Amidst the diverse spectrum of political engagement and social activism, the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement emerges as a poignant symbol of the persistent pursuit for socio-economic and political rights. It embodies a commitment to constitutional justice, epitomised by the advocacy for the establishment of a distinct territory-the Frontier Nagaland Territory-within the state of Nagaland. This movement is deeply rooted in the historical narrative shaped by the dynamics of British colonial rule in India, during which the Eastern Naga region remained excluded and un-administered, a territory unconquered and unoccupied during the British Raj, whereas, Naga Hills which is inhabited by other advance tribes in the south-west part of Nagaland was then a district of Assam under British Rule since 1866 while some area was part of the princely state of Manipur until recently. This colonial legacy continues to cast a significant influence on the socio-political landscape of not only the present state of Nagaland but also the entire northeast India. Against the backdrop of tribalistic vision, myopic policies and fractured governance characterised by successive administrations in the State of Nagaland, the FNT movement gains significance as it seeks to address prevailing classic disparities and gross injustices. At its core, the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement reflects the collective aspirations and yearnings of the forgotten, invisible Eastern Naga populace, as they strive for constitutional justice and socio-economic-cultural-political empowerment through the creation of separate territory-”The Frontier Nagaland Territory” in the state of Nagaland- within the broader framework of the Constitution of India.
Through the analytical prism of “Political Process Theory”, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate dynamics propelling this movement forward. Drawing from the insights of scholars such as Charles Tilly and Sidney Tarrow, this perspective provides a nuanced understanding of how political structures, opportunities, and collective actions intersect to shape the course of social mobilisation. As we delve into the depths of the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement, we shed light on the intricate interplay of historical grievances, organisational strategies, and negotiation tactics that define this multifaceted struggle for socioeconomic-political rights, constitutional justice and cultural preservation. This movement illustrates the complex web of factors influencing social mobilisation, including historical grievances, organisational capacity, and political opportunities. Furthermore, it underscores the interconnectedness of local, national, and international dynamics shaping contemporary social movements, highlighting the global resonance of struggles for social justice and constitutional self-determination and empowerment. In this context, the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement serves as a compelling case study of how marginalised tribal communities navigate the complexities of the political process to assert their rights and aspirations, ultimately striving for a more just and inclusive society in the spirit of “constitutionalism”.
Examining the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement from the perspective of political process theory necessitates a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between identity construction, power distribution, and the pursuit of constitutional equity. This movement, championed by the Eastern Naga populace, encapsulates a nuanced and multifaceted endeavour entrenched in the annals of historical injustices, systemic socio-economic and political disenfranchisement, and an ardent yearning for autonomy within the confines of the Indian constitutional framework.
At its core, this struggle unfolds as a dialectical process, entwining the collective consciousness of the Eastern Naga community with the evolving contours of state power, institutional resistance, and the dialectics of governance. The quest for the establishment of a distinct administrative territory within the geopolitical landscape of Nagaland emerges not merely as a political aspiration but also it is also evident to the enduring resilience of a marginalised populace striving to carve out its socio-political-economic destiny amidst the labyrinth of historical legacies and contemporary exigencies. Thus, elucidating the intricacies of the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement demands an analytical lens that transcends conventional paradigms, delving into the epistemological underpinnings of identity politics, power negotiations, and the imperatives of constitutionalism in pluralistic societies.
Political process theory, pioneered by prominent scholars including Charles Tilly and Sidney Tarrow, constitutes a robust analytical framework essential for dissecting the intricate dynamics of social movements and their intricate interplay with political apparatuses. Fundamentally, this theoretical paradigm underscores the pivotal significance of political architectures, procedural mechanisms, and situational openings in delineating the trajectories and consequences of concerted endeavours. Delving into the context of the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement, an application of the political process perspective unveils a multifaceted panorama elucidating the strategic modalities of mobilisation, the intricate mechanisms of resource aggregation, and the nuanced dynamics of contention propelling the movement’s progression. Through this lens, the movement’s evolution emerges as a manifestation of intricate interplays between socio-political structures, institutional frameworks, and collective agency, underscoring the intricate symbiosis between mobilisation strategies and the contextual terrain within which they unfold.
