of factional fights, internecine fights, fake outfits, inter tribal fights (e.g. avoidable Wungram colony inferno at Dimapur) etc. Readers need to decide who is doing what and for whom?

NE region of India abounds in almost 50% of total number of tribes found in whole of India. This region is also characterized by many languages, dialects, sense of insecurity in the tribes etc. It is not uncommon to read a rise in inter factional fights in Nagaland, UG groups trying to be friendly with the local populace by distributing sweets, pencils, note books on its raising day (e.g. KYKL on 13th raising day), some groups establishing civil court to disburse unauthorized justice in terms of punishment, may be physical torture, capital punishment , payment of fines etc. PREPAK’s shooting at leg of 36 year old woman for bootlegging at Kumbi in Thoubal district, NSCN(IM)’s torture of three youths for being inebriated resulting in death of Vilasielie(20) are recent examples and the number of such incidents is endless. Little do these people realize that what they are doing is heinously wrong? There is tirade of charges between two NSCN groups calling each other a traitor, being pro India, pro SF etc. All UG groups in the region claim to work for a revolutionary cause for the society they represent. These groups are also indulging in large scale extortions, kidnappings (famous case of PC Ram, FCI official in Assam and the hefty ransom asked for by ULFA), luring young boys into so called revolutionary battle etc. As per CNN-IBN these children are kept in the front during gun battles. If a child lacks confidence to face the dangers he is drugged for momentary courage. ULFA is using minors to plant bombs by paying as little as one hundred rupees. At the same time there are warnings from the public for these groups to stop violence or stay away from their lives e.g CPO warning to NSCN(IM) after Vilasieilie’s death. Accusing fingers were pointed at NSCN before the main accused (Tovisha Awomi) of serial blasts, of 2006, in Dimapur had been caught recently. In short the name of the game is territorial hegemony and lure for money for ease and material comforts. It will not be wrong to quote a story of famous Hindi movie ‘Amar, Akbar Anthony’. Three brothers separated at childhood, brought up differently, grew up to follow three different religions (i.e. Hinduism, Islam and Christianity). They also became enemies of one another. Their knowledge of common origin brings them together. Probably knowledge of tribal origin, rich tribal ethics and accepting the same may bring solution here as well. Regarding origin of tribes in the region we have to go by the studies of scholars and the legends prevailing.

After knowing the attributes of rich tribal etiquettes one is compelled to think. Are we not going against the basics of our proud tribal culture: where people are simple, truthful and hard working, where society is casteless, classless and equality is the social norm? These norms indicate as to how well civilized our ancestors were, may be more than some of the present modern societies.

In the present time head hunting must not be the means of self recognition as hitherto fore, but development and achievement. Large number of government projects do not see light of the day due to insecure environment; self generated contradictions and uncalled for interference by vested interests at the cost of society.

Everyone (Govt., Administration and People) needs to answer these questions; who is the society’s beneficiary? Who is being benefited? Who is law enforcing agency? Who can ensure social, psychological & physical security? Who is responsible for our children to carry gun, explosive, bomb etc. when they should be carrying books? Should our children be made cannon fodder?

“There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit” ‘Napoleon Bonaparte’