Priorities of possibility

 Both present chief minister Neiphiu Rio and former chief minister T.R.Zeliang have a few things in common and that too by circumstance. Both were senior ministers in the Congress under then chief minister Dr.S.C.Jamir. Both left Congress at different periods. Neiphiu Rio joined forces with former chief minister late Vizol of the Nagaland People’s Council (NPC) in 2002 and formed the Nagaland People’s Front, which was modified to Naga People’s Front (NPF). T.R.Zeliang joined his old Congress colleague in 2008 and was made minister under the Neiphiu Rio cabinet. Both were, by circumstances taken to different paths in 2014 after Neiphiu Rio won the Lok Sabha election after which T.R.Zeliang became chief minister. Though away from the state, Rio’s heart remained at home and that was when both fell out. Rio re-entered state politics in 2018 but had to contest under the newly formed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) which he patronised. Though the NPF won more seats- 26- , the NDPP with 18 MLAs and BJP with 12 swept to power after taking two NPP and an independent to shore up the numbers to form the present ruling Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA). Both Rio and Zeliang, in principle agree on being “facilitators” for solution to the Naga political issue, even if they disagree on other issues. However even in this, both fell out. As a result, the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) comprising of all legislators of the house, which was formed in 2012 and reconstituted in 2018 was split on August 28,2020 when the NPF formed its own Political Affairs Mission (PAM). Thus, both Rio who was left with JLF and Zeliang leading the newly formed PAM, are pursuing their respective roles as “facilitators” through different camps. That the “facilitators” who could have left much unsaid, drifted apart and to only reflect the entire dichotomy of unity. The resolutions of the “facilitators” take on the familiar line of appealing to the government of India to bring an early solution; to the Naga groups to unite for solution and to the people to foster the spirit of oneness to facilitate eventual solution. The common itinerary for facilitating the peace process includes- consultative meetings with apex tribe organisations, church and civil society organisations, and the two different Naga groups. Another exercise in facilitating the peace process also includes flying to Delhi to meet with “central leaders” to apprise them of the “voices” of the Nagas and urge upon the Centre to bring an early solution. It may not be out of place to mention that the facilitators could do better in improving the lot of the common people and ensure that the system delivers efficiently. They are mandated to govern and are responsible to the people as per the oath of affirmation after being elected and oath office and secrecy after being appointed as cabinet ministers. While the state is in dire need of administrative direction, it is quite unfortunate that this vital aspect has been pushed to the background for the sake of populism. Probably, if elected members focus more on creating a peaceful environment through effective governance, then they would be true “facilitators” rather than doing what they have been doing outside the realm of possibility.