GUWAHATI: In Nagaland, it is Chief Minister T R Zeliang versus the rest of the state in one of the most violent times in the hills after the waning of insurgency.
So much is the distrust between Naga groups protesting against 33 per cent women’s reservation in civic bodies and Zeliang that Kohima burned when Governor P B Acharya did not turn up from Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday. Protesters tried in vain to ask Zeliang and his Cabinet to step down, holding them responsible for the violence triggered by their decision to go ahead with civic elections. The groups then said they would only talk to Acharya.
Talks were finally held on Friday evening.
The story of the protests against women’s reservation has turned into the story of one man against the entire state. Zeliang.
Hailing from the Zeliang Naga tribe, the CM started as a minister in the state and rose to be Rajya Sabha member. In 2014, when the then CM Neiphiu Rio chose to be in Parliament and vacated the CM’s position, Zeliang took over. When Rio wanted his chair back upon being denied a ministerial berth in Delhi, the doors were closed.
There are deep fissures in the Naga People’s Front. While one faction in power wants Zeliang to continue, another wants a shift in the power equation. Add to that the Congress’ view: fresh elections.
With the support of BJP and influenced by a national agenda, the CM cleared the 33 per cent reservation. The male-dominated tribal groups are deeply suspicious of the ramifications of this move.
Nagas are governed by customary laws and the tribal bodies argue that quota will infringe upon Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which safeguards Naga laws and culture. Nagaland has seen a week-long bandh that left two people dead and scores of government buildings gutted.