Nagas have become dependent people, says Prof. Lanusashi

Our Correspondent

Mokokchung, February 17 (EMN): Professor Lanusashi Longkumer on Thursday observed that Nagas have become highly dependent people and asserted that society with dependency syndrome is characterised by ‘superficial development, disillusionment and disintegration.’

An outspoken person, Prof. Lanusashi, who is also the HoD of Geography at the Nagaland University, Lumami campus, stated this at the 60th Ongpangkong Mungdang general conference held at Mokokchung town hall as the guest speaker. He stated that Naga leaders have submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission for self-determination after the British leave India in 1929. He, however, stated Naga tribes today are divided and placed under the political rule of India and Myanmar.

While the Constitution of India has guaranteed every citizen the fundamental rights, he lamented that AFSPA of 1958 and National Security Act were imposed in Nagaland till today which empowered “search, detain, shoot and kill by a non-commission officer with impunity.’

He stated that from 1954-56, sixty hundred fifty-four Naga villages have been burned down and also cited incidents such as December 27, 1994, in Mokokchung; January 23, 1995, in Akuluto; March 5 in Kohima, December 4, 2021, in Oting.

“Wearing our traditional attires with pride, investing a huge chunk of money in constructing villages’ gates and community halls, using the power of groups would not help the citizens/ tribes attain self-determination, therefore, as declared by UN for the right to self-determination for all, we must strive towards Naga self-determination is the need of the hour,” he said.  

He opined that the Indian election might be one of the worst that is corrupting the Naga society today and has become a popular festival for the people. Even as the churches talk about the clean election, he was of the view that they never delved deeply into the roots of a clean candidate.

He also alleged that lack of transparency and accountability and abuse of public fund by the elected representatives in Nagaland have contributed to the worse performing state for two consecutive times during 2020 and 2021. He, therefore, attributed sufferings of the people to greed, material power, position and fame.

Meanwhile, the new team of Ongpangkong Mungdang officers would be led by Lipokmeren Jamir from Longsa village as president and Dr. Rongsenchiba Pongener from Longmisa village as general secretary.