To fully grasp the impetus behind the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement, it is imperative to delve into the intricate historical fabric woven around the Eastern Naga people’s plight. Situated in the northeastern corridor of India, Nagaland stands as a confluence of various Naga tribes, distinguished by their unique linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identities. Yet, the overarching colonial narrative and Nagaland state-building endeavours have perennially relegated certain Naga tribes, notably those inhabiting the eastern fringes of the state, to the margins of socio-political recognition and economic development. The early post-colonial imprints, characterised by ill framed fractured policies and administrative structures and blunders, has sowed seeds of discontent among these marginalised communities, exacerbating feelings of neglect and alienation. Moreover, the post-colonial Nagaland state-building trajectory, marked by policy centralization and tribalistic agendas, has further exacerbated the disenfranchisement of the marginalised Eastern Naga populace, perpetuating a cycle of socio-economic deprivation and political disempowerment. Thus, within the intricate fabric of Nagaland’s historical narrative, the grievances of the Eastern Naga people emerge as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacies of post-colonial policy blunders and the imperative of addressing historical injustices in contemporary statecraft and governance paradigms.
From a nuanced political process perspective, the emergence of the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement unfolds as a multifaceted interplay between discernible factors such as political opportunities, organisational resources, and collective action frames. Political opportunities, delineating the dynamic interstices within the political system, function as pivotal facilitators or inhibitors in the mobilizational trajectory of social movements. Within the context of the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement, the confluence of shifting paradigms in state-level politics, nuanced alterations in administrative policies, and the broader discourse surrounding federalism and constitutional autonomy have collectively engendered fertile grounds for the Eastern Naga communities to assert their lawful demands for territorial acknowledgment. These opportune junctures not only serve as catalysts for mobilisation but also serve as catalysts for the recalibration and strategic recalibration of movement tactics and discourse. Thus, the movement’s evolution is intrinsically intertwined with the intricate fabric of political dynamics, wherein the navigation of these opportune openings shapes its trajectory and prospects.
Organisational resources form the cornerstone of social movements, playing a crucial role in facilitating effective mobilisation efforts by providing essential infrastructure, leadership, and interconnected networks. In the context of the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement, indigenous civil society organisations, tribal councils, skilled political leaders and robust support base of ‘Eastern Naga Masses’ have emerged as indispensable entities, collectively meticulously, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Eastern Naga communities while orchestrating collaborative mass based action initiatives. These mass based organisational bodies demonstrate adeptness in navigating a dynamic landscape, leveraging a synergistic mix of conventional and contemporary communication modalities and mobilisation techniques to broaden their outreach and impact. By effectively utilising traditional communication channels rooted in cultural heritage and embracing modern mediums empowered by technological advancements, these entities seamlessly channelise their narrative, fostering a groundswell of support and solidarity conducive to the realisation of their overarching objectives. Their strategic utilisation of available resources and comprehensive approach underscore their pivotal role in driving forward the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement towards its goals.
Collective action frames, constituting interpretive schemas that profoundly influence the comprehension and articulation of grievances within social movements, constitute a pivotal determinant of their efficacy. The Frontier Nagaland Territory movement exemplifies this phenomenon, where the construction of collective action frames orbits around multifaceted concerns encompassing historical injustices, preservation of cultural identity, socio-economic-political justice and assertion of constitutional rights through democratic process and constitutional means & methods.
The adept framing of their struggle as a pursuit of territorial justice and constitutional acknowledgment through the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory by the Eastern Naga communities has facilitated the aggregation of extensive support networks both within and beyond their immediate geographic confines. This narrative resonance extends its reach, establishing parallels with analogous movements advocating for constitutional autonomy and democratic, constitutional self-determination not only within the Indian subcontinent but also resonating on a global scale. Through the strategic deployment of collective action frames, the movement transcends its localised origins to articulate a broader narrative that intersects with broader socio-political discourses, thereby augmenting its potential for mobilisation and constructive impact.
At its core, the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement represents a tectonic shift away from traditional top-down leadership models towards a more decentralised and participatory mass based approach to activism. It thrives on the active engagement of ordinary citizens, who contribute their voices, personal / family / community resources, and energy to the collective struggle for the restoration of constitutional rights and constitutional justice through the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory. This grassroots mobilisation is not confined to formal organisational structures but permeates through various social networks, cultural institutions, and everyday interactions within Eastern Naga society. Moreover, the movement’s emphasis on inclusivity and diversity ensures that voices, including those of women, youth, and indigenous elders, are heard and respected, enriching the movement with a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. In essence, the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement embodies the democratic ethos of “Power To The People,” empowering individuals and communities to challenge existing power structures and shape their own destinies through collective action and solidarity in the spirit of constitutionalism. This bottom-up approach not only strengthens the movement’s resilience but also fosters a deep sense of ownership and belonging among its participants, ensuring that the struggle for constitutional justice remains firmly rooted in the aspirations and values of the Eastern Naga people.
