Nagaland Minister of Rural Development has publicly stated that he supports the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) in their demand for a separate Frontier Nagaland state personally and morally. In fact, he made the statement while speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Mokokchung (ENPUM) and that in itself is proof that he meant what he said. It will not be wrong to say that his opinion is shared by most Nagas. He even went on to the extent of saying that the ENPO movement was something that should have been started a long time ago. Any Naga with a conscience will agree with the words of the minister. That, however, does not mean that Nagas want to keep on dividing among themselves and continue fragmenting themselves into obscurity. The central team from the Ministry of Home Affairs led by the Government of India’s interlocutor for Naga talks AK Mishra will be landing in Tuensang one of these days. Certainly, there will be an outcome in one or the other form. In all likelihood, the solution to the ENPO demand for Frontier Nagaland and the ongoing talks between the GoI and Naga national political groups will be addressed together. Only time will tell if the statehood demand will be granted or not by the central government but, as stated in this column before, the center will think many times over it before granting statehood. Not that the demand does not merit it but because the central government is already overwhelmed with about 50 ongoing statehood demands across India. There can be alternative arrangements made specific to the region but granting statehood appears to be a little problematic under the given circumstances. Moreover, all Nagas want to live under one administrative umbrella. It is the long cherished dream of the Naga people to live together as one, with honor and dignity. As such, as has also been stated in this column before, we cannot afford the movement for Frontier Nagaland to be hijacked by vested interests – both from within or without. Even if the new state of Frontier Nagaland were to be created, the fact is that the people of the two states will continue to live first of all as fellow Nagas and then as immediate neighbors. Thus, there should be only goodwill and camaraderie. In this respect, it is suggested once again that people to people interaction must be encouraged. Interchange of ideas, goodwill and relationships must be built. Acceptance and reciprocating love must be nurtured. Whatever be the outcome of the Frontier Nagaland movement, seeds of hope must be sown today so that we may reap its rewards tomorrow.
