Dimapur Students Challenged to Master Policy and Identity

Kohima: Dimapur Government College held the PA Sangma Dialogues this past Friday. The event focused on peace through development across the Northeast. Students packed the college auditorium to hear policy analyst Mmhonlümo Kikon break down complex regional issues. Kikon spoke on federalism, autonomy, and the weight of Naga identity.

Society holds weird expectations for leaders. Kikon argued that voters demand smart politicians but brush off intellectuals as merely academic. He pushed students to dig into current policy, pointing to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Act as a prime example of legislation students ignore despite its lasting impact. Few students had actually read the text.

Kikon defined the regional framework as “asymmetrical federalism.” This system allows states to keep unique ties with the Union based on their specific history. He contrasted the Sixth Schedule, which covers tribal safeguards in states like Meghalaya and Mizoram, with the specific political deal behind the FNTA. While Article 371A provides constitutional protection for land, the FNTA stems from a political pact between the Home Ministry, the Nagaland government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation.

Justice remains a central tension. Kikon urged students to reconcile traditional customary institutions with modern legal rights, especially for women. He noted that urban growth is driving more people toward regular courts for disputes. Associate Professor A. Moamongla Aier chaired the event, which opened with remarks from Vice Principal N. Sentinungla Pongen.

The day wrapped up with a second session. Food writer and weaver chronicler Avantika Roohi led a talk on the cultural politics of food and traditional looms. The Political Science Club rounded out the event with a special musical performance.