The People Of Zale'n-gam.

Exclusive Interview with President KNO, Pu P.S.Haokip

Pu. PS Haokip President KNO

Manipur Express: Mr. President, It is almost 20 years that you have championed the Zale’n-gam movement. Looking back at the past, how and what do you think are the important positive political development amongst us, especially among the people in Manipur?PS Haokip: a) The recent past (50-odd years) of our ethnic people was beset with internal division, mainly owing to politics of clanism rather than nationalism. The movement of Zale’n-gam has turned that around because of its inclusive ideology based on principles of federalism: politics on the basis of sheer numbers has been replaced by representation of every clan and group on equal status. The divisive nature of clan centred politics has been abolished. 

b) Division is not confined among our people alone; others have the same problem, but in a different way. Others may face the common problem of internal strife, but their identity is intact and so they do not suffer political set back. Sadly, our identity has been in a state of flux. Consequently, although we are one ethnic people, we have been seriously disadvantaged politically. This is why KNO explicitly stresses unity on the basis of our irrefutable age-old Kuki identity, which is on record, e.g. at the British Library in London.

Manipur Express: What, according to you, is the greatest challenge or drawback in our politics: Clanism, tribalism, development or electoral politics?

P.S. Haokip

PS Haokip: Under the present politico-territorial arrangement called Manipur, the majority community has deliberately turned us into beggars in our own land. They equate demands for autonomy with secession. They want to grab our lands, and therefore refused to implement provisions of the Indian Constitution that guarantees protection of tribal land and way of life, and that seeks to prevent tribal land alienation. The MLR& LRA Act, 1960 and its Amendment Bill kept pending, Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs Rights) Act on 14 June, 1967 are brazen attempts to alienate our land from us. The blunt opposition to the delimitation exercise revealed their firm determination to deny us any greater say or share in the governance of the state. Once we realize the gravity of these together as a people, which is the greatest challenge I perceive, the so-called clannisms, tribalisms, development problems or the sting electoral politics will all disappear. These are there today because we are made to fight over crumbs that fell from their table.

Manipur Express: What is the difference between SoO for Non-Nagas UGs & Ceasefire for the Naga UGs?

PS Haokip: Firstly, a clarification: As is clear in my preceding answers, KNO does not subscribe to ‘Non-Naga’ to identify our people. It is an insult to our forefathers to adopt such an identity and shows an utter lack of creativity. Besides, ‘Non-Naga’ represents every other community on this planet except the Naga people.

The Naga outfits initially stood for secession and therefore fought the Indian Security forces, involving numerous exchange of fire. Cessation of firing at each other is termed a ceasefire, while our outfits were raised primarily in protest for the government’s lack of concern for our safety, their deliberate denial of security forces for our protection when we were under genocidal attack, and to protect ourselves and our land until the Indian government restore our self governance to us in the form of a state of India. There had been no exchange of hostilities, only operations by both parties to carry out their respective duties, hence, Suspension of operations. Both are a prelude to political dialogue to resolve the people’s demands for their rights.

Manipur Express: It’s been 2-3 years since we signed SoO. Have you received an official invitation from the government for political talks? At which level would the talks be held, PMO or MHA?

PS Haokip: SoO was signed to set up an atmosphere conducive for political dialogue. Therefore, as a prerequisite, if you like, cadres need to be in designated camps and weapons kept under double-locking system. Although SoO has been in place with GOI since 2008, the camps were formally occupied by 20 September 2010 and extension of SoO took place on 1 October. One month has passed since. The ball is now in the court of Ministry of Home Affairs. KNO has fully complied with the obligation set by GOI. Next, it is MHA’s turn to honourably fulfil its obligation.

KNO delegates have met the Union Home Minister and had spelled out the desired framework of dialogue that will be acceptable to the KNO. The Political Dialogue should begin in right earnest, the Union Home Minister should officially engage in the Dialogue, an interlocutor should be appointed, the dialogue should be bilateral.

Manipur Express: What outcome can we expect from the present SoO: Sixth Schedule/UT/or state within a state?

PS Haokip: KNO expects nothing less than the highest, as well as what is legitimate (i.e. statehood) that the Constitution of India can give to the Kuki people comprising their ancestral lands, which is presently within the political boundary of Manipur. We are clear on what we want. A separate state for the Kuki people to be carved out of their traditional lands, comprising the Churachandpur, Chandel and Sadar Hills regions and all Kuki villages in contiguity to these districts/region. We cannot settle for anything less, nor should we.

