Students question leaders’ commitment on Naga cause

Our Reporter

Dimapur, Aug. 12 (EMN): While a logical conclusion to the vexed Naga political movement was awaited, students have questioned the Naga leaders on their commitment towards the cause of the Nagas.

The aspirations of the young Nagas was brought to fore during a debate organised by the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) held on Friday at Bethesda Higher Secondary School on the topic ‘An unhealthy paradigm shift in the history of Naga political movement has emerged in today’s age: its diverging the movement’s true nature.”

A total of 12 debaters comprising six each for and against the motion participated in the debate, which was judged by the general secretary of Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Neingulo Krome; convenor of Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier; and former president of Naga Students’ Federation, Achumbemo Kikon.

During the debate, the motion bench pointed out that Nagas seemed to be quite satisfied with the provision of India while remarking Nagas to be short-sighted and backsliding from the real Naga cause, who do not want to sacrifice themselves. Naga nationalism, the motion bench, argued was on the verge of collapse as they believe that economic development was the solution.

“Nagas are divided and fragmented and there is no unity like before while fearing among ourselves with tribalism deeply rooted in the Naga society,” the motion bench argued.

The opposition bench, however, argued that there was no such thing as unhealthy and healthy but with a clear goal that Nagas have not diverted from its true nature. 

“Many groups are emerging at present with people labeling this as an act of dividing but we are not divided because of the emergence of various groups. Even in the freedom movement of India, there were many groups with different ideologies. Every individual has different mindsets but in the end we have one common goal,” the opposition group argued.

The opposition debater argued that the Naga movement was true and that whoever brings solution, “we are going to accept it and even India has accepted that Nagas have a unique history which is why discussion is still going on.” However, the motion bench opposing the statement stated that the Naga political movement has taken a different turn now with leaders becoming greedy for money and getting influenced by the outside forces.

“Even during the formation of statehood in 1963, Nagaland could not secure peace and we are divided so much that we have two agreements-one with the NSCN-IM 2015 Framework Agreement and the other the Agreed Position with the WC-NNPGs in 2017,” the motion bench debater argued. They concluded that the Naga solution should be inclusive of all the Nagas and not just Nagaland centric. 

In opposition to the motion bench, the against motion debater insisted that it would be improper to say that there has been an unhealthy paradigm shift stating that it was because of the efforts of the Naga political groups and various civil societies that there is peace in the state. Although there was emergence of new Naga national movements, they felt that one must respect each other; stand together as Nagas as there is unity in diversity.

“The movement is going in the right direction and integration will come with solution; with India having recognised the uniqueness of Naga history, we are free so we should not be a wall but a bridge, the opposition concluded.

The president of Naga Students Federation (NSF), Kegwayhun Tep, in his solidarity message, appealed to the Naga people particularly the church to pray for Naga unity. He also appealed to observe the Nagas’ Independent Day on August 14.

He added that Nagas are not confused people saying “we have a clear history.” He, however, alleged that most of the seniors are misleading the youngsters. He said time now for the student community and the youth to come together for Naga cause.

Debate results

Winner: Against the motion team

Best debater (Motion):  Visimetuo Nagi

Best Debater (Against): Libong Walling