The Tangkhul Dilemma: Trust Deficit as the Root of Political and Social Struggles

Introduction

The Tangkhul community, a major Naga tribe in Northeast India, has long been a crucial player in the socio-political landscape of the Nagas. However, in recent decades, a deep-seated trust deficit has emerged as a major impediment to unity and progress. This pervasive lack of trust cuts across political, religious, and social domains, hampering collective decision-making, development, and community cohesion. Despite a rich history of resilience and cultural pride, the Tangkhul face internal divisions that undermine their strength and potential.

The trust deficit among the Tangkhul can be attributed to various factors, including historical grievances, political factionalism, religious discord, and the failure of educated individuals, leaders, and scholars to take on the role of visionaries and unifiers. Instead of providing intellectual leadership and fostering an environment of progressive thought, many scholars have either remained silent or chosen to align with divisive elements, thereby exacerbating the problem. The roles of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and religious leadership, in particular, have often compounded these issues, making it harder for the Tangkhul tribe to unite and address the problems they face collectively.

Trust Deficit in Politics, Social, and Cultural: Fragmentation and Distrust

The social fabric of the Tangkhul community has been significantly affected by the breakdown of trust. The Tangkhul, traditionally a tightly knit community, has seen its social cohesion unravel due to internal divisions. Traditionally, Tangkhul society relied on a chieftain-based system where the village chief had significant influence. However, modernisation and political interference have eroded the authority of traditional chieftainship structures, leading to confusion and power struggles. The void left by these structures has been filled by opportunistic political actors who often overlook long-term vision and credibility. Social structures, such as the family, clan, and village councils, have experienced strains in every village due to shifting allegiances and internal rivalries. The rise of individualism or capitalism, in part driven by external pressures on the community, has led to competition for land, resources, and recognition, further eroding trust. In communities where resources are scarce, the competition becomes even fiercer, making the formation of trusting relationships all the more difficult.

The most visible manifestation of the trust deficit among the Tangkhul community is in their political landscape. A history of political infighting, lack of consensus, and fragmentation have rendered the Tangkhul politically divided. Political parties within the community are often marked by rivalry, and leaders frequently operate with a lack of coordination or collective vision. The lack of a unified political voice has made it difficult for the Tangkhul to effectively advocate for their rights and interests. The absence of a cohesive political agenda has weakened the Tangkhul’s ability to demand better economic opportunities or social justice.

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Moreover, political leaders, instead of working towards resolving these divisions, often exploit the distrust among different groups for their gain. This opportunism by political elites, which sometimes relies on manipulating regional and sectarian divisions, further exacerbates the situation. It is not uncommon for political leaders to prioritise personal or party interests over the greater good of the community, deepening the already existing fractures and fuelling the trust deficit. Also, issues of nepotism and favouritism in the distribution of power and wealth within Tangkhul society have led to resentment and distrust. It is a normal norm for certain families, clans, or regions to dominate local governance and decision-making processes, often excluding others. This exclusivity undermines the principles of equality and fairness, essential components of social cohesion, and further perpetuates a culture of distrust.

Religion: A Double-Edged Sword

Religion plays a significant role in the life of the Tangkhul. Traditionally, they followed animistic beliefs with a deep connection to nature and the spiritual world. However, over the past century, Christian missionary work has transformed the religious landscape, and today, the majority of Tangkhul Naga are Christians. The introduction of Christianity in the community, while providing a sense of unity and identity, has also brought about significant religious tensions. Over time, the church became a central institution for the Tangkhul, shaping their values, practices, and social interactions. However, religion, much like politics, has not been immune to the forces that have driven a wedge between different groups within the community.

One of the key issues lies in the role of religious leadership in addressing community concerns. The Tangkhul church is not a monolithic entity; it consists of different denominations, each with its own theological and doctrinal differences. The trust deficit among the Tangkhul has also manifested in religious divisions. These religious groups often engage in rivalries, with each group claiming to possess the “true faith.” The proliferation of different Christian denominations has led to growing sectarianism. Instead of being a source of unity, churches are now seen as competing factions. Leaders from different groups prioritise their group’s interests over the collective spiritual and social well-being of the Tangkhul. This division extends beyond theology and influences social and political interactions.

Religious leadership, in many cases, has also failed to address the broader socio-political issues that heighten the community’s sense of alienation. There is a perception that religious leaders are more concerned with maintaining their positions of power within the church than with addressing the pressing needs of the people. Church leaders, who should ideally act as moral compasses, have often been complicit in community divisions. Many have chosen to align with specific political and social factions rather than working toward reconciliation and unity. This has resulted in a growing distrust in religious institutions, with many people feeling abandoned by those who should provide guidance.

