Introduction
As in any peoples’ history, Naga history has its own share of pitfalls. However, more ominous are the subsurface tensions among us. One is pitted against the other. Our history is filled with accounts of sectional interests clashing with those of another group, of pressure groups with special favor, and of emotional propagandists who temporarily sweep reason and sense by the wayside.
The current Naga situation, as a result of its totalitarian posture, has caused antagonism among its people. The fallacy of the totalitarian saturation of people through a single cultural, political and religious agenda results in the exclusion of not only the other but the self.
“Experts” have discouraged groups from developing whole and realistic goals for the common good. Such an approach has boomeranged, resulting in isolated hearts and divided minds. This sensibility will continue to breed a bleak future for the Nagas.
Nagas have doubts about our sense of purpose, instigated by parochial interests. We have poured increasing amounts of our mental energy to justify all our wrongs, believing that Nagas, young and old, will remain pacified and unperturbed. We are restrained from pursuing our legitimate rights, and we abjectly rationalize our own personal interests.
A Pause
Since May 2008, the Naga political groups have taken the courageous leap towards a common humanity by transcending the fences that have divided us. The fact of the matter is we have attained a measure of relative calm and regard for our common humanity and a common political identity based on the unique “political and historical rights of the Nagas.”
34 years after the 1964 Ceasefire with the NNC, the GOI acknowledged that the case of “The Indo-Naga political problem cannot be solved militarily . . . It is not a law and order problem as it is a political issue.” Still, despite the declarations of the GOI in 1997, it took another five years for an acknowledgement, through the collective leadership of Mr. Isak Chishi Swu and Mr. Th. Muivah of the NSCN/GPRN, that the political and historical rights of the Naga people “is unique.” Similar to how Nagas recognized the 1964 achievement of the NNC, the events and actions that led to the July 2002 assertion of “The Uniqueness of Naga History” deserve its due recognition as a historical event for the Nagas. Throughout our history, whatever recognitions and achievements have been accomplished by the Naga leaders must most importantly be understood as belonging to the Naga people.
Resonate
Any group of people who believe in themselves as a nation must vigilantly safeguard itself in all its fronts. Voices are being heard of an imminent “settlement” to our long protracted political history. No Naga must dismiss the arduous task it has taken to reach this state; as the saying goes, “It is easy to criticize but hard to build.” Let us wait to hear from the leaders who are at the negotiating table with the GOI.
Notwithstanding, it is a fact that the Naga political groups, who have been a part of the Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope, have time and again assured and re-assured “before God and fellow human beings” that in the spirit of reconciliation, they are persuaded to understand one another and work towards a shared Naga future. The FNR attests to this fact that the signatories of the “Naga Concordant” too agree that there can be only “One Naga political solution.” Therefore, while we anticipate the fulfillments of these gracious commitments, FNR urges all Nagas to be bearers of constructive realism and not to be overwhelmed by parochial perceptions nor by over-arching enthusiasm.
Today, to state simply, the Naga people are yearning for an end to all forms of confrontations. Unfortunately, the forces of suspicion and the fears of our hearts are not detached from us. What can account for this failure other than an unwholesome fixation to our own makings? It has been said that the greatness or weakness of any people depends, in the final analysis, on the outlook and attitude of the individuals who comprise it. It follows then that the course and destiny of the Nagas depend on the Naga people. As our leaders have rightfully said, “Sovereignty lies with the people.” What we make of our rights and our actions is much more crucial than idealism. How we will build our land, to be on par with others, if not better, is more important than having one that is uncertain and unusable.
Nagas have to be realistic at this point in history and we cannot afford our dream to be washed away in the vast ocean of idealism. Realization of our rights cannot be attributed by others. It is up to the Nagas to make a nation in all its fronts --from roads to electricity, from civic sense to honesty, from discipline to work ethic, from commitment to accomplishment. We must not be afraid to take the first giant step towards Naga nation building.
Finally, we must realize and accept that all Nagas, East or West, North or South, have an investment in the future of our nation building. Each is entitled to work and enjoy and contribute to the Naga heritage. Because of this Nagas will prosper and progress. We all must long to make this come true.
KUKNALIM
FNR
