Eastern Naga
People's Unified Pursuit of Frontier Nagaland Territory
In the annals of
political theory, the agency of individual choice and collective conscience is
often highlighted as a pivotal force in shaping the actions and orientations of
larger social entities. This dynamic interplay is vividly illustrated in the
decision of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) to abstain from
all centre and state elections. This decision reflects a profound embodiment of
“bottom-up” decision-making that aligns with Eastern Naga customary traditions
and is safeguarded under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. This
abstention underscores the importance of the voice of the local, grassroots
populace, showcasing how genuine demands and aspirations of individuals,
reflected in community conscience, can influence and steer political
participation and collective action on a national stage.
The ENPO's move
not only highlights the unique political landscape of Eastern Nagaland but also
exemplifies the significance of their demand for constitutional autonomy and
regional self-determination through the creation of “Frontier Nagaland
Territory '' in the state of Nagaland within the democratic fabric of India.
This decision reflects the enduring strength of indigenous governance systems
and their capacity to shape political outcomes in a way that respects and
preserves local heritage, traditions and customs. Article 371A grants special
provisions to Nagaland, recognizing and protecting Naga customs, practices, and
traditions. This constitutional safeguard underscores the significance of
customary laws and practices in the governance of the Naga people, allowing
their traditional decision-making processes to flourish within the broader
Indian democratic framework. By affirming the autonomy of Naga customs, Article
371A ensures that the cultural identity of the Naga people is preserved and
respected.
The ENPO's
abstention is a quintessential example of how individual choices coalesce into
a collective mandate for Frontier Nagaland Territory. Despite lacking a formal
enforcement mechanism, the ENPO's call for abstention was met with
unprecedented 100% (hundred percent) adherence during the 2024 Lok Sabha
elections. Furthermore, this election can be seen as a pivotal moment akin to a
"referendum" regarding the Frontier Nagaland Territory. The Eastern
Naga community recognized that abstaining from voting in the election equated
to endorsing the concept of "Frontier Nagaland Territory." Hence, the
complete absence of participation in the Lok Sabha election can be interpreted
as resounding support for the Frontier Nagaland Territory.
This unique
phenomenon, observed for the first time in the modern political history of
Nagaland, can be understood through the political theories of participatory
democracy and collective action, where the power of the collective emerges not
from coercive structures but from the voluntary and conscious choices of
individual citizens. The overwhelming response to the ENPO's call indicates a
deep-seated resonance with the people's individual sentiments and aspirations,
highlighting a collective conscience that transcends mere organisational
directives.
In addition to
these significant cultural and political dimensions, the ENPO's abstention also
brings to light critical socio-economic factors driving this movement. Eastern
Nagaland has long faced developmental challenges, including inadequate
infrastructure, limited access to quality education and healthcare, a lack of
economic opportunities resulting from fractured governance and apathy of the
Nagaland state government. By abstaining from elections, the ENPO underscores
the region's frustration with the status quo and its demand for the creation of
Frontier Nagaland Territory. This abstention highlights the Eastern Naga
community's desire for a governance model that prioritises local needs and
harnesses the region's unique potential. The creation of Frontier Nagaland
Territory is not merely a political aspiration but a call for socio-economic
justice, aiming to address historical neglect and ensure sustainable
development tailored to the specific needs of the Eastern Naga people. This
perspective adds another layer to the ENPO's movement, illustrating that their
push for constitutional autonomy is intricately linked with aspirations for
improved livelihoods and a better future for their communities.
The unity
demonstrated by the voters underscores a shared commitment to a common cause,
revealing the intrinsic power of unified action in shaping political
landscapes. The ENPO’s influence, therefore, lies not in hierarchical
imposition but in its ability to tap into and amplify the collective will,
showing that true political power can stem from grassroots mobilisation and the
alignment of genuine individual intentions and aspirations toward a common
purpose.
In examining
this scenario, one is reminded of the theories of social contract espoused by
thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who argued that legitimate political
authority arises from the collective agreement of individuals (this specific
statement needs to be examined and understood by interpreting the enabling
provisions under Article 371A by applying all four rules of Interpretation of
Statute- that is-The Golden rule, The Literal Rule, The Mischief Rule and The
Rule of Harmonious Construction ).
The ENPO's
abstention, driven by the people's will, echoes Rousseau's notion of the
"General Will," where the collective decision reflects the true will
of the people, both as a group and as individuals. This alignment between
individual conscience and collective action reinforces the legitimacy and
constitutional as well as legal validity of the ENPO's stance, positioning it
as a genuine expression of the people's individual as well as collective will.
