The term violent or peace is both wide ranging in their meaning and manifestation and does not necessarily explain only one or two phenomenon. Violence or violent can mean and imply so many things—killing, to be unfriendly, aggressive, cruel etc. Even driving recklessly or abusing someone in your rage of anger should be seen as manifestation of violent behavior. Similarly peace is not only the absence of killing but implies so many other things of life—calmness, to be quiet, harmony, serenity, silence etc. It is obvious that in the rush of life that we are experiencing in the 21st century modern world—the unlimited wants, cut throat competition, stressful work, meeting deadlines, high expectation or craving for more and more materialism—we need to embrace non-violent behavour and peace of mind as a way of life. This will add to life, health, happiness, justice etc to our lives. As Christians perhaps Nagas should be more aware of the fact that non-violence and peace should be our calling. And because of the dividend it will bring to our lives and to society, we need to start investing in things that will help promote peace such as fine-tuning our socio-political and educational system. It is worth mentioning here that last year, Australia's Institute for Economics and Peace released its 2011 Global Peace Index where countries have been rated. It counted up the savings had the world been at peace: more than $8 trillion last year, and almost $38 trillion over the five years since the index was started. So just imagine the profit that we can make if we are to invest in peace and non-violence. Profit here need not necessarily mean hard cash. The dividends could be in the form of reduction of conflicts, killings or land disputes and resolution of issues.
Peace and non-violence can also lead to greater happiness in society, harmony between tribes, mutual respect and understanding among armed factions. Then the other important dividend could be in the form of health and well being of people. There will be greater output and contribution to our state and economy if people remain healthy and wise. Fewer visits to hospitals for expensive medical treatment will also save us a lot of money, which in turn will give stability and security to our families and homes. There will be less worry and stress in our lives and this will allow us to live better, more meaningful and productive lives. Right now at present, Nagas need to worry about the splurge in anti-social activities and crimes, which is having an adverse effect on peace, harmony and development of our state and society. Rape, killing, kidnapping for ransom, different forms of extortion, corruption, land encroachment, drug and human trafficking, reckless driving resulting in hit and run cases and not to forget the increasing lives lost in road accidents etc. they all constitute irresponsibility and violent behavior. If we calculate carefully, these are costing us dearly in lives lost, children orphaned, broken families, perpetuating conflict and division in our society, grave injustice done to so many and simply stunting the growth and progress of our society. If we don’t want to continue as a failed State and people, Nagas need to improve our peace index and the true benefits that will accrue if only we can invest in nonviolence and peace of mind. From the economic point of view, peace will ensure thriving investment, development and trade.
