Peace? Future? Need Both? Work!
Dimapur, June 30 (MExN): Peace, in its entire dimension, is the common point of reference if the Naga people desire to secure a renewed, rewarding future. This was the one resonant message highlighted in the second session of the seminar on peace held at IMC, Dimapur, today. The Naga political problem and its continuing toll was the central focus.
Intellectuals, observers and students gathered at IMC, exchanged perspectives on the colossal challenge the Nagas are faced with today – a rekindling of minds to impact a change-process to create peace a reality, and respite from the toll the Naga political upheaval has had on the people for more than 50 years now.
“We are all responsible for the problem facing us; we are answerable” president of the Naga Mothers’ Association Khesheli told the gathering. Convinced that “men create problems and we (women, mothers) intervene as peacemakers” the NMA chief called attention towards the core section that bears the brunt in any conflict situation – women and children. Pressing this point, she reminded that absence of peace in Nagaland has affected the life of the Naga society at all fronts.
Director of YARD Ela Mary engaged in a youth-centric discourse. According to her, while poverty is not visible in the Naga society, it is very much ‘there.’ Poverty is the source of the escalation of crime, violence, bloodshed and “revolution,” she pointed out. She called for capacity-building efforts to impact a change from the core-level i.e., starting from youths and students. In the same vein Prof. Lanunungsang Ao called for what he termed ‘peace-education,’ which he said is imperative to activating peace process. Prof. Ao, who is also director of Center for Gandhian Studies & Research, NU reminded that while the popular belief is that total development brings about peace. He objected. “…unless the psychological aspirations of the Nagas are fulfilled, there will be no peace in Nagaland,” he stated.
He also strongly asserted that Nagas should not be “shy” to debate on the Naga political issue; particularly on the matter of ‘independence’ or “sovereignty.”
Rev. Dr Issac Padinjarekutt shared his perspective on the role of education in the peace-building processes and the imperative that the younger generation’s aptitude be recreated through education. He set a challenge to the gathered observers: test yourselves and test others. “What are laws without morals? Education and values are related” he reminded.
Managing Director of The Morung Express, Akum Longchari challenged the gathering with a couple of practical examples to dispute popular notions of interpretation of peace and its processes. “It is not enough to have the best on intentions” he stated after a participatory performance of a precept. Lack of sensitivity, he said is one reason conflicts either remain unresolved or aggravate on the more. The educationist made an appeal that resolution, reconciliation and reconstruction be acknowledged as the convergence for all peace-centric efforts.
Rev. Kari Longchar, Director of Peace Affairs of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) also spoke representing the Nagaland church. The reverend observed with satisfaction that the Naga political problem is no more the only focus. The issue is now convergent with God and the spiritual existence of the strife-torn Nagas. ‘The crisis has been challenged to not only focus on the Indo-Naga issue but towards God’ Rev. Longchar said, reiterating the NBCC’s assertion that it is, and never was, with a “political status.” “NBCC believes in healing of the brutal rift through love, peace, forgiveness and trust” he said. In the same vein Rev. Fr. Alex from Salesian College highlighted the imperative role of the church in the change-process to usher in peace. Discoursing on the Catholic system of education he offered perspective on how education can be harnessed to challenge nascent mindsets. He observed: “Church is the last place where people go to find peace.”
The seminar was organized by the Peace Channel.
