The invincibility factor

(Editorial, Sept 27, 2009)
In politics there are no permanent friends and enemies but only permanent interest. Old foes becoming friends is the current trend today. So the subtlety with which one changes his own stand amuses everyone. The departure of former Zilla Chairperson Dature Miuli from the Congress party fold has revived the confidence in Laeta Umbrey’s supporters. Besides there are external factors which are being played to Umbrey’s advantage. The internal strife within the Congress party due to hordes of party ticket seekers has led to large number of dissidents joining Trinamul Congress. Although INC has completed its list of 60 candidates, power bickering is not over yet. While PCC Chief Nabum Tuki and Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu have shown solidarity amidst the report of both trying to outdo each other over CM’s post, the people have followed the story well.

While people here in Roing continue to debate on local issues, the concerns drawn could also be a part of larger agenda. The outcome of the poll will have wider ramification extending beyond the constituency. The emergence of Kiren Rijiju as one man army had been a failed attempt, an attempt in the name of change. The effort however is not being capitulated and is being carried forward in the coming assembly election which is backed by a strong lobby of powerful intellectuals. This desire for ‘change’ aptly resonates the youth movement here in Roing which intends to change the old guards and that is practically the same story everywhere. Therefore, youth campaign in support of Umbrey can neither be undermined nor disowned. It is by virtue of fate that today Umbrey is part of the brigade that embodies change.

Also many of the recent developments in the state will shape the future political course. There has been growing demand for Autonomy under sixth schedule of the constitution. The attempt by Nagaland People’s Front for an entry to the state politics has send mixed feelings fuelling speculations among the people. Such effort has now made the people to think of Naga integration as certainty. In western districts the growing Tibetan influence has culminated to demand for a separate administrative and cultural entity. Now with both eastern and western districts asserting their cultural and political identity, the time ahead will bear witness to growing resentment over hegemonic attitude by the powerful tribes in the remaining districts.

Back home, as Umbrey’s youth brigade strives to change the system, it needs to be reassured that they are not taken for a ride. Yet for change and justice it is imperative that political hegemony has to end and the present youth movement deserves praise in their effort. Nevertheless the very voiceless people, whose empowerment could be a reality, cannot risk being on the loosing side. It is this sturdy factor entrenched in the minds of people as Mithi being invincible outweighs all logic and gives place to pragmatism. The rhetoric of neither peace nor development can draw people but the ability to prove that they are part of the winning team will make sense. Having built up a strong intelligence network and committed party workers Mithi acquires all means to predict the mood of the people with precision. So by no means he can ever go wrong in determining the outcome. Umbrey however if wins the election will open a new chapter and bust the notion of Mithi’s invincibility.