Please note: the present-day map of Manipur is a construct of British colonialists. Manipur, i.e. Kangleipak, from time immemorial comprises the valley; the hills, the historical domain of Kuki chieftains, were forcibly ruled by the British and included within Manipur. KNO has categorically stated it will not disturb the territorial integrity of Manipur, i.e. Kangleipak.

Manipur Express: The Valley UGs as well as civil societies appears to be against any form of Autonomy in Tribal areas, even though we may not raise Manipur boundary issues? How are we trying to make them understand our political stand?

PS Haokip: KNO is neither apologetic about its political stands that does not compromise the interest of the Kuki people, nor intend to adversely affect the interest of their neighbours. KNO is for mutual respect of one another’s identity and territory among all communities. Nobody should harm the political and human rights of any people by design or intent. It is not the right of valley-based UGs or any other group to try and determine the fate of another community. We are under no obligation to make anybody understand our political stand. We know our land and our rights and we will fight for it. It is their duty to shed greed and accept what is theirs and be content with it. That alone can restore the Ching-Tam cordiality in future.

Manipur Express: You have been travelling extensively around the world, meeting different people at different places, and perhaps you might have also met other UG groups of North East India. How do you see our movement among the various Revolutionary movements in the country?

PS Haokip: Whereas I choose to refrain from commenting on other movements, our movement is based on solid rights of the people and is the most civilized movement in terms of our preference for dialogue before any violence against the state. The state, i.e. India, must encourage this example by addressing our concerns in right earnest.

Manipur Express: In view of the changing circumstances in international politics, Indian Government appears to be very concerned with Chinese aggressive pose, their presence in Burma and support or sheltering NEI- UG leaders in China. Do you see that our movement is a part of these changes or are you least concerned about such changes?

PS Haokip: Geopolitics that does not unfavourably affect the Kuki people is no concern for KNO. However, should our people’s interest be affected, we would not leave any stone unturned to resolve the problem. This message should be clear to all concerned.

Manipur Express: Coming back to Manipur, the central officials as well as the Army seems to be more concerned with the growing number of factions or disunity among our people. What could be the reason and how can we address this problem?

PS Haokip: The central officials, as well as the Army, are rightly concerned about factions and disunity among our people. The reasons for such a state of affairs are numerous. Some go back to the past arrogance of certain clan members. More importantly, lack of visionary leadership and a cohesive political ideology to lead our people following the British incursion on our lands and subsequently in post-independent India are the crux of the problem.

Deeply perturb at the existing situation, KNO evolved the ideology of Zale’n-gam, which is inclusive and above clannish politics. Ideology and committed leadership is the key to change. This is KNO’s commitment; this is our aspiration, i.e. to adopt ideology and offer genuine, but humble leadership in order to bring peace and development to all of our kith and kin. KNO is fully conscious of the vital need for ideology and quality leadership, long absent among our people.

Manipur Express: In your book, “Zale’n-gam: The Kuki Nation” you have extensively discussed the Kuki genocide committed by NSCN (IM). This is certainly a crime against humanity, and you must have been raising the issue at different national and International forums. How far has such human rights violation been helping us in making our political issue understandable to others or has it neutralised the Naga’s movement to some extend?

PS Haokip: The Kuki genocide has been well publicised the world over. NSCN (IM) have realised their fatal error against the Kuki people, which has caused a major setback to the Naga movement. AZ Phizo, the father of Naga nationalism achieved great heights. Sadly, NSCN (IM) brought it to low ebb by communalising Naga nationalism. What Phizo achieved was hijacked to avenge Kukis, whom Tangkhuls projected as committing atrocities by selectively referring to instances in history.

The Northern Baptist Church of America, who were formerly influenced by NSCN (IM)’s version of history were the first to learn the truth that Kukis were the victims, not the aggressor. It appears NSCN (IM) have realised the futility of ‘revenge’ on their neighbour when engaged in a revolutionary movement.

Kuki nationalism, as ‘In Celebration of Kuki Unity’ demonstrates, is firmly on the rise. This success, which expresses our political stand to others, is attributed to ideology and leadership.

Manipur Express: It appears that anti-Naga, anti-Meetei or anti-Kuki policies are not going to serve our collective purpose if we look at the present-day Manipur. Is there any possible meeting point in this context?

PS Haokip: KNO is anti-communal. It does not believe in anti-someone politics. It advocates mutual recognition and mutual respect of each other’s rights for peaceful co-existence and progressive cooperation in development. The Meitei state of Manipur, the Kuki state of Zale’n-gam and the Naga state of Nagalim can, and must be partners in promoting the welfare of the people of each state.