The Frontier Nagaland Territory movement epitomises the multifaceted nature of social movements, showcasing a nuanced interplay of contention and negotiation dynamics. As the Eastern Naga communities fervently advocate for the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory, they navigate a labyrinth of interactions involving state authorities, political entities, and various stakeholders. This intricate process encompasses a spectrum of strategies ranging from constitutional methods like peaceful protests and demonstrations to sophisticated engagements with legal, political, and bureaucratic avenues, all orchestrated to further their objectives. Beyond mere demonstrations of dissent, the movement strategically employs dialogical approaches to foster meaningful discourse and leverage negotiations for their constitutional claims. This amalgamation of tactics underscores the movement’s adaptability and strategic acumen in manoeuvring within the socio-political landscape, weaving a fabric of resistance that transcends mere peaceful protest and delves into the realm of strategic mobilisation and constructive advocacy.
The Frontier Nagaland Territory movement, by virtue of its multifaceted nature, epitomises the intricate web of local, national, and international influences that underpin modern-day social mobilizations. Originating from the Eastern Naga communities’ distinct grievances, this movement transcends its regional boundaries to become emblematic of the quest for constitutional rights, territorial justice, and decentralised as well as participatory governance mechanisms. Inextricably linked to broader global movements and narratives advocating for socio-economic-political justice in the constitutional framework, the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement serves as both a microcosm and a catalyst for transformative change in contemporary political landscapes
Its resonance extends beyond the confines of territorial boundaries, resonating with marginalised communities worldwide grappling with historical injustices and demanding equitable representation in decision-making processes in their respective countries in the spirit of ‘Constitutionalism’. Consequently, the movement not only draws inspiration from the rich history of global activism but also enriches it through its localised experiences and strategies, contributing to the ongoing discourse on reshaping power dynamics and fostering inclusive governance paradigms in the 21st century.
Understanding the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement necessitates a nuanced examination of the state as both a resource and a contested terrain for advancing the quest for constitutional justice. The movement’s engagement with the state apparatus underscores the complex interplay between formal institutions of governance and grassroots mobilisation strategies. While the state is often perceived as a source of power and legitimacy, it is also the primary site of contestation where competing interests, numerous cost-benefit ratios and ideologies converge. In the context of the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement, the state represents not only the target of demands for restoration of constitutional rights of deprived Eastern Nagas but also a potential ally in the pursuit of constitutional justice and political representation. This strategic engagement with the state reflects a pragmatic approach to social transformation, acknowledging the importance of both constitutional methods of peaceful protests and constructive dialogue in advancing the movement’s objectives. Moreover, by framing their demands within the language of constitutional justice and democratic principles, the Eastern Naga communities seek to legitimise their struggle within the normative framework of the Indian state, thereby challenging the status quo and expanding the boundaries of political possibility in the spirit of constitutionalism. However, this engagement with the state is not without its challenges, as it requires navigating complex power dynamics, political hurdles, and competing interests within the political establishment. Nevertheless, by positioning themselves as stakeholders in the process of state administration and governance, the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement endeavours to transform the state of Nagaland from a source of exclusion and marginalisation into a grand vehicle for realising the constitutional aspirations of the Eastern Naga people. In doing so, the movement exemplifies the dynamic relationship between social movements and the state, where contention and negotiation intersect to shape the contours of democratic citizenship and constitutional order.
A meticulous examination of the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement through the intricate lens of political processes not only elucidates but also magnifies the intricate nuances surrounding the dynamics of identity, power distribution, and contention that intricately shape the fabric of contemporary social movements. Through a granular analysis encompassing the movement’s multifaceted mobilisation strategies, adept resource mobilisation efforts, and the articulation of collective action frames, one is endowed with a profound comprehension of the movement’s historical underpinnings, the intricate political dynamics it negotiates, and the transformative potential it harbours concerning the Eastern Naga people’s fervent quest for constitutional justice within the broader Indian state context. Indeed, the Frontier Nagaland Territory movement emerges as a poignant exemplar, epitomising the resilience and strategic acumen with which marginalised ‘forgotten’, ‘invisible’ communities of Eastern Nagaland navigate the labyrinthine pathways of the political process, adeptly asserting their rights and aspirations in the relentless pursuit of fostering a society that is not only more equitable but also inherently inclusive and just.
Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Senior Faculty, Dept. of Political Science, Tetso College, Nagaland. Director, Project Constitutional Justice, Tuensang
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