By - Asangba Tzudir
At the recent 18th Imchaba Masters Memorial Trophy organised by Mokokchung District Volleyball Association at the Multi-Disciplinary sports complex at Mokokchung town a brawl erupted between fans during the final match. On the surface, it is nothing new and can be taken as an instance of misplaced passion. But when we look deeper into such issues, it highlights a disturbing trend that is taking roots in our society. While on one hand the modern world is bearing the brunt of accommodating differences, such incidences attest to an increasing inability to tolerate differences, so also the will to accept defeat gracefully, and to handle emotions in the spirit of community and respect, thereby reflecting the larger undercurrents of growing intolerance in Naga society today.
Many who attend such events do so not merely to enjoy the game but to 'defend' their side. When spectators cannot draw the line between support and aggression, the stadium can easily turn into a battlefield. It shows that essential human values are eroding. Unfortunately, intolerance has seeped into almost every segment and layer of public life starting from politics and religion to tribe and locality.
Delving deeper into the heart of such issues of intolerance lies a deepening sense of identity based pride and a sense of insecurity. Naga society, rich and diverse in its tribal heritage, once found strength in unity amidst differences. The theme/motto of various Naga organizations take pride in having beautiful terms like unity, peace, progress and development. However, clanism, tribalism and loyalty to community often override the sense of collective belongingness. The same division that fuels disputes in politics, church affairs, or social events can also manifest in a playground, where “one's team” is not just a team but gets tied to a "tribe” or “a village.” Instead of enjoying the game, victory becomes a matter of identity and triggers conflict which is inevitable.
Further, the culture of intolerance gets reinforced by the way we handle disagreements in everyday life. Whether in social media exchanges, church discussions, or public forums, respectful debate is increasingly rare and where dialogue becomes next to impossible. The moment a difference of opinion arises, it is met with hostility or personal attack. Its not just about intolerance but the lack of patience to hear out someone who may hold a narrative that may be contrary to ones beliefs or point of view. This inability to engage in dialogue reflects a weakening moral and social fabric.
We must ask ourselves a question and which is very pertinent today: What kind of society are we building and nurturing when even a sports event becomes a site of aggression and violence? The answer lies in education where it is imperative for educational institutions, churches, and local organizations to reclaim their role in teaching values of tolerance, empathy, and restraint within the differences, and which must once again become a core social virtue.
The recent volleyball brawl also serves as a reminder that, if we do not learn to manage our tempers, to disagree without hate, and to stand united despite our differences, we risk tearing apart the very fabric of what it means to be Naga — a people once known for resilience, hospitality, and community spirit. It is time to rebuild tolerance starting from our kitchen, educational institutions, social organizations, and of course, even in our games.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com).
