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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 13 (EMN): Embarking on a mission to heal, restore and rebuild the Naga society, a social organisation known as The Naga Rising (TNR) has launched its vision statement at Kerünyüki, Sechü-Zubza in Kohima district on September 13. Currently, the organisation has 15 members.
Speaking on the occasion, TNR convenor Along Longkumer affirmed that the group would endeavour to renew the vision, give first narration and direction that is in tune with the present complex and time. The vision, according to him, was to rise up and rebuild what has been broken.
“Our purpose is to encourage everyone to step out from our past and to the future that God has prepared for us,” Longkumer said. He was of the opinion that Naga society is in need of healing- of the mind and system. He also expressed that the Naga society needs to create an enabling environment in order to provide opportunity for the younger generations to explore their optimum potential for a secured future.
“We do not claim to have only one vision nor claim to have all the answers but we look at the movements, churches, different ministries, organisations, tribal hohos, and all like-minded people and groups as our partners to support the work and mission that they are already doing. And most importantly, we need collective wisdom of people to guide us and to support us to support the vision”, he said.
The TNR’s vision statement read, “TNR is an initiative that has been necessitated by the resounding call of our people for change and their aspiration to bring healing, restoration and rebuild our land.” It also stated that the ideological body will work to fulfil its broad vision as spelled out in its motto: ‘Guard, Guide and Govern,’ and also be a catalyst to facilitate an entire spectrum of activities in the political, socio-cultural and economic life of the Nagas.
It also sought to examine and engage meaningfully within themselves as people while at the same time-celebrating God given identity; the rich culture and tradition of the people; taking pride in our historical, indigenous and political rights.
TNR has also fully supported a negotiated political settlement to be agreed upon and reached between India and the Nagas.
“TNR is of the belief that the current politics is not designed to solve problems. It will seek to reform politics and evolve a model of governance and leadership that provides vitality and impetus to the pout system in order to help deliver a transparent, accountable and responsive government for the people”, the vision statement read.
Speaking at the programme, Niketu Iralu acknowledged TNR’s entry to the arena of leadership and action. He was confident that ‘TNR would bring together men and women, who have done the hard thinking needed about the people, understood struggle, what have achieved, what has gone wrong.’
“You have started to cross over from a state of paralysis to a place of promise as elegantly put in your vision statement. I can sense your understanding of our yesterday and what we have produced today, your anticipation of what has to be done if the future will be better and the mental, moral and spiritual commitment to values with which you will live and give leadership,” he said.
He has termed TNR as a precious group of Nagas and expressed that their entry into the all-Naga arena of leadership and action would ensure a new beginning for the younger generation. He added that the thinking and critical analysis undertaken by TNR was ‘impressive and gives hope.’
“No one can deny Nagas have become a people and a nation, this we have achieved. But we have not yet achieved what we consider our ultimate goal and desiring- a sovereign nation, a member of the UNO”, he stated.
“We, especially the younger generation should know what we have achieved, its significance and values, and thank one another and God for what we have achieved together, appreciate equally the price all Nagas have paid, not just the advanced tribes and we must end our embarrassing foolishness of blaming and destroying one another for what we have not achieved yet,” Iralu added.
He also advised to solve “our own problems which are destroying us through non-violence and by following democratic principles” and to keep developing the society. He cautioned that the crisis could go out of control and destabilise the whole of Northeast India if the people fail to understand and preserve unity and what they have achieved.
“We must become people that Indian can respect as Naga,” he said and concluded by saying that “we must do what is right in God’s way and not one’s way.” He further stated that helping one another to do the right things would sustain the health of the society.