[Assam] Sentinel OpEd

[Ram Sarangapani]

This from the Sentinel. The author, Jaey Geoffrey, has an interesting blog

*jaey*-geoffery.blogspot.com

The blog mainly talks about the problems in the NE.


http://sentinelassam.com/editorial.php?sec=3&subsec=0&id=6159&dtP=2009-03-25&ppr=1#6159

    *Why Secession? *    *Jaey Geoffrey*

The insurgencies of the Northeast have a peculiar aspect of secessionism in
them. This is blocking the dawn of speedy peace in the region. NSCN(IM) is
demanding sovereignty whereas 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 an 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
underdeveloped societies was a common thing that evoked popular response.
But it does not suggest a similar level of sympathy now when societies are
fast transforming from exclusiveness to inclusiveness, with their nature
changing from local to regional, regional to national and national to
global.
Contemporarily there is also a need to understand the meaning of the words
‘‘sovereignty’’ and ‘‘colonial’’, used repeatedly 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 the democratic
set-up) are representing us in the State and at the Centre and ruling the
States defined by fixed boundaries.
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 Parliament. Literacy and education level of the people
has changed for the better. Many youths are studying in metros and abroad.
They are displaying acumen for entrepreneurship as well. A Naga has been
nominated as standing counsel for Nagaland at the Supreme Court for the
first time.
Exclusive feelings are a result of bloodshed and fear psychosis in the State
despite the ceasefire agreement with rebel groups. Now the NGOs, church
associations, gaonburas, Naga Mother’s Association and the whole populace
have realized the importance of globalization.  This author has had the
opportunity to talk to some of the intellectuals from this region settled
outside their States. It is surprising that most of them do not want to get
back to their States despite having great love for their homeland, because
of violence (a hindrance to progressive life that every human wants to
lead). However, the government has to consider the sensitivities of the
people and ensure development to overcome the feeling of backwardness.
In Assam, the movement against illegal migration was accorded secessionist
status by ULFA for their own reasons in the mid-eighties. Little was it
realized that the boundaries of Assam have been changing from the times of
the great king Sui Kapha (a Tai) to the times when the Britishers controlled
the province. Now the spirit of peaceful coexistence, cooperation and
collaboration has been accepted by the people. APW (Assam People Works) is
the first one to reject the demand of sovereignty by ULFA.  Pro-talk ULFA,
NDFB and KLNLF have also dropped the same and they want a peaceful
agreement. So does the peace-loving society of Assam.
There is now a need for inclusive approach with ethnic exclusiveness. And
steps are already under way in the form of regional food festivals and
cultural shows in the heartland of India. This is a good beginning.
(ADNI)