Naga society in shambles, hatred and tribalism deeply rooted — PWD Minister

Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 30 (EMN): Minister for Public Works Department (Housing and Mechanical), Tongpang Ozukum on Friday said that the Naga society is in ‘shambles’ with hatred and tribalism deeply rooted.

He made the remark while addressing the 29th General Conference of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) at Solidarity Park in Kohima on Friday. 

“Our Naga society, when we look at it, it is in shambles. What really pains me is the fact that, there is not a single apex Naga organisation which has the representation of the entire Naga community. Because of which, our voices are less heard and our forces are weaker because we are a divided, we are fragmented, there is hatred and tribalism deeply rooted in us,” the minister said.

Yet, the irony is that people urge the ‘Naga national workers’ to come together as one, he said, while expressing doubt if ‘Nagas will ever progress at this rate’.

The theme of the conference ‘Towards harmony’, he said, was quite relevant in the present day context, as Nagas cannot live alone. We need to peacefully co-existence and have respectful relationship within the Naga societies and with its neighbours, he added.

Ozukum, who is also a former president of NSF, questioned the federation’s current stand and said that student body needs “retrospection and introspection”.

“I am not in a position to confidently say that NSF is one of the most organised, disciplined and powerful students’ organisations in the Northeast Region. We have even failed to maintain the respect that we commanded from our counterparts,” he said.

Through the conference, he called upon everyone to know that the formation of NSF was neither due to sheer historical incidents nor due to mere perfunctory action of some student leaders. But it was a calculated and premeditated step taken by the educated Naga youths who felt the need for a collective Pan-Naga student body through which they could articulate the Naga aspirations and at the same time respond to the issues confronting the student community and the Nagas as a whole, he added.

The federation functions not only as the guardian of student community but also as a pressure group on all issues and contribute positively in formulation of important public policies, he said, adding thatNSF has always been at the forefront of socio-political activities since its inception, thereby making significant contributions to the Naga political movement as well.

“With that dynamics, NSF is functioning till today, and therefore it cannot afford to deviate, nor shy away from the objectives and responsibilities of the federation,” Ozukum said. 

While upholding the functioning system of the federation, it must continue to make its presence felt not only within Naga society but also even beyond its territory, he added. 

Recounting a deliberation with Home Minister Amit Shah, the legislator said the former has agreed for hoisting of Naga flag anywhere except in government establishments and functions. As far as Naga constitution is concern, Shah reiterated GOI’s stand that “Nagas cannot have a separate constitution at this juncture”.

However, the collective leadership (NSCN-IM) said in a meeting later that they had made its stand very clear (to GOI) that there won’t be compromise on Flag and Constitution.

On this, the minister asked: “Are we not worried of how things are unfolding? Is there no meeting point? Unless both the parties understand and respect each other’s positions, the hard-earned peace and the positive of the talk thus far, after more than 20 years of negotiation may collapse. Solution to Naga political issue is for all Nagas.”

So, while continuing to support the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiation, Nagas should also spell out ‘what we desire, what will be the best for the present and the coming generations’, he said.

On Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), he said the prevailing adoption practices in Nagaland would be looked into, which he thought is “in line with NSF’s stand on Nagas by blood and not by adoption”. Therefore, he sought NSF’s suggestions and advice for proper formulation of the policy so that ‘no citizen is deprived of their inherent rights’.

‘Learn to accommodate each other’

NSF President, Ninoto Awomi said that the federation, till date, has been the torchbearer for the youths and the Naga people at large in fostering unity for all Naga tribes cutting across all shadow lines and artificial boundaries since its formation 74 years ago.

Today, the Naga people and the entire region eagerly await “an agreement that will honour the historical and political rights of the Naga people and restore the pride of the Nagas without compromising its future”, he added.

Nagas, he said, have embarked upon a historic crossroad in the journey of the people in defense of its rights and in the quest to restore the honour of the Naga people.

“But regrettably, what culminated as a National movement is now slowly losing impetus into polarised camps, factions and groups, based on tribal and territorial lines, which have threatened the very fabric and the existence of our people,” he lamented.

While questioning the kind of future that was being envisioned and built for the upcoming generation, Awomi said one could not afford to allow the bitterness of the past to dictate the course of future.

He stated that younger generation yearns to live in peace and at par with the rest of the world. The only way forward to realise this common hope, is to learn to accommodate each other, setting aside all egos, past differences and enmity among the various Naga tribes, groups, factions and other barriers, he added.

“We have to step out from the parameters of our confinement and make a collective effort to bring about a life of dignity and the shared purpose of peaceful coexistence and respectful relationships within our own Naga people and with our neighbours,” he said.

‘The student community has a vast role to play as ambassadors of goodwill and understanding to help create a harmonious environment where respect, democracy, justice and peace are the cornerstones of relationships amongst ourselves and with those living in close proximity with us,’ he said.

The challenges ahead are vast but as students and educated youths, who will ultimately inherit the future, he called upon all to rise up against corruption, mediocrity, isms and strive to build a future where the entire region will thrive together in harmony.

Publisher and editor-in-chief of Morung Express, Dr. Aküm Longchari said that like every generation, Nagas of today are currently at a turning point of history. In an ironic way, the theme ‘Towards harmony’ captures the essence of what Nagas aspire to attain.

‘Now, more than ever, Nagas need the art of critical thinking and acting to inform the social discourse which is free of any allegiance to any cultural grouping, party or faction. The practice of critical thinking and acting is to foster solidarity, to nurture the emergence of self-esteem, empathy, and respect for another, and to accept diversity by understanding each other more deeply,’ he said.

‘Therefore, harmony is an opportunity for self-examination and exploration, analytical thinking, and conceptual insight, sharing, visionary imagination, and a call to common action,’ he added.

While Covid-19 pandemic has interrupted and brought our sense of normal to a grinding halt, in an ironic way, the pandemic is offering the Naga caravan an opportunity to pause, learn from mistakes, to reimagine, and to think anew by envisioning a shared future which benefits everyone, he said.

It may be mentioned that the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (Tangkhul Students’ Union) will host the 30th General Conference in 2023 at Ukhrul town in Manipur.

New NSF executives elected

The NSF executives for the 2021-2023 tenure will be led by the newly elected President Kegwahun Tep and General Secretary Siipuni Ng Philo.

Other executive members are Atokiho Sümi – Vice President; Benjong Longchar – Social and Cultural Secretary, Medovi Rhi – Education Secretary, Intesuiding Zeliang – Infomation and Publicity Secretary, Kaisü Chakre – Games and Sports secretary, and James Kashung – Speaker.