The Year 2011 and beyond which lies ahead presents to us Nagas with the fullest of opportunities to accomplish our goals and targets if we make the best use of our time and resources. For those who may not be aware of the time line, 2011 is actually the beginning of another decade. To put it in perspective, let us briefly see what we have been able to do in the decade 2001 to 2010. Without going into the specifics, what we will notice is that the last decade has been one of political wind of change sweeping across our land. On the State front, we saw the end of the Congress rule under the stewardship of SC Jamir and the beginning of a new political era under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio. The NPF led DAN government under Rio has since returned to power for a second term. On the Naga political issue, the decade witnessed some high point especially with regard to the Indo-Naga political talks under the stewardship of the Collective Leadership of Isak and Muivah. There was the acknowledgement by the Government of India on the unique history of the Nagas. Further the Naga consultation process helped in strengthening the peace process. However as things unfolded, the political talks with Delhi could not arrive at any solution till date. The end of the decade saw the much needed Naga reconciliation process make headway under the stewardship of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). All these are important sign posts that should help define the agenda for the next ten years.
Needed a Vision 2020 for the Naga people
It makes sense for the Naga people to have a target for the next ten years. A vision 2020 which has often been talked about with regard to the Northeast India’s economic goals can likewise be set for accomplishing our political goals. We need to build on this vision 2020 to achieve our goal of a common future. At a time when the Indo-Naga political talks is going nowhere or the reconciliation process appears to have hit a roadblock, Nagas must collectively resolve to strengthen the political and reconciliation processes that has now been evolved. We need to continue investing our wisdom, resource, time and effort so that by 2020 Nagas should have settled for permanent peace in our land. Once we achieve this, Nagas can grow confidently as a people. We can live with dignity, honor, peace and prosperity. For achieving this, we need to think and act as a people united in purpose. Naga people need to continue investing in reconciliation so that the Naga political groups are able to speak in one political voice with the Government of India. The FNR has done all the hard work till now. However their job is still incomplete. The FNR must be encouraged to take the reconciliation process to its logical conclusion. Others including the Naga political groups must extend their cooperation so that the important task of political reconciliation becomes a reality soon. Once this is done, the next task of political settlement becomes easier. Can we do this in the next decade? Only time will tell so they say. However Nagas must not let go of another opportunity. We need to have the vision and thereon work towards it. Let us not miss the next decade. Vision 2020: Anyone listening!!
