December 15, 2016 will forever be etched in my memories. It was not the first time that I had attended a protest rally but in fact the first time where I, along with the rest of the people gathered at Khermahal junction for reasons known to everyone, were splashed with water cannon and attacked with tear gas by the incompetent minions of the Naga Nero. I can still vividly recollect the expressions on the faces of the punks in uniform, ready to pounce upon the peaceful protestors-like hyenas with saliva dripping down the mouth, eager to pounce upon and decapitate the hapless herd of sheep. But you see, we are a different kind of sheep-the kind that’s made of courage, resolve, truth and justice and we will certainly not bow down to injustice.
This particular incident has sensitized the public to the blatant misuse of power by the incompetent authorities. Also, not forgetting the teachers who were splashed with water cannon in Kohima when they were only asking for what was due to them-their unpaid salaries. On that particular day (December 15, 2016), amidst all the chaos, I was quite happy to see many young faces like me. I believe that young Nagas are starting to realize our rights and duties. It is a significant and positive sign. In fact, it is very encouraging-to say the least.
What actually surprised me was that there was no statement of condemnation from the “apex” Naga bodies like the Naga Hoho, NSF and even the NBCCfollowing the incident. Pardon me if I’m mistaken. Anyway, we can’t really blame them for doing their respective jobs. As for ACAUT, it is a genuine people’s movement and majority of the Naga population are with ACAUT. ACAUT should be able to galvanize the people and situation, and most importantly, be able to sustain this movement of the people. To the Nagas out there, I say: come out and be a part of the movement, in the form of protests and rallies. We have to fight the good fight. No one will fight for us but us only. You don’t need an invitation to be a part of protests and rallies. Come forth with an open heart.
The year is coming to an end. A new year is setting in but the fight shall go on. Palaces will crumble and people on high thrones with no regard and respect for the poor and ordinary citizens shall be brought down to earth by the same people-slowly but surely. It is inevitable.
“When oppression becomes a law, resistance becomes a duty”
Long live Nagaland!
I Longkumer
