The legacy of factional feud is a labor for a curse and not a blessing. So long as killing is unleashed among the Naga brothers, in the line of different factions, the rest of the world will look passively and ridicule the cause. It is a sheer irony that the Govt. of India is holding talks with the divided house. The peace talks are taking place, but in fact, fear has increased since the ceasefire declaration. Fear reign now, in every nook and corner of the entire state. The picture of our freedom is not bright, there is no distance ahead for proceeding little by little and delaying the political solution into an indefinite future, there is no time left for petty bargaining. The situation calls for a courageous effort, for a radical change in our wholesome approach towards our destiny.
Our destiny rests, more than ever on the moral forces rather than the unrestricted sacred egotism. The greatest enemies of the Naga Political Solution are not the different factions neither the Indian Army, but the moral degradation - the loathsome and joyless egoism. The Underground Leaders must gather certain courage to admit the existence and recognition of each other as separate entities (NSCN (IM)/NSCN (K)/NNC). The unregulated amassing of wealth and unrestrained pursuit of power by underground factions as well as the over ground politicians will never lead to a tolerable solution of the political problem. In fact, it will automatically become a catalyst to eliminate valuable productive enthusiasm and impoverish and demoralize the larger section of the population. The weight of oppression on the common man is particularly heavy at the moment.
The life of an individual only has meaning, in so far as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful. Life is sacred, it is the supreme value, to which all other values are subordinate. Yet, it works in negation for the Naga Underground Leaders who are indulging themselves in wanton bloodbath. Their gruesome law is based on fear and hatred, a deplorable and shameful attempt of ape dueling and childish absurdity. In this case of mental disorder, the cure lies in a clear knowledge of one’s own demeanor and conscious self. Is it possible to be a cultured Naga who loves his people and honors his fathers?
To lead a joyful and happy existence let us together combat chauvinism with tolerance. Work out a road map, en route the objective to set up a Naga Supreme Court of Arbitration. An Institution to formulate an atmosphere of confidence for the underground leaders, to wield authority over the people by means of moral force rather than through the barrel of the gun. Similarly, devise ways for the over ground leaders, on conduct of the elections without the muscle power or money but based on the ultimate choice of the people. Contrive procedures to limit arms to the barest minimum by relinquishing the weapons from the lower cadres of ail the faction. Regulate a fair and transparent collection of tax/revenue from all sources and sanction the overheads to each splinter group. Maintain an unarmed regiment each from among the various factions answerable only to the Governors of the Naga Supreme Court of Arbitration. Every Naga tribe represented by two Governors each who will be answerable to one’s own tribesmen.
This is an attempt to bridge the Midnight to Freedom for the Nagas. Kuknalim!
V. T. Chakhesang, Kohima