The Role of Educated Individuals and Scholars: A Failure to Lead

One of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of the trust deficit among the Tangkhul is the failure of the educated elite and scholars to act as agents of change. Intellectuals are meant to provide thought leadership, challenge outdated structures, and inspire progress. However, in the case of the Tangkhul, many educated individuals have either remained passive or have actively contributed to divisions.

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Instead of fostering progressive discussions on governance, development, and social unity, many scholars have chosen to remain silent. The absence of intellectual leadership has allowed misinformation, populism, and short-term political manoeuvring to dominate the discourse. In a society where education is increasingly valued, this lack of guidance from the educated class has led to widespread disillusionment.

Many educated individuals have chosen to align themselves with specific groups or parties, whether political or religious, rather than advocating for an inclusive vision. Instead of challenging the status quo, they have reinforced existing divisions by using their influence to advance narrow agendas. This has led to a situation where even intellectual discussions are marked by bias and mistrust. Many educated Tangkhuls have pursued individual success at the expense of community development by only rendering lip service. There has been a lack of initiatives to address pressing socioeconomic challenges such as unemployment, infrastructure development, and youth engagement. The educated class has largely failed to use its knowledge and networks to drive meaningful change.

The Role of CSOs in Compounding the Trust Deficit

CSOs have played a critical role in advocating for the rights and welfare of the Tangkhul people, often stepping in to fill the void left by ineffective governance. However, the role of CSOs in Tangkhul society today has been a double-edged sword. While they have worked tirelessly on various issues, including protecting rights, development, and advocacy, they, too, have been implicated in deepening the trust deficit.

One of the primary issues with CSOs in the Tangkhul community is their fragmentation. Much like political, educated, and religious groups, CSOs are often divided into groups, villages, political parties, regions, or ideological lines. This fragmentation limits their ability to unite the people and effectively address community-wide issues. Instead of providing a platform for collective action, many CSOs act as competing entities, each with its own agenda. This dearth of coordination and cooperation between and among CSOs has often led to inefficiencies and a misfire in addressing the broader issues that affect the community.

Moreover, many CSOs have been accused of being too closely aligned with political or religious interests. In such cases, CSOs become extensions of political or religious groups, further complicating the trust deficit. The people, rather than viewing CSOs as neutral bodies that can advocate for their rights, see them as partisan organisations competing for dominance, claiming better and more mature institutions, and undermining their legitimacy. This has diminished the faith of the people in CSOs, which were once seen as champions of social change.

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The Psychological and Emotional Toll

The cumulative effect of political, social, and religious fragmentation has taken a toll on the psychological and emotional well-being of the Tangkhul people. Many feel a profound sense of alienation and disillusionment. There is a growing sense that their aspirations, both collective and individual, are unattainable in a fractured and divided society. The absence of trust in leadership, whether political or religious, contributes to feelings of helplessness and frustration.

This emotional toll can also manifest in heightened stress levels and anxiety. Many Tangkhul, who feel disconnected from the broader community, may experience a sense of loss or confusion about their place in society. In some cases, this alienation has led to an increase in substance abuse, depression, and other mental health issues and a rise in suicide, which has been manifest in the Tangkhul community rampantly. These issues, however, are often compounded by a reluctance within the community to address mental health openly, which contributes to a cycle of isolation and mistrust. The younger generation, witnessing the pervasive trust deficit, is increasingly disengaging from community affairs. Many young Tangkhuls seek opportunities outside the area, leading to a brain drain that further weakens the community’s prospects for progress.

Additionally, the Tangkhul community faces a growing generational disengagement, where both older and younger generations struggle to find common ground. The absence of sincere dialogue, often overshadowed by arrogance and dismissive attitudes from both sides, has deepened mistrust and weakened collective vision. Elders, clinging to outdated authority, resist change, while the younger generation, eager for progress, often dismisses tradition without understanding its value. Bringing reinvented “Morung” (traditional learning institution) and “Meishum” (community discussion platform) is crucial to bridging this divide. These spaces once fostered mentorship, cultural transmission, and communal problem-solving. Restoring them can create a foundation for open, respectful dialogue, where wisdom meets innovation, ensuring a shared vision for the Tangkhul’s future.

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Conclusion

The dilemma of trust deficit among the Tangkhul is the root cause of many of the challenges facing the community today. Political divisions, religious discord, and the failure of leaders and intellectuals to provide leadership have all contributed to a fractured society. However, all is not lost. With concerted efforts towards reconciliation, unity, and progressive leadership, the Tangkhul can overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more cohesive future. The path forward requires courage, sincerity, introspection, and a commitment to the greater good over personal or factional interests and developing a shared Tangkhul vision.

Pamreihor Khashimwo is a research scholar based out of Delhi. He may be reached at khashimwo.jnu@gmail.com

(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ukhrul Times. Ukhrul Times values and encourages diverse perspectives.)