In this context,
the ENPO's decision not only aligns with the philosophical underpinnings of
social contract theory but also underscores the importance of grassroots
democracy, where the voice of the populace is paramount. The resonance of
Rousseau's ideas in this situation highlights the enduring relevance of his
thoughts, suggesting that contemporary political movements continue to draw
inspiration from these foundational principles. By adhering to the collective
will, the ENPO exemplifies a modern manifestation of Rousseau's ideals,
demonstrating how historical philosophical concepts can find application in
present-day political landscapes.
Moreover, the
ENPO's role in this context can be seen as one in which leadership and
authority are established through ideological and cultural consent rather than
through force or coercion. The ENPO's influence stems from its alignment with
the cultural and traditional values of the Eastern Naga people, ensuring that
its decisions reflect the community's collective conscience. By deeply
embedding itself within the cultural framework and ethos of Eastern Naga
society, the ENPO can foster a form of leadership that is organically accepted
by the Eastern Naga people. This organic acceptance amplifies the ENPO's
ability to act as an authentic representative, highlighting its effectiveness
in embodying the people's collective aspirations and securing a harmonious
consensus within the broader framework of the Constitution of India,
particularly Article 371A.
This form of
leadership underscores the ENPO's position as a true representative of the
people's will, seamlessly integrating traditional values with contemporary
governance, particularly in the context of its stance regarding the “Frontier
Nagaland Movement''. The Eastern Naga people's decision, as articulated in
historic "The Great Chenmoho Resolution," to abstain from centre and
state elections echoes Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance.
Gandhi, advocating for collective non-cooperation, highlighted the power of
unified action in asserting political and moral agency. The Eastern Naga
People’s abstention embodies non-violent resistance / protest under Article
19(1) (a), symbolising a unified stance asserting autonomy and dissent in
response to perceived injustices or political estrangement in fulfilling the
demand for the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory.
This strategic
deployment of “abstention” as a lawful political tool underscores the ENPO's
firm commitment to representing the collective conscience of the people through
peaceful and democratic means, akin to Gandhi's principles. The abstention of
the Eastern Nagaland People's Organization (ENPO) finds resonance within the
framework of deliberative democracy, underscoring the pivotal role of public
reasoning and collective deliberation in democratic governance. This stance is
not a haphazard one but emerges from extensive consultations and discussions
within the ENPO community, embodying a participatory ethos fundamental to the
principles of deliberative democracy. The unanimity of the abstention serves as
evidence of a decision that has been carefully crafted through thorough and
inclusive discourse, thereby reinforcing the democratic ethos deeply ingrained
in Eastern Naga customary traditions.
It is also
pertinent to note the impact of such collective actions on broader democratic
principles and practices. The ENPO's abstention sends a powerful message about
the importance of genuine representation and responsiveness to the people's
needs, desires and aspirations. This bottom-up approach challenges the often
top-down impositions of political decisions, advocating for a more inclusive
and participatory form of governance that respects and integrates local customs
and voices. The international community, especially our Naga brothers and
sisters across the Indo-Myanmar Border
also watches closely, as the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory
will bound to have a constructive, positive economic impact over all the Naga
communities living in “Naga Self-Administered Zone” located in the Sagaing
region of Myanmar, amplifying the ENPO's inevitable influence beyond national
boundaries.
The ENPO's
decision stands as a compelling demonstration of the potency of grassroots
movements in shaping the contours of national political arenas. It is a
poignant illustration of the remarkable influence wielded by collective action,
steeped in tradition and driven by the deliberate choices of ordinary citizens.
This act of ‘unified’ abstention not only reflects a deep-seated commitment to
historical practices of Eastern Naga populace but also serves as a compelling
reminder of the enduring force inherent in individual and collective agency to
mould and redefine the fabric of political landscapes, shaping and transforming
the trajectory of governance and societal evolution in the ‘enabling’
provisions under Article 371A within a strong, protective framework of the
constitution of India.
In conclusion, the ENPO's decision to abstain from all centre and state elections exemplifies the strong influence and constructive impact of individual choice and collective conscience in political decision-making. Firmly rooted in Eastern Naga customary traditions and protected by Article 371A, this abstention reflects a bottom-up process where the will of the individual citizens drives collective action. The ENPO's role, devoid of coercive enforcement mechanisms, highlights the power of cultural hegemony, participatory democracy, and non-violent resistance in shaping political outcomes. Through this lens, the ENPO's abstention stands as a validation of the enduring strength of individual agency and collective conscience in the pursuit of political and cultural autonomy.
(Views are
personal. Email: aniruddha.v.babar@gmail.com)