Manipur Express: When we look back during 1960s till 1970, Manipur was comparatively peaceful, development was faster, our political leaders were more visionary and there was nothing like Hills v/s valley, or Tribal v/s Meitei. But, today after 1980s, the emotional divisions and separation appears to be very strong. Why is it so? Is it because the majority community became insecure and started engaging in exclusive politics or is it that we began to exert our identity on ethnic line?

PS Haokip: As the saying goes, when the politics is right everyone benefits. Clearly, politics has not been even close to right, because every community has not benefitted equitably. There is gross inequity, not only economically, but also in blatant abuse of hill peoples’ political rights. For example, the Sixth Schedule, a Constitutional provision gainfully enjoyed by other Northeast hill states, was out rightly denied to the hill peoples by the Meiteis, the dominant population in Manipur. Perpetuation of the status quo would be perpetuation of abuse and continued deprivation of the hill peoples by the Meiteis.

In short, bad politics prompted by communal tendencies has sharpened divisions on ethnic lines. The impasse can be resolved by each of the three major communities Kuki, Naga and Meitei mutually respecting one another’s rights and striving for and achieving their respective political solution.

Manipur Express: Most of us agree that, whether we are called Kuki, Chin, Mizo or Zomi, we are one people. But, unlike the Naga, we have not accepted a common Name. Do you foresee a united force or a federation or a confederation type of political system for our future administration?

PS Haokip: We are indeed one people, separated only in name (pun intended). Politics is the way forward now. We have Chin state in Myanmar, Mizoram state and our territories placed under Manipur in India. History predominantly recorded us as Kuki people. Political identity and the legacy associated with a people is often not the choice of its people. But it is important to gainfully utilize that political legacy and heritage to reclaim the lost rights of a people. That is why we need to utilize Kuki identity to secure our heritage, presently subdued under Manipur, and Sagaing Division of Myanmar. Once we secure these, a unification of Kuki, Chin and Mizo could be under the name Zomi. KNO, as stated earlier, proposes a federation of the Kuki clans and groups in Zale’n-gam, the Kuki state.

Manipur Express: The Government, including the Army, consider our problems as law and order problems, whereas we consider it to be a political issue. For instance, District council election was held after 20 years. The ADC in Manipur has no legislative and financial power, etc till date. Is there any other political issue you would raise before the government of India?

PS Haokip: The only political issue that needs to be raised before the government of India is, we have trusted in your judgment only to be disillusioned, now we want to govern our own affairs over our land under the Union. We have had enough of being dominated and pushed over, made to scramble over spills. This is non-negotiable. We want a state of our own over our land. 

ADC election concerns the state Government.

Manipur Express: We, the non-Nagas in Manipur call and named ourselves as Kuki/Tedim-Chin/Zomi/Mizo/Khul and others as well. Who do you think will be the best solution to put forward among these given names in times of Political talks or would it be best to put forward the agenda for creation of new and a common name(land) with the absence of the term ‘nomenclature’.

PS Haokip: In KNO’s view, an alternative nomenclature to Kuki is a subject that should be discussed and deliberated in due democratic process in our state Assembly. KNO is sensitive to the issue of nomenclature and therefore has projected for our state a poetic and neutral name, Zale’n-gam, land of freedom.

Manipur Express: In the agreement signed with the Centre Govt., it is agreed that both parties would uphold and protect the territorial integrity of Manipur state, but will it not affect the SoO against the statement made by you in creation of Kuki state during Celebration of Kuki Unity Program held recently?

PS Haokip: Prior to signing SoO, which included the clause, ‘within territorial integrity of Manipur’, KNO submitted in writing to MHA, ‘…During the course of dialogue KNO will raise their political objectives for consideration within the Constitution of India’ (dated 15 July 2008, cc: Government of Manipur).

KNO has officially reserved its right to raise its political demand and so does not in any respect contradict SoO, which is primarily concerned with ground rules to be observed by KNO cadres and the Security Forces.

Manipur Express: What initiative and steps should be taken by the civil society, student leaders and church organisations to assist the unity and oneness among us?

PS Haokip: In order that Kuki unity is truly beneficial, the identity must be appreciated by every kith and kin. In this regard, it is vital that representatives of civil societies, student leaders, Church bodies, etc take a positive and active step to maintain a stable society and help achieve our political objective.

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