It has been a journey spanning over half a century since a young man, then aged 27 plunged into the turbulence of Naga politics in 1958, straight after graduating with law from Allahabad University to become the joint secretary of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) which signed the 16-Point Agreement with then Prime Minister Jawarharlal Nehru on July 26,1960.
A political career that began as the first nominated Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, Dr S.C Jamir from 1961-71 was parliamentary secretary under two prime ministers-Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri- and union deputy minister in Indira Gandhi’s cabinet.
Today at the age of 80, and the only remaining member of the NPC, Dr. Jamir’s capacity for intellectual discourse especially on Naga politics, has not dimmed and neither his stout defence of the NPC’s vision of the 16 Point Agreement.
Dr. Jamir, former chief minister of Nagaland (1980,1981-86, 1989-91,1993-98,1998-2004) and former Governor Goa and Maharastra(2005-10) released his book “Naga People’s Convention and 16-Point Agreement” at Hotel Saramati Saturday.
The number ‘16’ appears prominent in the history of Nagaland: statehood came through the 16-Point Agreement signed between signatories of 16 tribes with the government of India which made Nagaland as the 16th state under the union of India.
In his introductory remark, Dr Jamir regretted that Naga society today suffered from “truth famine” as no one dared to speak out boldly on what was true and right. On this score, he expressed the hope that the book would shed light on the facts of Naga politics and history of Nagaland so as to clear the mists of confusion pervading Naga society.
Drawing attention to the cacophony of politics, the veteran politician and the only remaining member of the then Naga People’s Convention, maintained that elected members today were either too young or not even born, to understand the political turbulence that swept Naga Hills but spoke as if they knew everything from what they heard.
He also said except for a very few,most in the underground had only joined the movement in the late sixties or seventies and hardly knew anything much about the soul of the Naga national movement.
Dr Jamir also said Nagas were also “too obsessed with politics” to the extent that today, Naga society has degenerated into tribalism of tribal groupings, villages or clans. He said the underground movement has been damaged due to frequent splits in its ranks.
Political Solution: Later answering questions from the audience, Dr Jamir said unless Nagas unite with the same common vision and accept that they all needed each other, divisions posed the biggest setback for long term peaceful solution. During the course of interaction, Dr. Jamir also flashed back to the controversy that arose over his opposition to Jawarharlal Nehru’s statement in the Lok Sabha, wherein the prime minister expressed willingness to talk with exiled NNC leader late A.Z Phizo.
Jamir said when Nehru summoned him, he explained that as representative of the Nagas the prime minister ought to have consulted him and opined that such an offer should have been made through the then CEC of the Interim Body late P. Shilu Ao. Jamir said the prime minister then issued due clarification to the house speaker late Hukum Singh, before releasing it to the press.
Jamir on ‘Bedrock’ syndrome
Dr S.C. Jamir reiterated that the ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’ had been damned for stating facts but took full responsibility even though it was also coauthored by his subordinates. He said this while answering questions after the release of his book ‘Naga People’s Convention and 16 Point Agreement’ at Hotel Saramati Saturday.
He said the book was to enlighten Nagas about the genesis of their identity as a people and would benefit even undergrounds in the event of justifying their stand with the government of India vis-à-vis Naga political issue.
Jamir said the ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’, was written after a series of discussions and consultations and also used excerpts from the memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 by Nagas under Naga Club, the forerunner of the NNC.
Making an oblique reference to those who acted as accuser, judge and executioner against the booklet, Jamir implied it was an excuse to nail him but despite pressures, he stood by what was written.
Integration: On integration issue as per clause 13 of the 16 point agreement, Jamir pointed out that NPC had invited Nagas outside on several occasions but there was silence for more than 20 years. In particular, he recalled that when a delegation of the NPC headed by late Chiten Jamir had gone to meet with Nagas in Manipur to join the proposed Nagaland state, they had refused on the ground that they were happy being where they were. He said the government of India cannot force integration and as per constitution, all states-Assam, Manipur and Arunachal- would have to agree as the Centre cannot force integration.