By Benjamin Lyngdoh
Now the Citizenship Amendment Bill has become an Act. When it was a Citizenship Amendment Bill, the possibilities for recourse and obtaining of exemptions was a lot easier. With it having become an Act all possibilities and protest now have hit a massive road block. Alas! The state government has been reduced to a helpless bystander both in terms of the agitations that are going on and in terms of the tough stance taken by the central government. On the other hand, the strategy applied by the BJP led central government has worked perfectly. The non-tabling of CAB in the Rajya Sabha earlier in the year has now provided it with ample time to push through the legislation even in the midst of imminent legal and constitutional scrutiny. That way, whatever happens now, the BJP must be observed in awe over the targeted application of ‘the principle of divide and rule’. Well, the British introduced it in India with great impact; however, it is the BJP that has perfected it and has applied it with such mastery and effectiveness. As it stands today in the north-eastern states, Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura are left to fight an isolated fight like a divided army with total lack of coordination and support. Amidst all this, the turmoil in Meghalaya continues and it shows no signs of coming to a logical end; an end which is acceptable to the populace of the state. Accordingly, I place the following pointers –
Firstly, the NPP led MDA government is to be blamed for the current turmoil. It has failed its own people. If the state government was going to back track on the total exemptions from CAB, then why did it show a masked face of opposition to it the whole time? It is a flip-flop that has cost the state enormously. That way, the anger that has spilled into the streets these days is nothing but the creation of the state government. To this, add the inexplicable action of the Tura MP to support the CAB into CAA. Is there a promise for some plum Minister of State position at the centre? This is the question everybody is asking on the ground. In relation to this whole episode of CAA, the Conrad Sangma government has failed on the ‘action front’. It has failed to act at the opportune time. Now when it is getting late, it is resorting to ‘reaction front’. The frequent visits to New Delhi by him and his team is a perfect depiction of this ‘reaction’. Well Sir, in most cases reaction does not work; action is all that matters! And to the Congress which is shouting on ILP these days. Why did you not act on it when in power? In fact, you vehemently opposed any permit regulations. As such, it is better for the Congress to just stop talking for now. You can fool the people once and twice, but not always! In fact, when it comes to this issue; none of the political parties are innocent.
Secondly, the agitation that we see in the streets of Shillong and other parts of the state these days can be termed as a ‘movement’. This is because people across the rank and file are involved in it. In fact, there have been instances in Mawlai where even children can be seen holding banners and shouting slogans against CAB and now CAA. A similar situation exists in Assam too. As such, there can be nothing more powerful than a peoples’ movement. However, amidst all this there is a fault line which has the potential for trouble. They are called the KSU and HYC. Till today, KSU is being seen as the deliverer of ILP whereas the HYC as the champion of Residents Act. This is a loophole that may be exploited by the actors of the state/central government. Any one of these or maybe both may be infiltrated by ‘the actors’ into miscommunication and conflict. That way the KSU and the HYC will be involved in a duel and the entire cause will be lost. As such for now, it is important for these student bodies to cast aside all differences and combine and put up a united fight while they still have the support of the populace at large. Be that as it may, there can be no consideration of violence during protests. Protests can be peaceful too. That way, protest as responsible pressure groups.
Thirdly and in relation to the above, the collateral damage to violence is the daily wage earners and the majority of the villagers who depend on the Shillong markets for their livelihoods. Festive season aside, the food on the table and the daily bread is the main concern. Those in need of essential services such as health and medication are the worst hit. In a recent encounter with a daily wage earner, I can still recall the look on his face when he spoke effusively and touchingly about how these violence-related developments have affected his household. I believe his expressions are the representations of the multitude of such workforce and households in our state. They are bewildered by both the state government and the pressure groups. They do not care an inch for both. For them, two square meals are the real issues rather than CAB and CAA. Till yesterday, Shillong wore a deserted look in most areas (even during the curfew relaxed hours). The longer this goes; we are stretching their resilience to breaking point. Hence, to the pressure groups; spare a thought for them. Do agitate; but do it peacefully.
Fourthly, all eyes and attention are on the special session on ILP. In the current environment, it is a foregone conclusion that the ILP resolution will be passed. However, let us not haste at making merry. The resolution would still need a nod of the central government to be really authentic and applicable. As such, beyond the corridors of the state government; anything can still happen. In the recent meeting of the state government with the Home Minster Amit Shah, what really transpired? Was it just a ‘photo op’ or was something being agreed behind the scenes? Does the agreement involve a safe passage for ILP or did the agreement involve something else? These are the questions that throw open a Pandora’s Box. Well, only time will tell the true tale. Be that as it may, there are two possibilities for Meghalaya now; ILP regime or non-ILP regime. If it is non-ILP, the turmoil will continue further. However, if it is ILP regime; then it is time for the state government to take action on the tourism and hospitality sectors apart from investments. An aggressive campaign of ‘persuasive marketing’ shall be required to facilitate and calm the potential clientele towards visiting the state as tourists. ILP will hit Meghalaya tourism for sure; however, with proper publicity and campaigns and marketing the adverse impacts may be mitigated. At least, let us do an action on this and not wait for the need for reaction.
Lastly, CAA and ILP are not the only issues. In fact, these are closely related to the issues of NRC and the amendments to the sixth schedule of the Constitution of India. Going by all this, a number of turmoil still awaits us in the near future. Let us just hope that they are resolved with minimum destruction and maximum effectiveness.
(The Author teaches at NEHU)