The firsts in Indian cinema
The roots of Indian cinema are almost as old as those of the medium itself. Within eight months of taking Paris by storm, the touring agents of Lumiere brothers' Cinematographer landed on the shores of India. On July 7, 1896, The Times of India carried an advertisement heralding the arrival of "the marvel of the century" and "wonder of the world". Four screenings took place that historic evening at Watson's Hotel in Bombay (now Mumbai). The entry fee was one Rupee. The show received an overwhelming response. Motion pictures were subsequently introduced in Calcutta towards the end of the year, and in Madras (now Chennai) in the next.
The rule of the philistines
One is amused and amazed at the fact that the terms ‘moral policing’ and ‘freedom of expression’ are much in the thick and thin of things these days. Is it because there is now an upsurge of conservative militancy? Or, is it because the world has not suddenly become a bad place; but that news travels faster now, and television and the Internet are there to blow things up? Look closely, you will know there is a little of both to it.
A decade or so back when Shiv Sena hoodlums plundered the offices of a small Mumbai-based newspaper called Mahanagar, there were few to take up the cudgels on its behalf. But today when the Star News office is pillaged by marauders of an unknown entity over what good journalists will not think of as earth-shaking news, it does have more people reviling the act. And yes, most would have seen the leftovers on television.
Muivah on the Naga Issue – An Unpublished Interview: III
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Thuingaleng Muivah, SS Khaplang and Isak Chishi Swu with an unidentified colleague in an undated photograph at an undisclosed location before the NSCN split of 1988.
Photo © National Socialist Council of Nagalim
Subir Ghosh: The Kuki-Naga clash will never end it seems. What do you think your role is in this context? What is your assessment of this issue?
Thuingaleng Muivah: The so-called Kuki-Naga clash is a pure and simple creation of the Indian government. It is an utterly miscalculated venture since the sole motive behind it is to make the Kukis fight against the Nagas. What a proxy war! But, expecting what? And, from whom? However, most of the Indian Press took sides with the Kukis and ran unprofessional and biased accounts of the conflict against the Nagas. Yet, in spite of this scheme of the Indian government, the NSCN never encouraged the Naga people to kill the Kukis. Were it not for the Indian government policy, Nagas and Kukis would have lived together in peace and tranquility. Now, the solution to the issue hinges on the Indian government.
Subir Ghosh: The biggest allegation against all militant organisations, including the NSCN, is about extortion. What do you have to say about it? Is this ethical?
Thuingaleng Muivah: You are right that allegations of extortion are often made against us. It is not wrong altogether. Some of the unruly elements and dropouts from our ranks sometimes get out ofhand and do unwanted things. There is no dennying the fact. This is, however, against the NSCN policy. But, this is not the whole story either. The greater fact is that gangs are also operating under the Naga Youth Liberation Front and The Ninth Brigade, organised by the puppet chief minister of Nagaland, SC Jamir. Most of the extortions are done by these gangs. These crimes are readily blamed on us. In fact, they are opposed by the NSCN. Apart from this, the Khaplang gang, solely supported by SC Jamir are carrying on extortions on a large scale. These are facts which the government of India knows well.
The memorial says it all.
Photo © Naga National Council (NNC)
Subir Ghosh: Coming to the human rights issue. Armymen complain that whenever a suspected militant is killed, the question of human rights is raised. But whenever a securityman is killed in cold blood, nothing is said. Your comments please.
Thuingaleng Muivah: Human rights organisations deal with violations of the rights of innocent people. And, it is of no surprise to know that they fights against the atrocities committed by the armed forces of India on the innocent Naga people. How many innocent Nagas have been brutally victimised by the Indian forces on this and that unfounded killing? Killing or torture of innocent people on suspicion is opposed everywhere and this constitutes serious violation of human rights. Thus, an attempt to justify it is against humanity. Indian soldiers occupying Nagaland are killed by the Naga Army. It is Army to Army, combatant to combatant.
Subir Ghosh: What do you say about the role of organisations like the Naga Hoho summit, Naga Students Federation, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Peoples Movement for Human rights and Nagaland Baptist Church council?
Thuingaleng Muivah: Any organisation, so long as it does what it is meant for, will be beneficial to the society. But, when it betrays the principles and goes beyond, it becomes harmful. The Baptist Church leaders in the past were totally manipulated against the people and the nation. It is a pity that church leaders left behind such a trail of disgrace. A lot of Indian manipulation is also going on in the so-called Naga Hoho and, as such, they often come out holding the wrong end. We are sorry to know it. It has to prove its worth.
NNC Vice-President Khodao Yanthan administering the oath of office to Adinno Phizo after AZ Phizo's death. Khodao later joined the NSCN led by Swu and Muivah.
Photo © Naga National Council (NNC)
Subir Ghosh: How much are overground politicians involved with underground organisations? So much hue and cry had been raised a year or so back when it was reported that Rishang Keishing had paid Rs 25,000 to members of your organisation for help in elections. What do you have to say about it?
Thuingaleng Muivah: Puppet politicians have their own interests. We have nothing to do with them. We have received nothing from Rishang Keishing and vice versa. We do not depend on anyone except on the people and on ourselves. We go our own way: there is no meeting point.
Subir Ghosh: Is it true that SC Jamir is siding with the Khaplang men, and Keishing with your men?
Thuingaleng Muivah: We would rather treat this question as outdated. For a decade now, SCJamir has been fully taking sides with Khaplang with all the means at his disposal. He financed Khaplang and his group with crores of rupees, he has equipped them with sophisticated arms. He has also been actively helping them with logistics. Khaplang’s offices are functioning from the houses of the puppet ministers. All the money provided by the Indian government is divided among the ministers with Jamir taking the lion’s share. Where is the Rs 133 crore for the “peace offensive”? How much has Jamir gained? How much has ended up with Khaplang?
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