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Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 5
A book titled, “A Naga Conflict Resolution Model for Reconciliation: A case study of Changtongya and Yachem villages,” authored by Rev Dr Alemrenba and published by the Heritage Publishing House, was officially launched by Rev Dr Wati Longchar, Executive Director, Theological Education in Asia and the Pacific, on November 5 at Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) Züin Ki, in the midst of church members, families and well-wishers.
The book details a comprehensive case study of resolving conflict in the spirit of Christian values, Biblical principles and traditional methods between two Naga villages, Changtongya under Mokokchung district and Yachem under Longleng district respectively. Primarily centred on the dispute of ownership over the Dikhu River and fishing rights, spanning several generations beginning from 1933 and being finally resolved in 1989. The book aims to demonstrate that the use of force, adjudication and modern legal procedures are inadequate methods for bringing lasting peace.
Dr Lulen Jamir, President of Goodnews Ministries, Dimapur during his book review stated, “Peace has been elusive as a phantom for us Nagas for too long.” As such, Rev Alemrenba’s book was a must read for all Nagas, young and old, church, social and political leaders who must now not only know but experience peace in our life-time, he said.
Divided into six chapters, the first three chapters explain the Ao Naga cultural setting, beginning with the headhunting days of yore right up to the present. The next chapters analyses the issue from the perspectives of the Old and New Testaments, including the main case study of the two villages. He further observes that for many years, Government agencies, church and individuals were actively involved in an effort to bring lasting peace between the two villages until this method was applied successfully. Stressing upon the notion that Naga tradition is never about the individual, it is always about the good of the community.
On the publisher’s note Dr Lanusangla Tzudir, founder, Heritage Publishing House noted that books written by Naga writers today have helped scholars to look at the past from a broader perspective which was not possible previously. Most of the books written about the Nagas were written by colonial officials and foreigners as such she emphasised on the significance of having local narratives about one’s own history. “It is the responsibility of you and I to take responsibility of telling our own stories,” she reminded.
Meanwhile on the author’s note, Rev Dr Alemrenba explained that, “this was the result of four long years of research and work which started from the year 2000 and completing in 2004.” He also underscored on the need to adopt conflict resolution methods particularly on the model of Biblical principles in regard to the Indo-Naga political conflict. In conclusion, he hoped that the book would serve as a road map to bring lasting peace within Naga society.
The book will be available for sale at several book outlets located in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Kohima, including at the publishing house’s office address for those interested. It can also be purchased at Ilandlo’s website.
