NEW ROBINHOOD

NEW ROBIN HOOD

Robin Hood is a person who robs Peter (Rich) to help Paul (poor). In today’s jargon one can say that any person or any organisation that promises a solution to social evils assumes this philanthropic image. So is the case of present National Socialist Council of Nagaland (unified) i.e. NSCN (U). Society had been fed up with ongoing fratricidal killings and its collateral damage to the social system of beautiful Nagaland. This has been echoed time and again in the form of public uproar, initiative by Church, GB and DB association and NGOs in the past.

23 Nov 07 will become a historic day, if the new organisation achieves its aim of calling NO to fratricidal killings and other types of violence in the society. Despite all the existing violence the state has made noticeable progress in various fields in the last decade. Imagine the quantum of development that would have been if there was total peace, a forerunner to lasting progress and development. The new organisation needs a composed analysis regarding reasons of its birth and its future.

Reasons of its birth are not very far to seek. NSCN was formed in 1980 after their differences with Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) over implementation of Shillong Accord. NSCN was further split into NSCN (Isak Muviah (IM) and NSCN (Khaplang (K) in 1988. Both factions have been belligerent since then. Before we arrive at the reasons it would be in order to glance through demographic statistics of both the groups. NSCN (IM) has almost 1/3rd Tangkhuls, 1/3rd Semas and balance rest of the tribes. Similarly NSCN (K) has 1/3rd Konyaks, 1/3rd Semas and balance rest of the tribes. Present unification has been engineered by Western Sumi HoHo (WSH) and all defected Sumi cadres have formed a new group. They are led by the defected leaders like Azeto Chophy, Kilo Kilosner of NSCN (IM) and younger brother of Isak Swu President NSCN (IM) among others.

It is learnt that Sumi unification was initiated by Isak Swu in Aug 2007 when he appealed to the Sumis to unify and pave way for unification of all Nagas. The same has fructified now. Efforts of unification had also been made earlier in 1999, 2004 and 2006 but failed due to some vested interests.

It is also learnt that power is held in the hands of one tribe in NSCN (IM) vis a vis NSCN (K). Probably the present unification is the result of certain factors of immediate past. High handed attitude of NSCN (IM) against certain tribes in Dimapur. That led to Wungram Colony inferno in Apr 2007. Certain tribes in Juluki Jangdi village & Intagaki RF have been denied their rights unilaterally. Fear and tension that prevailed amongst people of Zunheboto as a result of large number of inter factional clashes in the area. Incidentally this was declared a peace zone and neutral zone during previous peace talks that failed.

Now the present and futuristic status of the new set up. It has been supported by Semas, Changs, Ao, Konyaks i.e. approx 33% of total population of Nagaland. Besides this the move has also been supported by Ex Government of Nagaland (GoN), apex public organization Naga HoHo, GBs, & DBs and various other NGOs. It has also been criticized by the certain tribes Angamis, Pochury, Teniyimi, Yimchnnyer in NSCN (IM) dominated areas i.e. approximately 12 % of total population of Nagaland. It has also been criticized by Naga International Support Centre (NISC) based in Netherlands and Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)
based at Hague. In fact it does not affect these two organizations because they are enjoying lives sitting abroad and this move will affect flow of funds for their survival. Notwithstanding the present support base, if we divide the balance population (approx 55%) on 50-50 basis in support and against of either group. The NSCN (U) will have support of almost 60% and more population vis a vis the other group. This conveys the mass sentiment.

There are certain fears due to statements issued by K leaders and emergency imposed by Isak Swu in view of public opposition and president rule in the state. Brig Niki Sumi of K group had said,” It would be obligatory
on our part to use any means available at our disposal to counter act subversive factors trying to break our patience—“. On 13 Jan while imposing emergency Isak Swu had said,” it is to check unwanted situation and external divisive force which is interfering in the internal affairs of Naga people and thereby creating law and order problem, forcing threat to sovereign rights of Nagas”. Both these statements have violent threats hidden in them.

Besides the support from K group there are news of the new organization acquiring arms and ammunition. It has already started delineating areas for its tax collection. This may lead to clash of interests with other armed organisation and ultimately a third armed organisation may come up leading to and more blood shed. Presently leader ship issue has been left open to SS Konyak and Isk Swu. May be latter will assume leadership due to the reasons. One, his own younger brother, a senior ranking cadre of deserted outfit, is in the new outfit. Two the process had been his brain child. Three, there are reports of in fight in the senior leadership of NSCN (IM).

The peace process must reach its culmination because it is no longer good to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace and live in peace. It will save children being orphaned. It will save parents the agony of losing their child. It will save avoidable loss to public property. It will create favorable environment for tourism industry. It will pave way to the benefits of economic boom for the state. Then and only then we can live a life of prosperity, tranquility and strength and leave behind a legacy of progress for our generations to come. It will not be wrong to quote a biblical saying. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” Ephesian 1:18.

J.Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the writer
via email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in)