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09/16/2007: "INTERVIEW : ‘Sometimes bloodshed becomes unavoidable’ : Thuingaleng Muivah Tehelka Nagalim.com"
INTERVIEW : ‘Sometimes bloodshed becomes unavoidable’ : Thuingaleng Muivah Tehelka Nagalim.com
How would you describe yourself?
This is a peculiar question. I claim to be a revolutionary because I base my decisions on objectivity. I cannot just go on living in hope. If I have to live at all, I have to understand the world around me as best I can.
Are you a religious person?
I believe in God as I know I cannot save myself. Jesus Christ alone can save me and through him I can have eternal life in the hereafter. I will not compromise on this issue.
Do you have moments of conflict with yourself?
It’s not good to get confused. When a man has precise knowledge of where he is, only then can he have a future.
Do you denounce bloodshed?
Bloodshed must be avoided because otherwise one cannot be sensible about the world and the future. Sometimes it is unavoidable, as when we see an unacceptable situation or condition being imposed on us. You cannot yield to wrong.
The Nagas are quite patriarchal. What are your views on women’s empowerment?
If women can prove themselves, they are respected equally. In this regard, Nagas are better than any community. We have two women on our steering committee and some others in the ministry. We even have lady commanders. They have to undergo the same kind of military training as the men.
Now that the ceasefire has been extended indefinitely, what will be your future course of action?
We have done the best we could in taking positive steps. But there has been no positive step from the Indian side. It is prudent on our part to continue the talks.
What about the term ‘indefinite’? Does it give you enough flexibility?
Well, something appropriate should be done on both sides if we really want an honourable solution.
What is an honourable solution?
If the Government of India is prepared to respect the reality of the Nagas, we will respect the reality of India ten times more.
Do you enjoy mass support?
We cannot claim that 100 percent of the people are with us. But it would have been impossible for NSCN-IM to have fought for so long had it not been for the support of the masses. Our experience tells us that our people are with us. And everyone wants peace. Naturally, everyone wants peace. But peace doesn’t come naturally. It has its own ways and means.
Your rival faction NSCN-K has alleged that you will succumb to the Indian government?
They are saying such things without understanding the ground reality.
What is the ground reality?
The Nagas are standing their ground. The Government of India is finding it difficult to come to terms with our stand. The problem with them is that they find it difficult to take positive steps
.
What about reconciling with your rival faction?
We have told the people that there should be forgiveness and a sort of reconciliation through understanding. If they so desire, we are there for them. The problem is how far will they be able to keep themselves away from Indian clutches? Do you think they are there on their own?
What about the role of the Church?
The Church leaders are bound to play an effective role. They are doing the best they can. We try to co-operate with them as much as possible.
Can the common Naga come and meet Muivah?
The basic political understanding is that the masses are always the foundation. Sometimes I also go to the villages to meet them. What about the NSCN-IM’s stand on dealing with social evils like drug abuse and AIDS that plague Naga society today? We have several centres for the rehabilitation of drug-addicts and HIV-affected people. We have managed to bring a lot of people back to their senses.
What about the next elections in Nagaland?
We are not very interested in them. Different parties may go their own way.
Will the NSCN-IM contest?
The question does not arise.
[Teresa Rehman, tehelka]
