All Nagaland Shutdown Not Completely Observed

Despite the call for a state-wide shutdown on February 1 from the Core Committee of Naga Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO), there were some objections from four Naga tribal bodies. On the day of the shutdown, only 5 out of 11 districts observed the call. According to The Morung Express, only the district headquarters of Dimapur, Meluri, Mokokchung, and Zunheboto observed the shutdown, whereas in Peren district it was partially observed. The CCNTHCO however, claimed that the shutdown call was successful in Chumukedima, Dimapur, Meluri, Mokokchung, Peren, Tseminyu, and Zunheboto.

The CCNTHCO further stated that despite the certain bodies opposing the shutdown, the call evoked an emotional response from the people who responded by observing it. The Committee further stated that this was proof of the mood of the Naga people, more so since no volunteers were sent to enforce the shutdown. They also added that the political parties should reflect on the outcome and refrain from filing their nominations. The state election office has not received a single nomination paper since the notification was announced. However, they stated that nomination papers are usually filed 2 to 3 days before the last date, which in this case on February 7.

The CCNTHCO has in its statement mentioned that if nomination papers are filed, it will not only be the political party or the individual who will be tainted, but also the tribe to whom the person belongs. Further mentioning that they hope there will be no ‘Judas in the Naga family’. The BJP, on the other hand, has issued a statement through its Nagaland Media Cell that the BJP intends to contest the elections. They also mentioned that the BJP is committed to an early solution and will seek to implement it in its entirety if it comes to power. Echoing this statement, Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju stated that the Union Government is sensitive to the popular sentiment of the Naga people and is committed to an early solution to the issue.

The Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), the apex body of the Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei Nagas has stated that they would heed to the decisions of the CCNTHCO and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) regarding the elections. In attendance at the meeting were the members of various political parties, Gaon Buras, village elders, youth leaders, student leaders, and even the Chief Minister of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang.

What is becoming apparent, is that the strategy of the BJP or the Union Government is to undermine Naga civil society. Despite the solidarity expressed by different Naga tribes, if the BJP were to file their nomination papers and win uncontested in a repeat of 1998, it is highly unlikely that Naga civil society would take this lying down. What also aggravates the situation is that the NNPGs have issued statements against people filing nomination papers. Furthermore, if a repeat of 1998 occurs, there may be widespread protests and possibly violence. In this circumstance will the Union Government declare President’s Rule?