The un-ending debate on the nexus between elected leaders of Tirap -Changlang and NSCN has reached a crescendo and condemnation is pouring in from various angles which is holding them responsible for the present state of affairs of the much neglected twin districts. Till now, Changlang district is cool except for some cases of gunfights along the border villages between the two intrepid factions of NSCN. However, Tirap is bleeding and undoubtedly in tears. Bullets continue to claim the lives of many aged parents, sons, daughters and children in recent months during gunfights between the two factions in a supposedly final fight for supremacy.
The question of whether the elected leaders of Tirap - Changlang have any nexus with the NSCNs assumes the least significance. I, for one believe that this nexus exists and I fear that many in New Delhi have even better relations with the outfits. Here, the word nexus does not fit, in simple words ‘it is cordial relation for stable governance and survival’. Everything is but, a total experimentation by the Government of India and it is only she who can find a solution.
There is no denying the fact that the question of Nagalim is a complete political issue that is yet to receive the blessings of the Government of India. The peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) started a decade ago and are yet to pick up the pace which is required. However, people in the North East believe that without the participation of NSCN (K) in the peace dialogue, it will continue to be immune to apprehensions and failures.
The upright people of Tirap - Changlang have gradually learnt to live peacefully amidst uncertainty but the ongoing factional battle that is responsible for claiming many innocent lives has indeed shocked everyone. It became even more intricate for the twin-sister when all its 12 elected Members of Arunachal State Legislative Assembly were directed by NSCN (K) through a press release to withdraw their support from the Dorjee Khandu led State Government.
The ultimatum sent via e-mail to The Arunachal Times and Assam based media houses by NSCN (K) on March 6, with the signature of its Chief S. S Khaplang sent from a Yahoo Server based in the UK has shaken the political corridors of the state. But timely as always, political leaders irrespective of their affiliation, NGOs and people of the state stood behind the elected leaders of Tirap - Changlang that paved the way for the State Government to adopt a sturdy stand.
“The Government of Arunachal Pradesh will never bow down to such acts of subversion,” Government Spokesperson Jarbom Gamlin thundered on March 7, three days after the publication of the shocking letter in the state’s first daily ‘The Arunachal Times’. However, The State Government ordered a high level investigation to probe into the authenticity of the ultimatum. Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu made it clear that the government will not succumb to such subversive tactics and would go ahead with its development agenda. The Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Home Secretary was immediately apprised of the episode by Dorjee Khandu and was urged to initiate an enquiry into the entire gamut of the shocking letter.
In a letter to the Governor, at least 10 elected leaders of the twin district headed by Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong, Minister Setong Sena, Minister Honchun Ngandam, Parliamentary Secretary Wangki Lowang, PS Thinghap Taiju, PS Phosum Khimhun, PS Thangwang Wangham, Chairman MDTCL Kamlung Mossang, Chairman DoTC Yumsey Matey and MLA Kamthok Lowang termed the letter sent by NSCN (K) as suspicious and demanded a high level investigation to ascertain the legitimacy of the diktat. But the general perception is that the elected leaders could have dealt with the issue in a much better way.
At a time when Tirap - Changlang was struggling to recover from the shock of the ‘K- decree’, even bigger news of Self Styled Brigadier Chipu Khunwang Menon alias JK Thomas of NSCN (K) being killed reached the twin district as a bolt from the blue. He was killed at Mon, Nagaland on March 17 after being shot at point blank range below the right ear and his body bore bruises on the forehead and chest. Two personal bodyguards who accompanied Khunwang are missing and there is no clue as to their whereabouts. Nevertheless, with due honor the last rites was conducted by family members on Mar 19 at Tinsukia, Assam. He was the son of late KD Menon, IAS Officer and nephew of senior Congress leader and former Speaker Minister T.L Rajkumar of Khonsa, Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh.
Factually, Chipu Khunwang, in a very short span after joining NSCN (K) in 1995 succeeded in winning the faith and gratitude of SS Khaplang and gradually transformed into a ferocious and calculative leader and king maker. Most will agree with the fact that Chipu Khunwang played a significant role in humiliating Gegong Apang by unceremoniously derailing him from his 19 years streak of Chief Ministership. On certain issues he had differences of opinion following which on few occasions Chipu Khunwang was reminded of his duties and limitations by his higher-ups. Many believe Khunwang had to pay for his style of management and governance and with his elimination the atmosphere of fear and ambiguity has engulfed Tirap - Changlang. The elimination is opined to be a blunder for the NSCN (K), a late victory for the NSCN (IM), a headache for the Indian Army and a dilemma for the general public.
The hard to answer question now is whether the dissident group is trying to topple the Dorjee Khandu government behind the ‘Diktat Drama’. Is the elimination of Chipu Khunwang Menon connected with the letter of decree? Is the e-mail authentic or just a political joke? The magnitude of fear and uncertainty written large on the faces of the political who’s who in the state speaks volumes about the ground realities.
However, in a healthy democracy, toppling a government without taking the people of the state into confidence is not praiseworthy. There are many ways to sort out differences in a congenial atmosphere politically and diplomatically without abusing the term ‘Dire Consequences’.
Instead of running away like fugitives, the elected leaders of Tirap - Changlang should find solutions to the uncertainty hovering around the political lanes of Itanagar by restoring order back home. The loss of human lives and property plus the innumerable hardships experienced by Tirap - Changlang should be proclaimed as a calamity by the government which should provide all the help needed which is the birthright of every Indian at such times of adversity. The Government of India, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, NSCN (K), NSCN (IM) and elected leaders of Tirap - Changlang ought to exercise their governing prowess and start respecting the sentiments of the upright people of Tirap - Changlang for the larger interest of the North East in general and the twin-district in particular.
May the heaven’s choicest blessings shower on those who relinquished their lives in recent months and give the bereaved family members the strength to overcome all odds. The people of Tirap - Changlang stand solidly intact and wait for peace to return for prosperous co-existence as the elimination of Khunwang from the scene may usher in a negative episode in the already fractured history of Tirap - Changlang.

Pisi Zauing