Missed Opportunities! Not Again

Never in the history will we find that there is some unity of purpose amongst all the Naga National groups which presents as of today .The mere fact that eight out of possible nine groups carrying stakes of Nagas are talking to the Government, be it as two seperate entities, are signs of good times. It has been possible after a long period and with efforts of numerous civil society organizations.In the recent past that only two groups were involved in political dialogue was in 1997and 2001.An opportunity was missed at that time, the same cannot be allowed now. We know that History has a uncanny habit of repeating itself but wise people and societies only let the good things repeat. Thus we the people must resolve to overcome the inertia of being a bystander and seize initiative and control to ensure that the National Groups reach to a pragmatic solution with the Government. There is too much of hypocracy, hidden agenda in the narrative sounded by both the Government and National Groups. As the principal stakeholder, the people of the state have a right to know the progress of the talks and the contentious issues which are acting as a hindrance for a solution. The power of the people is evident, in the way it has forced the stance of the Government and all the political parties on the issue of CAB. If it can be done for CAB then the same is possible to be done for the elusive solution to the vexed Naga problem. Opportunities present themselves as little windows of opening and seldom as” wide open doors” which can be seen from a mile. Therefore, it is we, the present generation which has to realise this and recognise the opportunity which has once again presented itself.Given the historical context, it is only after a gap of l0 to 15 years that any accord or agreement is signed or was signed in Nagaland; be it 1947,1957,1975,1997 or 2015. If the opportunity has presented itself today then it should be seen as a lucky charm rather than viewing it with Skeptism. Folks, it may be now or never!!! Limala Jamir Kohima