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It’s raining festivals in the “land of festivals” this week. The Hindu community in the state celebrated Holi earlier this week, adorning the towns with varied hues. The occasion marked the triumph of good over evil. Then there are Kündanglüm, Monyu and Aoleang festivals of the Chang, Phom and Konyak communities respectively, which began on Thursday. Christians are observing Good Friday today to mark Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and unconditional love for humankind. The week will end with Easter Sunday, which is observed by Christians to mark the resurrection of Jesus and signifies conquering of death and sin. Interestingly, all these festivals that originated at different places and times are about starting something new, be it a new venture, life, year, or season. These occasions are also about love, compassion, kindness, friendship, and forgiveness.
But amid all the festivities, thousands of people from various parts of the world are suffering; some are being killed while others are struggling for survival because of violence. People in the neighbouring country of Myanmar have been having a hard time for about two months now after the military staged a coup and launched violent crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters. Hundreds of people have been reportedly killed so far, while thousands of people are fleeing the country and those remaining are living in fear. Closer home, the March 22 incident, where three persons were reportedly killed by some unidentified miscreants at Lamhainamdi village in Peren district, shook the conscience of the people, triggering criticism from all quarters. Violence, whether it happens in Myanmar, Nagaland or anywhere for that matter, disrupts peace and should be shunned at all costs. Nobody has the right to take law into their own hands. The Supreme Court of India has ruled on several occasions in the past that one cannot do that even in the name of delayed justice against a crime committed. In short, it is against the law of the land. People should have respect for the law and let it take its own course; without it, chaos is inevitable.
Most conflicts, past and present, are caused by miscommunication, misunderstanding and failure to sit across the table and discuss. We should learn to deliberate the most sensitive of issues and avoid giving communal tint to any crime that happens in our society because crime doesn’t have a face. What we can fight together for is justice. That’s the only way to bring about permanent solution and peace. And not to forget human virtues that have been guiding humanity for ages. We need to give more, help more, forgive more and love more.