Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 15
Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen today referred to the compulsion of some Nagas “praising” in public the “anti-social elements” but condemning “their killings” in private. This double-standard Naga compulsion has only contributed to “their” power, he said without naming any group or organization in particular.
He was the guest of honour at the seed-sowing festival, Lui-Ngai-Ni, of “south Nagas” held at the Tenyimi complex ground in Dimapur, organized by the South Naga Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS). The Home minister reminded all Naga citizens that it is the “over grounders” themselves who are refusing to acknowledge and accept the truth.
“We are very willing to speak about Naga unity in the open but we do not practise it inside us, our lives,” Imchen reminded. He referred to the typical Naga’s behaviour and attitude of praising ‘anti-social elements when we meet them at public places’ but condemn their killings in private. This process is contributing to “‘their’ power,” Imchen said.
The Home minister recounted how it was only ‘yesterday’ that there were killings in the name of Naga “sovereignty” and bitter fighting among the Naga underground factions. “Only the over grounders like us refuse to face the bitter truth,” Imchen said. He also said that today a little bit of normalcy is returning to the society thanks to certain groups, organizations and individuals who are working towards a peaceful society. “Yesterday we could not talk freely but today we can,” he said. ‘I know I am opening Pandora’s Box by speaking like this,’ he added.
The Home minister said that the Nagas are scattered across the entire north-east region in small portions and one can find Naga populations everywhere. This is unfortunate that the Naga political situation has divided the people, he said. “Nobody wants bloodshed; everyone wants peace and development and to live cohesively as a family” he said.
“The DAN government has been advocating the Naga political issue for the last six to seven years and we shall cultivate a stance of an active facilitator but not of causal and passive facilitators,” Imchen said. He felt that there are so many intricacies involved but basically he for one felt that for all of Nagas to come together, for all of the people to unite ‘we have to first look at ourselves, for example to look at myself – my duties, activities as a minister or a citizen, no difference.’
“One question that provokes my thought is that the evil of tribalism is also one very important thing that is obstructing us from moving ahead and doing well” he shared. He also further said that whether in government, civil society or churches, the monster of tribalism engulfs the Naga mind which has relegated the very concept of justice. “I think we are going from bad to worse,” he said. He also felt that this menace and evil practise should be eradicated once and for all at the earliest which will make a better society to live in.
“I don’t know when this evil practise will be away from our mind. Nagas are the most justice loving people in the world, their integrity is trustworthy” he stated. “All of us practise this evil of tribalism. He also felt that the church is the best platform and if Pastors take up this issue in all our churches in Nagaland it will contribute (significantly). He also said “This is a challenge I throw to all Naga people”. “Nagas be in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal and elsewhere need to live for justice, care for each other, love, trust each other” he exhorted.
“Most of the people do not take our (Politicians) word thinking we are ‘party coloured people’ even though we speak with our heart and speak the truth,” Minister Imchen added.
