Dimapur, July 13 (MExN): Goa Governor, Dr SCJamir said that people should take a fresh look at the real meaning of ‘sovereignty’ in the context of the North East and claimed that the word sovereignty would lose its relevance once the people are able to clearly articulate their deepest desires and wishes.
Speaking as the chief guest at the friendly football match between Tangkhul Shiroi Lily Club and Longterok Ao Football Club organized by the Cultural and Sporting Society of India at Kirorimal College, Delhi University on June 12, Jamir exhorted the hundreds of Naga students that the term sovereignty did not really convey what the Nagas really want, and that when the Nagas convey this to the Government of India, the latter tends to misunderstand since it does not know the Naga concept of sovereignty.
“I think we need to look at the problem afresh keeping in view the distinct tribal identity and the kind of way of life we want to preserve,” he said and added that “niceties of English words and phrases appear to have obscured the essence of the real issue and prevented a solution to the vexed problems facing the region.” Jamir said.
In this regard, the veteran congress leader and former Chief Minister said that the people should have a fresh look at the real meaning of real meaning of ‘sovereignty’ in the context of the North East. He opined that there is definitely an urge in the minds of the people of the region, which the people themselves cannot explain in their own language or express clearly.
In this regard, Jamir said that while ignoring words or concepts that are impossible to fulfill, it would still be possible to consider and appreciate the legitimate and innermost aspirations through sincere and honest dialogue. He said that once the people are able to clearly articulate their deepest desires and wishes, which the Centre is able to accept them, then alien words taken from the English language like ‘Sovereignty’ will lose their relevance.
Elaborating further on sovereignty, he pointed out that nations have now come together for economic benefits and those political boundaries are less relevant in the present day.
“Economic sinews of a nation or people now determine the real sovereignty of that nation or people. And I do not see any reason why Nagas cannot be sovereign within the Indian Union. We only have to improve our economic and human resources.”
“It is now time to embark on a realistic and pragmatic path to bring solace to the people of the region,” Jamir declared and said that this is the era of co-operation where people have to live in peaceful co-existence with each other.
Jamir also lamented that the approach of the Naga people to achieve this goal has been faulty. “Instead of getting the goodwill of the neighbours and the political parties concerned, we have earned their ill-will,” he stated.
Aos and Tangkhuls have greater responsibilities
Dr Jamir also said that the Ao tribe and the Tangkhul tribes have a greater role to play than any other tribes in the region in the course of time. And added that Ao Nagas and Tangkhul Nagas have a greater role than any other Naga tribes to spread the message of peace, goodwill and brotherhood of all people, especially in the region. He appealed to the youths to form a Peace Corps and to tour the entire length and breadth of the Naga areas to spread the message of love, and to educate the people about the futility of violence.
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