Dimapur, Oct. 4 (EMN): Terming the Naga political issue as ‘noble cause’ which cannot be degraded to the level of inter-group rivalries for sectarian interests, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) has sought unity among the Nagas saying, “We have serious nation-building to do beyond unending nationalism and partisan politics.”
An update from NGF on Sunday attributed the prevailing sectarianism among the Naga political groups, political parties, and the respective civil society organisations, each claiming a greater legitimacy based on mutually exclusive reasoning or rewriting of the history of the freedom struggle, for the division in Naga society.
NGF was perturbed to note that the present Naga generation, especially the leaders, seemed determine to blindfold themselves with antagonistic posturing of all kinds to take “us all down.”
“We wonder what kind of society we are creating for ourselves and our children and grandchildren with every national group and political party self-righteously marching under the banner that reads, ‘My way or no way,’ and expects the people to march under its flag,” the statement queried.
It expressed conviction that in a deeply fragmented society like ours, the starting point for any meaningful dialogue and understanding should begin with the recognition that “we cannot antagonise and influence each other positively at the same time.” It felt that as joint stakeholders, Nagas of all groups should enter into relationships with honest intention for the common good of the society, making the political intent clear and campaigning for it, but not as enemies.
GNF also felt that it is time to move away from armed struggle and political rhetoric but focus on the task to uplift the people’s daily lives in a planned, systematic, and sustained manner.
While reminding that ‘unprecedented crisis call for unprecedented leadership,’
GNF expressed confidence that the Naga leaders would be able to meet the unprecedented challenge facing the Naga people now.
