[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or many years Nagas were grumbling against NPGs for their multiple taxation, harassment and dictatorial style of rule. Literally, from every mouth of Nagas (people I met) I heard them uttering their deep resentment against NPGs in particular. If they are really fighting for freedom of Nagas then why don’t they listen to the voice of the people. If they really love Nagas then why don’t they do what is favourable for Nagas and not against. I’m, for sure that every Naga will rather contribute willingly for the cause of freedom struggle if only they are genuinely serving for our cause without any selfish motive. Unlike the present trend where almost all the NPGs buy luxuries cars, build Mansions and live a lifestyle where the poor and needy are not cared for (majority of Nagas are poor).
My dear NPGs, There are thousands and thousands of incidences where Undergrounds will come home and demand money. You never pay heed that the same family was living in debt as their children were studying in different colleges (Hostels). Parents were going through sleepless nights worrying for their children’s needs and on the other hand you are demanding money by force. The fabric of Naganess, the blood of patriotism, “Yes I’m proud to be a Naga” is absorbed from us and we don’t sense that patriotism anymore.Everybody was complaining, everybody was grumbling. So ACAUT stood for Nagas and when they need us the most, are we going to leave them alone! I’m supporting the ‘CAUSE’ of ACAUT movement. I don’t want our Nagaland to be a land where the Tax is collected by Illegal Bangladeshi’s. I don’t want our Nagaland to be a land where the non-Nagas control the economy under the shadow of NPGs. I don’t want our Nagaland to be a place where in every petite issue (household matters) NPGs interfere. I don’t want our Nagaland to be a place where the non-local business walas call up NPGs for their support in every issue and give absolute protection and rights over Nagas to those non-Nagas. Nagas are subdued in every way today. If you don’t agree, then, come to Dimapur and quarrel with one of those non-local business wala (whether you are right or wrong doesn’t matter to them), you will be rounded up within minutes by our own blood brothers (Nagas). What have we become? Oh! I don’t want that kind of FREEDOM! That’s not freedom at all.
If we don’t stand united today, leaving aside our tribe (ism) when ACAUT is leading us the path then, it may take another 30 to 40 years or more to fight for our Rights. We were questioning who will stand for us? Who will lead us? And I believe God heard our agony and He is working among Nagas by choosing some to lead us. Why is the church silent? Why NBCC is silent? How far or to what extent can we remain hypocrite? We all know that Nagas are suffering not just spiritually, but economically, socially, emotionally. The church cannot be mere spectator when the people are groaning in pain. The church cannot get justification by preaching in the church alone or by organizing Revivals and Crusades alone. We the church should be the prophets of today’s generation. Of course, the church leaders will never get demand slip from NPGs. Pastors, Executive Secretaries, Youth directors, Missionaries etc will never be bothered for money from NPGs. However, even if it doesn’t affect the church and its leaders the church members are affected. If you don’t support the Cause then, church should form another movement. Because whether it’s by ACAUT or any other we urgently need some kind of reformation, some kind of change because the NAGAS are tired. Young Nagas are tired and we need change!
Tiaakum Ozukum
Fellowship Colony, H No. 102
Dimapur
