What I overheard from the pioneers who formed the present Naga Hoho was for the common platform for the Naga public of Nagaland, and its nomenclature was Naga Tribes Summit. Consequently, along with the adoption of its Constitution, the nomenclature was changed to Naga Hoho. Since reconciliation amongst the NNPGs was one of the major concerns of Naga Hoho, a liaison with United Naga Council of Manipur (UNC) was felt necessary. Accordingly, a single representative representing UNC to Naga Hoho was accommodated. More than the official representative from UNC to attend Naga Hoho meetings used to be on invitation only. This was how the common platform started. At later stage, restructuring of Naga Hoho took place enabling UNC units to have equal representation in Hoho. There was mixed feeling as to whether such arrangement was advisable or not, and how the erstwhile TMPO volunteered to get ejected from the platform was the history of Naga Hoho from 1994 till date.
When that restructuring took place, there was much fanfare too believing that the common political journey of the Nagas would now be effectively synchronized by this platform, and that the Nagas as a whole could be brought together as a people than ever before. In the process, much water was allowed to flow beneath the carpet. As layman watching the games in the gallery as to how Hoho used to handle the affairs of the Nagas and how gullible has been the Hoho in abusively committing follies.
Metaphorically, the Naga Hoho is similar to that of a hefty strong person with robust health. Yet, the addiction of the fellow is gluttony. His daily chore is binge drinking, eating and revelry. The opulence and carefree lifestyle overtook better of the health of once a robust person. Due to excessive consumption of alcohol and food much more than what his body required, the health started failing with one ailment after another. Ultimately, the once strong person could no longer withstand the multiple attacks of internal vital parts failures and had to be admitted in hospital. The patient is diagnosed to have serious complications and has to be treated in ICU. Despite of the best efforts of the physicians, the patient’s health deteriorated and fell into coma.
Naga Hoho has been suffering from terminal disease for a long time. The cause of ailment was that the Naga Hoho allowed itself to be hijacked by the rich and powerful people who transformed the Hoho into the mere mouthpiece of those drivers. The drivers did not like the Hoho to become the democratically healthy organization. The drivers exploited it to their whims and fancies believing that such manipulative maneuvers would fetch desired dividends. Thus, for years together the Hoho has been dominated by sole sycophants who do the errands of the rich and the powerful as ‘Yes, boss’ Hoho. To great extent, the hero-worshipped Hoho served its masters possibly to the fullest satisfaction of the latter at the cost of its principles, image and public confidence.
A new tradition was reportedly practiced in Hoho that its competent Executive used to take decisions on issues whereas aftermath few top brasses of the Hoho used to issue official statements contrary to collective decisions so taken. The voice of Hoho therefore became less relevant as it is considered one sided. Such being the tradition for extended period of time, it became more of a private company rather than the forum of the Naga public.
Such manipulations intensely irked the conscientious and right thinking people and thereby massive erosion of the base of Hoho started. The major tribal members from Nagaland have now deserted Naga Hoho citing different reasons. Presently, out of 8 tribes from Nagaland, 6 tribes are no more with Naga Hoho. Yet, by the figure of tribal representation, the Hoho still has two/third majority as it has 16 tribes of UNC members including 2 tribes (I have not heard the withdrawal) from Nagaland. If not for equitable participation of tribes from States, with or without the membership of those deserters rejoining the Hoho, it has the requisite two/third majority figure technically speaking.
Another observation is that the present Naga Hoho President Chuba Ozukum was cited to be the reason why few tribes from Nagaland announced their disassociation. Well, those disgruntling tribal members knew it better how dismal was/were the performance(s) of the Hoho president which disappointed the units. Nevertheless, those tribal units perhaps realized that Chuba can continue in office till his term is over as he commands at least 16 tribes which is two/third majority out of total 24 units. Also, Chuba is wearing the same gown handed over to him by his predecessor for usual ritualistic performances.
On 27.9.2018 a local daily published the statement of UNC terming the desertion of tribal units from Hoho to be a departure from ‘unity and fraternity of the Nagas’. The language implies that those Naga tribes from Nagaland who left Naga Hoho as though responsible for Naga disunity. Such calculation is premature. Primarily, the causes of discontentment of rebelling units have to be understood first as to whether such displeasures are justified for one to leave. Whereas, without such botheration, UNC had the temerity to indict those units is found emotional and irrational too. Rather, I feel that UNC must be grateful to Nagas of Nagaland by acknowledging how much logistic backups Naga Hoho has been enjoying out of the magnanimity of Nagaland all these years. Nagas of Nagaland do understand the hardships being faced by Nagas of Manipur under the dominion of powerful Meites, and for which self-defensive measures are natural as having an exclusive Naga forum as UNC. Meanwhile, UNC may have to realize that its attitude of anti-similar forum in Nagaland as though Nagas of Nagaland have no right to have such common platform is selfish and double standard. Such attitude has its share of boomerang. Therefore, UNC’s comment does tantamount to blame game which is unwarranted.
Whatever said and done, now the question arises as to whether Nagas must have a common platform or not. Nagas, irrespective of territorial barriers, need to have a common platform as Naga Hoho obviously. Nevertheless, pre-conditions for the desired and formidable forum are: a) Except the indigenous Naga tribes, no adulterated unit be allowed to be a unit member. If otherwise, better not have it. b) The Hoho has to be perfectly neutral, transparent and be bereft of traditional sycophancy. It has to worship none and mistreats none. c) Representational disparity be replenished with proportionate representation in view of a tribe having 5000 population is not equal to that of another having 100000 population. d) Only people of God fearing, of caliber and of integrity be deputed to Hoho by respective apex bodies of each State for induction as office bearers. Purchase able and sycophantic element be never projected. e) The Hoho must have the strength to spell out what is truth and what is false. Likewise, it should have the courage to uphold who is right and reprimand and correct who is wrong
Presently Naga Hoho is in total disarray. With the 16 or 18 tribal units if Naga Hoho is reconstituted, it will not recover from the illness. Such haphazard Hoho so formed may pass away sooner than later. Also, when Naga Hoho goes for reconstitution, it may not necessarily be confined to Nagaland and Manipur alone. Rather, Nagas from Arunachal and Assam may have to be taken on board. Not long ago, Nagas in Arunachal had no common platform, but today they have their forum. Nevertheless, the ground preparation requires time with the objective being to have such forum out of consensus. If so, the existing controversial team of Naga Hoho may not be able to stir and bring the Nagas together under their leadership. So long the patient remains in ICU, the question of having refurbished forum cannot arise. The only option is to treat the patient with euthanasia so as to pave way for fresh arrangement with renewed vigor. It is advisable for the existing team not to insist on wearing oversize shoes.