Khekiye K Sema IAS (Rtd)
Forest Colony, Kohima
Edmund Burke said “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. In every Tribe, there are honourable and reasonable people with sound and rational mind. The fear of reprisal has however, stifled frank expression of thoughts and opinion. At no time in our history is the dire need for all decent people to speak out and share their views as to what the best option for the Nagas would be in this hour of hopelessly confused picture of our destiny. Ideally the Naga Hoho, being the apex body of all tribes should be facilitating a serious discourse with the rest of the tribal Hohos and all other concerned citizens, to discern the true will of the people. Their individual opinion being peddled at the time of consultation with the NSCN (IM) as a common view of the Nagas could misrepresent reality. The leaders of this organization must understand that the world beyond our boundary assumes that this is an important forum that reflects the collective wisdom of the Nagas. It is taken seriously even if we ourselves do not. It is about time that they live up to this expectation and realize that they have an urgent responsibility to generate a strong public opinion one way or the other. It would send out a strong signal not only to the GOI but to all the factions that the feelings of the Nagas should not be trifled with. Yet again when our neighboring States like the United Committee, Manipur (UCM), makes a big noise at the national Capital concerning our future, we remain a muted spectator. This is an attitude we should amend.
The daily news papers have sufficiently carried all aspects of the political history of the Naga struggle for Independence. The historical justification of our rights is clear enough to all who are concerned. But however just the cause, we as a people must pause to take a reality check. We are a divided house fighting a losing battle. We make loud noise like empty drums patriotically voicing the same thing without a united resolve to act accordingly. Our patriotism has too many tribalistic shades that overshadow the true colour of what we really want. The confounding question is: ‘WHY is all this happening’?
Take an honest look at our circumstance. Over the years, the long term policy of the GOI to weaken the otherwise upright social fabrics of the Naga community through easy money has well and truly been fulfilled. We have not only mastered the corruptive way of the mainland but have attained higher level of proficiency to teach the masters a few additional tricks of our own. The ‘divide and rule’ policy is working most efficiently. The present generation is completely compromised by the corruptive influence of money. The Christian hypocrisy of finding comfort in corruption is no longer an exception but a norm. Getting on with all the comforts and conveniences of life is a primary goal. The sacrifices made for sovereignty by the generation before us, is a distant forgotten tale of the wilderness. The Govt. of India will exist perpetually for centuries to come but the life span of our present National Leaders is limited to what God has destined for them. They cannot ask God to give them time extension because they have yet not finished the task before them. It is imperative that the final settlement is arrived at in their time. If not we need to ask ourselves, ‘would the future destiny of the Nagas be safe in the hands of those who would slip on a buck’? Given this reality we need to dispassionately and pragmatically rationalize our options.
Each faction stakes high priority on sovereignty and yet has no determination or foresight to forge a united effort to withstand a greater force. With globalization the very definition of sovereignty has undergone a drastic change from what it used to be in the 50s.This notwithstanding, the cancer is not about to diminish as long as the ego satisfaction among the factional leaders remains their highest priority above all else.
It must be acknowledged without bias that Isak and Muivah are veterans who have espoused the philosophy of sovereignty from the start. They are fully aware of the unique history of the Nagas because they have lived within the ambit of that history. With this background they have been conducting a negotiation with the GOI. It would be inconceivable to think that compromise(s) would have been made lightly. No matter which faction undertakes the negotiation, the final stand taken by the GOI during the 15 long years of negotiation is not likely to undergo a change beyond what has already been conceded. The only option that will then remain is to reset the clock to the 50s for the second chapter of a full scale war with India for our sovereignty. Unpalatable as it may sound, times have changed and we have no choice but to admit this. The Indian Army is not the same as it was in the 50s. However brave our national workers be, it would be an uneven war of pea shooter against cannons. Going back to war is not a factional decision alone. It concerns every citizen of Nagaland. Weather this would still be the will of the people of Nagaland despite this fact, must be ascertained.
Having said this, the NSCN (IM) has thus far kept the people groping in the darkness. It is imperative for them to understand that they are playing with our fate. We have a serious stake in the final outcome which dictates our right to know. While the complexity of the situation is appreciated, they must have true faith in God and the common wisdom of the masses which can resolve the factional differences in the face an optionless alternative. The fundamental factor that needs to be kept in perspective is to facilitate all factional leaders an honorable place(s) within the framework of what transpires. We would then have a safe homecoming for all to rejoice.
