No Organisation Carries Explicit Mandate of Nagas

The opposition to BJP Nagaland president, Temjen Imna Along Longkumer’s “solution under Indian constitution” wasn’t unexpected since it doesn’t reflect the position or desire of Nagas in totality.

But neither would the condemnations and opposition raised against him by ‘political’ groups, Naga CSO’s and tribal organisations themselves have carried the explicit mandate of Nagas and possibly not even the complete voice of their own members and community.

Nagas in general and Nagaland in particular has been living with non-stop predicaments over matters of governance, socioeconomic and sociopolitical issues. It will therefore be pragmatic for all disagreeing entities to refrain from exhibiting self-righteousness and imply they represent the stance of every Naga and a community, for no one has it.

Keeping aside what is right or wrong, what is acceptable or unacceptable, honourable or dis-honourable. No appreciable coherence exists amongst naga tribes, within a tribe and even amongst citizens of a village on Naga Issues. Atleast not anymore!

Therefore let us delve into difference that exist amongst us and in our society by engaging in deliberations and debates with political maturity and individual decency without personal attacks on or off social media. Desist from serving ultimatums, engage in intimidating tactics and giving veiled threats which do not work in our naga lives anymore and should not be permitted to play a role any longer or be applied against one another.

Our painful history is clear to all. What has occured in the past cannot be distorted or denied. But our future remains unclear due to factors and events that has changed perceptions and caused directional-shifts in the naga political journey.

Everything isn’t the same anymore and hence everyone will not think alike anymore.

Peter Rutsa