Polling and peace-making

Negotiations with the IM group have over the years led to recognition by the government of the Naga peoples’ ‘unique history’ as a basis for further discussion. Sovereignty is not now being strongly canvassed and talks have moved towards exploring whether these ‘unique’ features can find constitutional expression through a possible amendment of the Indian Constitution providing for large devolution, and incorporation of other features in a Naga Constitution that has an organic link with the Indian Constitution. The J&K Constitution is not the only precedent. A remodelled Sixth Schedule devised to accommodate Naga aspirations or the wider Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act 1996, point to other variants that can serve such a purpose without derogating from national unity and integrity. The issue of Nagalim or unification of all Naga inhabited areas need not constitute an insuperable obstacle if non-territorial solutions are sought.

These are eminently practicable and have worked elsewhere. Assam has provided for apex councils on a non-territorial basis for some half a dozen small and scattered plains tribals such as the Tiwas, Rabhas, Mishings, Sonowals and Deoris. These models can be developed and adapted to provide innovative solutions for what earlier seemed impossible situations. The peace and development thrust of the PM’s new Northeast policy holds out much promise.

It would be unwise to assume that development can be a panacea for all ills. At the same time, the people of the Northeast have been long handicapped by lack of connectivity and infrastructure to match the modernising aspirations of simple communities traumatised by Partition and sudden integration. They must manage multiple transitions as they move from a subsistence-barter economy to a monetised, market system with global links. The opportunities thrown up will influence older mindsets provided the process enables the people to assume ownership of these schemes.

Nagaland’s successful communitisation programme in elementary education, primary health and retail electricity distribution exemplifies how this can work. Likewise, NEPED, the Nagaland Environment Programme for Economic Development, has led the way in upgrading traditional jhum cultivation with tree farming in the emerging circumstances of a steadily shrinking jhum cycle on account of relentless population pressure. Naga youth, like others in the region and the country, are increasingly anxious to improve on their education and to acquire the knowledge and skills that will equip them to avail of tantalising professional, technical and other market opportunities. Many are thus gradually and unconsciously beginning to redefine the meaning and purpose of self-determination. The zest with which the elections have been contested may not be totally unrelated to changing mindsets that augur well for the future.

The writer is a former editor of the Indian Express