A preacher recently told in my village church about the growing contradiction between godly initiatives and increased selfishness. The scope of education had prompted believers to pray more and feel sensibly spiritual; indeed the religious conscience outclassed those simple villagers without good education. Scriptures become easier to understand and there’s concerted building of the fellowship one cling to. The preacher agreed to these religious disciplines – but all is vain when there’s no love. Today when Nagas face more divisions in a time of needed togetherness, it reminds of similar atmospheres unfolded in the recent past. Touch Kohima was a spiritual movement to erase the ills of society. Memories are fresh how people actively participated in these programmes between fellowships, chain prayers and occasional meetings at the Kohima local ground. It was great fun witnessing the toll of public outpour and love. Nagas’ unique representation is reflective of the distinct tribes functioning smoothly. People’s lifestyles are identical with their usual community perspectives as a classification of broad customary provision. Over the period of time, the nature of Naga representations had spiraled into multiple groups and as some argue they represent the aspirations of the people, to stand for their rights; protect their identity and freedom. Unfortunately, a crucial blow durably struck the Naga society with division around factions, tribes and politics, weakening at all the quest for a qualified nation state. It was notable how the creation of Nagaland state didn’t satisfy spectrums of the Naga family coupled by shillong accord and many episodes. It is equally important not to squeeze the political struggle upon these loop holes, notwithstanding potential mistakes of all the leaders. The objective of struggle must mend ways of organizing the Naga family, after all we don’t want to live divided. Let us redeem society with its rightful treatment of a commendable respect. Naga generations cannot afford to lament the habitat while enjoying the breadth of development making rapid stride. Legacies play roles of alluring people’s attachment to society. Ironically, what is the legacy Nagas can count today?
Whereas patterning groups and movement rules the day, vast chunk of socio-cultural imbalances had formed the Naga profile. Apart from politics which is grievous, the societal state mulls on the lack of humane touch. The appalling picture shows that the Naga cultural blessings and moral respect are taking a plummeting course. The young generation is reasonably sad, angry, and frustrated at the unending spell of division – thinking if we can ever see an enduring Naga body? Will the reconciliation efforts not revive again? Should it not engage the division in Naga Hoho being the apex body apart from urging the military outfits? It is not to embarrass the sincere efforts made by concerned individuals; however it is disheartening how the Naga organizations are instrumented by sharp division of opinions, to the extent of aligning people against people. The public at large may not know or agree with the intricacies which asserting leaders think are right. It is inevitable but to face the price of division which some leaders/groups are unrelenting to part with. The simplicity Nagas once adorn with honesty might have been complicated by uncontrollable selfishness and pride. Considering the one aspect of Naga cultural set up, it may be expedient to launch a conscious nationwide crusade for spiritual repentance under the leadership of the tribal churches and organizations. Past initiatives like Touch Kohima however limited, had great impact in weakening human barriers, similar to the FNR moves of harnessing peaceful atmospheres. It strengthens love between peoples and tribes. Love is spiritual and transcending; families without love see no peace. It has the ability to heal the wounds deep inside human souls. Our great efforts at resolution are possibly run out of love as the preacher had rebuked. Perhaps God does not want to let ruin love in the Naga family and begin another history at this particular juncture. Love is the most precious gift God has given to mankind. Nagas can think of this reality and feel the political adrenaline standing.
On a critical note though, people should not be excited with the government announcing to resolve talks in three months. It is natural to imagine how the agreement will come. Frankly, without underestimating effort, the Naga family doesn’t look ready yet. It appears somewhat still quarreling. Nevertheless, when the factions have sincerely explored for solution, it’ll be more useful for the public to allow a fair trial. It is a time to say sorry and ask forgiveness for the outfits whose past actions had left deep scars in the public domain. Public also must respect that some of the top leaders are God fearing and called to serve the nation which we could not go; hence usher possible ways at resolution. If this exercise takes place, the air will clear to what solution looks for, or India’s bargaining strength would be shaken. So far, logical muddling remains. One cannot take for granted the ruling government enjoying absolute majority on the heels of proclaiming one government one constitution thereby not expected to soften at Naga’s element of threatening the Indian Union. It is to large extent a state propounded by Hindu philosopher V.D Savarkar. Naga leadership had voiced critical at the maneuvering shifts of dialogue, where the lack of constitution and flag were crucial. We can draw lessons from contemporary Kashmir pending the final solution. Kashmir had gone ahead of Nagaland into the Delhi’s net. An encyclopedic view of Delhi’s interior can thus portray the Naga passage through the Parliament, or that it could follow patterns which Kashmir had come across. Delhi’s scenario of authoritarianism has had become less relevant to append state consent on taking authoritative decisions – Kashmir bears testimony. Politically, Delhi wanted a breather against customary restraint in a time India needed unitary mandate for international prerogatives. Snappy transmissions by the NSCN and the Centre’s Interlocutor reveal that the talks are clutched over a separate constitution and flag, similar to erstwhile Kashmir. Eventual setback of talks will then envelope around what Delhi’s parameter invites, citing NSCN emissary that the ball is in Delhi court. Nagas can perhaps expect a Kashmir-like model (highest autonomy in Indian history), and yet in future eventuality face the same fate. Another assessment gives that the Centre is envious to resolve conflict with the NSCN hence preparing ground to place the agreement. However, if the Naga situation turns crucial against settlement, the Centre may legitimately occupy the chair for necessary legislation. A careful understanding of Nagaland provision entitles the Governor with discretionary position even compared to the other states of India. Delhi can either impose the Framework Agreement without separate constitution or govern with existing provision. If these are ruled out, Nagas still face the formidable Indian state and frontal divisions on the other. Without doubt, it serve long term goal if the broken Naga family be restored with love and relieve the pain. It will lighten the deal with India’s diplomacy as a contest of rights than power. It is imperative for optimist anyway, that the ruling government bears record of an incorrigible mantle to gnaw every bit of the democratic fabric in a very short run. Never in the history of Indian democracy has the present so called lawmakers been so ‘callous-carefree-cranky’ altogether.
Roviso Marza,
University of Delhi.
