THE SPIRIT OF SECESSION

THE SPIRIT OF SECESSION
The insurgencies of the North East Region (NeR) have a peculiar aspect of secessionism in it. This is blocking the dawn of speedy peace in the region. NSCN (IM) is demanding sovereignty where as NSCN (K) does not; ULFA and several other outfits are also demanding sovereignty as a core issue. Some of the outfits have already dropped the demand of sovereignty. The society of this region is basically a tribal society that has exclusivity as integral part of its culture. Earlier every hamlet was a nation by itself? There is a need to investigate into history to see the spirit of secessionism in the globalized and inclusive world.
In the evolving world, desire of self determination amongst the under developed societies was a common thing that evoked popular response. But it does not suggest the similar level of sympathy now when societies are fast transforming from exclusiveness to inclusiveness with its nature changing from local to regional, regional to national and national to Global. There are multiple faces of insurgency i.e. secessionism (territorial break away from the existing state and establishment of a new state and separatism (standing not for break away but partial dissonance from state establishment on certain issues). Contemporarily there is also a need to understand the meaning of the words Sovereignty and Colonial; repeatedly used to mislead the commoners. Sovereignty is the word that defines self rule over a well defined geographical area having fixed boundaries. Colonial is an adjective of the word Colony meaning a country or area under the political control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country. Both these words are irrelevant today because our own chosen people (in democratic set up) are representing us in the state and centre and ruling the states defined by fixed boundaries.
The author is of the opinion that it was not the basic demand of secession but of separatism due to discord on issues of identity & feeling of insecurity (a natural process for an exclusive society). The memorandum of Naga Club submitted to Simon Commission vouches for the same. It reads:-
“ … Our country with in the administered area consists of more than eight tribes, quite different from one another with quite different languages which cannot be understood by each other and there were tribes which are not known of present. We have no unity among us and it is only the British government that is holding us together now. Our education is at present poor ---. We have not got one yet who is able to represent all our different tribes or master our languages much less to represent us in any council of a population. However our population is very small in comparison with the population of the plains district in the province and in any representation that may be allotted to us in the council will be negligible and will have no weight. Whatsoever ----- our country is poor, it does not pay for its administration. Therefore, we are afraid that new heavy taxes will have to be imposed and in the long run we shall have no claim in the land of our birth and life will not be worth living then---“.
As of now there are 16 tribes and many sub tribes in Nagaland. People of these tribes are representing the society in the state council and also have a representative in the parliament. Literacy and Education level of the people has changed for better. Number of youths is studying in metros and abroad. Numbers of youths are displaying acumen for entrepreneur ship. Naga roses have a good market abroad. National Research Centre for Orhids has identified NE region as potential for floricultural that can be taken up by young entrepreneurs. First Naga has been nominated as standing counsel, for Nagaland, at Supreme Court of India. The region has abundance of natural and mineral resources. The states of the region do not need special status (preferential) but equal status with rest of the states. They prefer compensatory action for under development before the states of the region catch up to become Giver states instead of being Taker states.
Now the populace is thinking inclusive rather than exclusive barring the vested interests. Exclusive feelings are result of bloodshed & Fear Psychosis in the state despite ceasefire agreement. Now the NGOs, church associations, Gaon Buras, Naga Mother’s association and the whole populace have realized the importance of globalization. Every one shuns violence in the name of false path to self determination. Author had an opportunity to talk to some of the intellectuals from this region settled outside their states. It is surprising that most do not want to get back to their state despite having great love for their moorings but avoidable violence (a hindrance to progressive life that every human wants to lead). The fears mentioned in the memorandum are no more relevant today. But the Governments (at state and centre) have to consider the sensitivities of the people, include end to end accountability to ensure development to overcome lag behind feeling.
In Assam the movement against illegal migration was accorded Secessionist status by ULFA for their own reasons in mid eighties. Little was it realized that the boundaries of Assam have been changing from times of great king Sui Kapha (a Tai) to the times when Britishers controlled the province. Now the spirit of the peaceful coexistence, cooperation and collaboration has been accepted by the people. APW (Assam People Works) were the first one to reject the demand of sovereignty by ULFA. Protalk ULFA, NDFB, KLNLF have also dropped the same and they want a peaceful agreement. So does the peace loving society of Assam.
There is a need to understand that the seeds of secessionism and separatism sown by Britishers for their self interests. Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 (BEFR 1873), Scheduled District Act of 1874 and Frontier Tract Regulation of 1880 were the instruments used by them to progress their economic and administrative interests. BEFR was brought in to subdue hill rulers by separating them from plains because all the revenue was received from plains. Imperial policies to suppress local language and set up artificial boundaries were used for cheap and simplified administration, which resulted in ethnicities and conflicts. There is a need of inclusive approach with ethnic exclusiveness. Steps are already underway in form of regional food festivals, regional cultural shows in the heartland of India. Awareness and thinking about this region has taken a more positive turn amongst people outside the region now then hitherto fore.

Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the author via email: jaey_geoffery@rediffmail.co.in OR post views on blog: jaey-geoffery.bolgspot.com)