Besides Human Life

The green and virgin forest of Nagaland provides pleasant habitat for wild life in Nagaland. Herds of animals and flocks of birds that found their way into our forest are happy to dwell beside us. This is because Nagas are eco-friendly tribal people. The Nagas are closely associated with nature and its cycle of life. Human civilization took its birth in the wild forest. Later, with the change of life style, the forest gave itself up for the sake of human beings to develop and live as groups in villages and towns. The vicinity of each other gave men a sense of security. Clearing of jungles and trees became necessary for human survival. Yet, there are lives besides human life. The forest, birds, animals and other reptiles also form ‘one life’. To destroy them would mean destroying a part of human life. Therefore, the green forest must be protected before it becomes desert. The climatic change in this few decades has adversely affected both human and wild life. Realizing its negative impact, many organizations and associations began to instil into the minds of the people the need for preservation of wild life. The good initiative taken up by many NGOs must be further encouraged. The Government must also see to the proper preservation of wild life in the forest and not only in the zoo. Of late, there has been a clarion call with regard to restrictions of hunting and fishing. This is so because every bird and animal that lives in our jurisdiction has a role to play for our well being. I am sure no one is disturbed by the barking of the deer, the chirping of the birds, the buzzing of the bees, the sound of the trees, the rushing of the river, etc. Flora and fauna add joy to the happiness of man’s life. Sometimes, destructive actions overtake our human goodness. We destroy all that does not belong to us. A small bird that sings happily in the morning is chased up and down and killed. Tiny birds with beautiful feathers that fly around are mercilessly butchered. Wild animals that roam about peacefully are shot. As the saying goes, “Nagas eat all moving creatures.” (from Assam dogs to the tiniest insect). Luckily vehicles and airplanes are not living creatures. If so, NST buses will be plying with bones alone, the flesh will be eaten soon after the inauguration (sometimes it happens in Nagaland). Likewise, many pots are washed clean to welcome Amur falcons and wild ducks. These birds are then anointed with costly scented perfumes of axone and bamboo shoots inside the kitchen. The killer finds satisfaction but the victim is shocked by the cruelty of man. The selfish hand of man wants to gather everything for himself, but later he may lose everything. Even a reserved forest like Inkangki is losing its significance because of random cutting of trees and killing of wildlife by some people/groups. Lots of illegal business takes place in this forest. The forest’s wealth is sold to Assam for good sum of money. The rich Nagas intrude inside the forest to make themselves richer. After establishing themselves from such money, they come out of the forest and teach people to preserve forest. The talk of rich people seems higher value to many Naga ears. Every individual must play the role of protecting wild life around us. By this we enhance the life of our planet. Let our forest give the best shelter to every reptiles, plants, birds and animals. They can be more human than most human beings. Yours Sincerely, G. L. Khing Kohima