Morung Express News
Kohima | April 28
A book ‘Modi walking on elusive Naga peace’ written by Journalist Oken Jeet Sandham was released by Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Minister for Social Security & Welfare at Hotel Japfü on April 28.
Written after the author witnessed Modi’s ‘inability to move forward with what he had announced’ while also mentioning that the Naga leaders continue to be “tolerant enough”, the book aims to provide insights on the Naga political issue in its current stage. Oken Jeet in his speech noted how outsiders have a narrow outlook about Nagas, therefore he urged the need for Nagas to write their own history and their own stories.
“It is, We, who have to write our history. It is, we, who have to tell our story to the rest of the world. We are capable to do that,” said Santham who also mentioned about how books written about Nagas have left out significant issues. Making a mention of the various events in Naga political history, Santham asserted that incidents and events such as the Naga plebiscite are remarkable pieces of Naga history, further adding that as a writer he hopes to contribute to the solution of Naga political issue through the book.
While acknowledging the dynamism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sandham was critical of Modi’s knowledge on the Naga political issue mentioning that Modi ‘lacks knowledge in the history of the Naga political issue’ and that ‘Modi and his cabinet colleagues are making a mockery of the Nagas’.
In his speech, Kiyaneilie Peseyie mentioned how the book reminded and deepened ‘our conscience towards finding lasting and permanent solution to the long drawn out Indo-Naga political issue’ and impressed on the need to analyse the history of the Naga political movement, the sequence of political developments, accords, political talks, etc.
Peseyie also lauded the Journalist for writing the book which is ‘as current as the present Indo-Naga peace process that will give not only an insight to the Naga people as well as the leaderships of this country but also a treasure for the future generations.
A prayer was invoked by Pastor Melhite Kenye and the programme was chaired by Vishü Rita Krocha. Anenla Jamir in a short speech mentioned that the book is critical and analytical which she hoped will enhance the knowledge for all Nagas.
Priced at Rs. 600, the book will be available in leading bookstores in the State.
Oken Jeet Sandham currently the Editor of North East Press Service (NEPS), an independent news service agency based in Kohima, Nagaland.
