- Pamreihor Khashimwo
EKHON | UKHRUL: The Tangkhul, one of the major Naga tribes, has long symbolised resilience, cultural richness, and tribal unity. However, despite centuries of hardship and survival through colonialism, insurgency, and socio-political turbulence, a new challenge has emerged in the modern era- the seemingly absent “wind of change” that many hoped would propel the Tangkhul into a future of growth and empowerment. Why the long-awaited socio-economic and political transformations have yet to reach the community?
From Resilience to Stagnation
The Tangkhul has historically demonstrated a capacity to endure and adapt to changing circumstances. From the period of British colonisation, where their territory was divided between India and Myanmar, to their participation in the larger Naga national movement for self-determination, the Tangkhul has consistently fought to protect their identity and autonomy. This struggle has cemented their reputation as one of the most politically conscious Naga tribes.
Yet, the socio-political dynamics within the Tangkhul society have stagnated in recent decades. While the legacy of the Naga movement lives on, it has also become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the continued quest for sovereignty serves as a rallying point for collective identity. On the other hand, the prolonged conflict, coupled with a lack of political solutions, has contributed to political fatigue. Rather than nurturing new leadership and innovative ideas for progress, the community remains locked in an old paradigm of struggle, unable to break free and embrace the wind of change.
Political Leadership: Lack of Vision and Direction
One of the most significant barriers to change within the Tangkhul society is the absence of visionary political leadership. Current leadership appears content to perpetuate outdated strategies of political activism that no longer resonate with the younger generation. A disillusioned youth, witnessing the failures of political transformation and lack of sustainable development, have lost faith in their current leaders’ ability to bring meaningful change.
Besides, leadership remains caught in the traditional hierarchies that often exclude new voices and perspectives, particularly from women and younger generations. Tangkhul women historically played vital roles in cultural and social spheres, but they remain largely side-lined in formal political decision-making. This exclusion only reinforces the inertia that hampers progress, as half of the population remains underrepresented in the leadership structure.
Marginalisation by the State
The Tangkhul society’s plight is also intricately tied to systemic neglect by the Manipur state. Ukhrul District, home to the majority of the Tangkhul, remains grossly underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Basic amenities such as reliable electricity, water supply, and road connectivity are insufficient. This marginalisation has left the community isolated from the broader economic progress seen in other parts of the country.
Government programmes have been riddled with corruption and inefficiency. For instance, meagre fund allocations to Ukhrul and Kamjong districts under various infrastructure and developmental projects were often misreported and ignored highlighting the state’s indifference and lack of accountability. Such neglect not only stifles development but also erodes trust between the community and the state, reinforcing a cycle of disenfranchisement and alienation.
Modernisation at Odds with Tradition Cultural isolation has also contributed to the Tangkhul society’s stagnation. While preserving traditions is vital for maintaining identity, it can also serve as a two-edged weapon when it becomes an obstacle to embracing modernisation and external influences. The Tangkhul have made efforts to safeguard their unique cultural heritage, from folk music and dances to intricate social customs and festivals. However, the globalised world is changing rapidly, and the Tangkhul society seems caught between preserving the past and embracing the future. The challenge here lies in finding a balance- ensuring that Tangkhul traditions are not only preserved but also modernised in a way that allows the community to integrate with the broader socio-political landscape of the world.
The Fracturing of Unity
Internal divisions within the Tangkhul community further exacerbate the stagnation. The old notion of tribal unity is being tested by factionalism, political disagreements, and clashing priorities between traditional leaders and modern influencers. The Naga political movement, once a unifying force, has splintered into various groups and worked like a syndicate bunch, with different groups pursuing different groups and individual agendas. This fragmentation has weakened the collective bargaining power of the community, making it more vulnerable to external manipulation and less able to advocate effectively for their rights.
These internal divisions are most evident in the political arena, where elected leaders are often more concerned with advancing personal or party interests rather than addressing the needs of their constituents. The absence of a coherent, unified strategy for the future leaves the Tangkhul without a clear roadmap for progress, as different sections pull the community in conflicting directions.
The Absence of Development Initiatives Economic stagnation is perhaps the most tangible manifestation of the “wind of change” failing to blow for the Tangkhul. Despite the rich natural resources and tourism potential of Ukhrul and Kamjong, economic opportunities remain scarce. The absence of job opportunities has led to a brain drain, as educated youth migrate to urban centres, further weakening the community’s ability to innovate and drive change from within. Initiatives like eco-tourism projects hold promise but remain underfunded and underdeveloped, reflecting the broader issue of insufficient state support and private investment. Without a robust economic base, it becomes even more challenging for the Tangkhul to mobilise the resources needed to advocate for political and social change.
Towards a New Wind of Change
For the Tangkhul, the wind of change seems distant, stifled by political stagnation, systemic neglect, internal divisions, rotting of ethics and integrity and economic underdevelopment. Yet, the potential for transformation exists. What is needed is a new generation of leadership willing to break free from the old paradigms, embrace modernity without losing cultural identity, and push for greater accountability from the state.
The once-strong moral compass, largely influenced by the church, has eroded, with both political and community leadership failing to uphold ethical standards. The church, which should act as a guiding force, appears complicit or indifferent, lacking the moral courage to challenge corruption and social decay. Without strong moral leadership, the “wind of change” remains stagnant, leaving the Tangkhul community vulnerable to continued decline.
The wind of change will not blow unless there is collective willpower to make it happen. It will require the Tangkhul to reimagine their future, harness their strengths, and confront their challenges head-on. Only then will the stillness break, and the much-awaited storm of change arrive.
(Pamreihor Khashomwo is a Post-Doc (DU): India’s Energy Security and Policy. He can be reached at khashimwo.jnu@gmail.com)
