From the Perspective of 'Victims of History'

This is with reference to the letter by Hiren Gohain (EPW, 21 August) in response to my article (“Justice Denied to Tribals in the Hill Districts of Manipur”, 31 July). I am grateful to the author for drawing attention to certain details which he feels any proposal of resolution to the Naga question should take account of. Despite considering all the points, some of which were indeed new to me, I would still stand by what I have said since that is based on what I do know.

I do know that at the dawn of India’s independence our government chose to retain the British occupation of Naga territories. I believe that an occupation has no place in a democracy; that this is “wrong” and “dangerous” for the future of democracy (as the continuing turmoil in the north-east has borne out). India had no locus standi as far as the Naga people were concerned. Who were we to grant or not grant them independence?