Naga situation needs a process of transformation, not reformation
There is a need to be unwavering while building a shared humanity that assures equality for everyone - women and men alike - with respect and in full partnership. This would have the potential to tilt the scales of justice that benefits all marginalized persons and simultaneously shifts power to be shared more broadly instead of being wielded by a select few. This transition to a shared humanity in which benefits are distributed more evenly increases possibilities of living together in dignity and harmony.
All affirmative action that is designed to create equality throughout society ultimately positively benefits everyone – old, young, women and men – which in turn is transferred to future generations. This is precisely why no one must be patronized in ways that become platforms for stereotypes and prejudice to be reinforced. In order to attain a more egalitarian society, initiatives need to specifically address and deliberately break down stereotypes that foment prejudice, discrimination and stigmatize people.
Power and equality with respect and dignity generate creative tensions at the center of the human endeavor for a shared humanity. The parochial perspective of power has consistently ensured the construction of a Power system that relates only on the basis of domination through a top-down, hierarchical system. This domination system of Power is clearly reflected within existing political, social, religion and economic realities. Power must therefore be interrogated and examined and uprooted. Here is where we are invited to be courageous by engaging the system of Power, and transforming its very concept into a more inclusive reality that reflects the virtues of a shared humanity.
The interrogation of Power will necessarily lead us to questioning whether (Hu)mans are willing to relinquish exclusive Power in exchange for embracing a more inclusive system of Power sharing. Herein lays the dilemma because empirical history reveals that (Hu)mans are not good at relinquishing power. It is therefore necessary to understand what the theologian Walter Wink calls “the principalities and power.” The ability to understand this will determine the feasibilities of whether a sustained nonviolent process can successfully free the powers of domination.
So long as the systems of domination that feed on exclusive power remain, the presence and impact of discrimination, human rights violations, violence against women and children, structural violence against ‘minority’ groups and maintaining the ever present status quo will continue to thrive. The present situation demands a need to discover the resolve to engage with the domination system, and envision together building a shared humanity where power is defined and exercised as a concept with the people, rather than over them.
To enable equality for all human life, the rights of marginalized persons must first be secured. A step towards this may involve taking time bound affirmative action creating opportunities and the means for all marginalized persons until the gap has been reduced.
Indeed, Nagaland needs a nonviolent revolutionary paradigm of thinking and acting. It requires not reformation, but transformation in Naga society.
