Moa Longkumer
A Concerned Naga Youth
AS a concerned Naga citizen, I have been reading and reflecting on various articles published in the print media by different individuals and organisations on the issues of development and state government’s policies. At the same time there have been lots of discussions around it and many people have given their comments and opinions. Some individuals/groups have gone to the extent of accusing some of the civil society organizations like the Naga Hoho and others. While asserting our fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression, one should not misuse the intrinsic value of our freedom.
After all as a Naga, I believe everyone wants to see a prosperous and developed Nagaland like any other states or cities in the world. Everybody talks about development of roads, infrastructures, railways and air connectivity, proper communication systems, proper traffic movements. But many seem to be talking in the air without taking into consideration the practical realities.
What is all about the Article 371 (A)? Does the article deny our rights to appropriate development of the state? Does the article indicate that, if we develop Nagaland state, our rights over land ownership will be lost or forfeited? I am fully convinced that Rights over land and its resources needs to be protected at any cost, but while doing so, are we to stop development and welfare of the people? No sensible Naga will compromise on the rights over its land and its resources. But while keeping in mind our rights, we must also seriously explore the possibility of alternative development which is acceptable to the people and are within the framework of our interests and rights.
Everyone seems to claim that we are for development but unless we collaborate and create space for the agencies and people to come to consensus about what kind of development we are looking for, we may still struggle to really see the desired changes we want to bring in the society. Let us be more realistic and practical. Let our idealism be in paper and reality in the ground. Many criticisms on Nagaland Special Development Zone are made by people who agree to disagree the very purpose of developing the state. They know it but refuse to accept it for reasons best known to them, and are working hard to confuse the people and creating divisions among the Nagas.
Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has been mobilizing people and spreading propaganda against the state’s development policy without trying to understand the policy. I feel many of the members of the NTC are frustrated leaders and politicians who are being funded by some vested interest groups to meet their whims and fancies. Indigenous Nagaland citizen cannot be taken for a ride. In good spirit and to build a healthy society, we need critics and everyone accepts constructive criticism, but unfortunately today our Naga society is in a mess due to some unscrupulous people writing in the print media criticising every step of the government and other civil societies without realising that we are the pillars of the government. Many organisations are formed today just to project themselves as a saviour, aspiring for power and personal gain by tarnishing the images of people who have committed their lives for the well being of the society. Their slogans and mottos are well accepted but the motives behind is very divisive and destructive. Rallies against Govt, are organised all over Nagaland but tomorrow posterity will curse. Let us have humane heart for the poor common fellow being who cannot analyse or reason like anyone of us.
I would rather encourage the state government to come up with modalities on the proposed policy on NSDZ and invite people’s participation and debate over it and come to amicable agreement. But before understanding the intent of the policy and holding proper discussions, if we are to post-mortem and reject it, it is like naming a child before birth it is rather ridiculous.
I wonder why many Naga intellectuals who have far and wide knowledge and experiences refuse to contribute or decide to remain silent on such crucial issue. I am sure many have travelled across India and the world at large and have seen for themselves how civilization and development are taking place and how people are participating and contributing to all round development processes. Let us sincerely contribute in building a strong and prosperous Naga society. Let our culture and tradition be an example to the world instead of suppressing it.
Lastly, which government says that protective laws will be erased? To my understanding, as per the news reports, the govvernment proposes to relax certain laws that would be suitable to the people of Nagaland. Let us not spend sleepless nights to misinterpret somebody’s speeches/views/opinions rather think how best we can contribute for our society. For the sake of writing and expressing our thoughts, let us no longer fool our people. Everybody knows the background and profile of those writers and leaders and where they stand today. Let us not avenge each other by our defeat or frustration. May good sense prevail amongst my beloved Nagas. God has created us to be unique and special people, let us not fail each other.
