Liose Sangtam
Bureau Chief, Kiphire District, Project Constitutional Justice
In the heart of Northeast India lies a land of breathtaking beauty, rich cultural heritage, and untapped potential: Eastern Nagaland- the rising Frontier Naga Territory. For too long, this region has been overlooked, neglected, and marginalized, relegated to the fringes of development and progress. But within the valleys and mountains of Eastern Nagaland lies a dream-a dream of justice, economic development, and the restoration of constitutional rights for its people.
My dream for Eastern Nagaland is one of empowerment, where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and prosper. It's a dream rooted in the belief that no one should be left behind, and that the inherent dignity and rights of every person must be upheld and respected.
Justice is at the core of this dream. For too long, the people of Eastern Nagaland have faced systemic injustice and oppression, denied the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to them by the constitution.
But justice is not just about holding perpetrators accountable; it's also about creating a system that is fair, equitable, and accessible to all. It's about empowering communities to live a sustainable, prosperous life resolve disputes peacefully and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld at every level of society. My dream is for Eastern Nagaland to be a place where justice reigns supreme, where the rights of every individual are safeguarded and protected.
Economic development is a cornerstone of my dream for Eastern Nagaland. Despite its vast natural resources and strategic location, the region has languished in deep poverty and underdevelopment for far too long. Decades of neglect and mismanagement have left its economy stagnant, its infrastructure crumbling, and its people trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair.
But it doesn't have to be this way. With the rise of FRONTIER NAGA TERRITORY through the right policies, investments, and support, Eastern region of Nagaland has the potential to become an economic powerhouse, driving growth and prosperity not only for its own people but for the entire region and our nation. From oil, minerals, agriculture and tourism to renewable energy, international education and manufacturing, the possibilities are endless.
But economic development in upcoming FRONTIER NAGA TERRITORY must be inclusive and sustainable, ensuring that the benefits are shared equitably among all segments of society and that the environment is protected for future generations. My dream is for Eastern Nagaland to be a place where every individual has the opportunity to unleash their full potential, where entrepreneurship (of all kinds) flourishes, and where no one is left behind in the march towards progress.
Central to my dream for Eastern Nagaland is the restoration of constitutional rights for its people. For too long, the region has been treated as a mere pawn in the chess game of state politics, its fate decided by people sitting in kohima with little regard for the wishes or aspirations of its inhabitants. But the people of Eastern Nagaland are not pawns; they are human beings with inherent rights, sense of Justice and vision for progress that must be respected and upheld.
The restoration of constitutional rights also means recognizing the struggle of eastern Naga people and empowering them to shape their own destiny. It means devolving power and resources to the grassroots level, ensuring that decisions are made by those who are most affected by them. It means recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the region, promoting linguistic and cultural rights, and preserving traditional knowledge and practices for future generations. In short, creating an own ecosystem that will positively facilitate and enable the eastern Nagas to grow and prosper like human beings.
But the restoration of constitutional rights also means addressing the legacy of wrongs and injustice that continues to shape the lives of the people of Eastern Nagaland. It means acknowledging past wrongs and working towards healing. It means dismantling the structures of power and privilege that perpetuate inequality and injustice in the region, and building a society based on principles of equality, justice, liberty and solidarity.
My dream for Eastern Nagaland is not just a pipe dream; it's a vision that can be realized with determination, perseverance, and collective action. It requires the commitment and support of all stakeholders-government, civil society, private sector, and the international community-to work together towards a common goal of justice, economic development, and empowerment for the people of the region- to be able to contribute to the growth of rising India- “The glorious Bharat”.
But above all, my dream for Eastern Nagaland is a testament to the resilience, strength, and spirit of its people. Despite years of injustice and hardships, the Eastern Naga people have refused to be cowed or silenced. They have continued to fight for their rights and dignity through Frontier Naga Territory Movement, drawing inspiration from the constitution of India which guarantees the rights which eastern people were deprived of for decades resulted in perpetuation of their sufferings.
As I look to the future, I am filled with hope and optimism for Eastern Nagaland. I see a land where justice flows like a mighty river, nourishing the roots of democracy and rule of law. I see a land where economic opportunities abound, lifting people out of poverty and empowering them to build better lives for themselves and their families. And I see a land where the rights and freedoms of every individual are upheld and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances.
But realizing this dream will not be easy. It will require courage, sacrifice, and solidarity. It will require challenging entrenched interests and confronting the forces of injustice and oppression. But I believe that with determination and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle and build a brighter future for Eastern Nagaland-a future where justice, economic development, and empowerment are not just ideals, but realities for all. I shall continue to believe in the reality of FRONTIER NAGA TERRITORY. I shall continue to work for my FRONTIER NAGA TERRITORY- for my eastern people and for my beloved nation “BHARAT”.
