Dimapur, January 22 (MExN): Describing the present as a critical and crucial juncture in the socio-political history, former Chief Minister and Goa Governor SC Jamir has shared his vision and “conceptualization of a Nagaland, that is peaceful, progressive, prosperous and socio-economically advanced, that will proudly astride the challenges and prospects of the 21st century with élan and confidence”. Jamir’s speech which he was to deliver at the AKM annual meet at Mongsenyimti but which he could not attend due to some unavoidable circumstances was issued to the media by Sebastian Zumvu, OSD to Governor of Goa.
Describing what he termed as “fundamental imperatives”, Jamir gave a three point “scheme or design”. This include, the “most vital and sensitive issue” i.e. to preserve, protect, promote and bolster the unique and distinct social and political identity of the Nagas in the new political arrangement. “The new socio-political landscape must necessarily provide sufficient latitude and flexibility to enable the Nagas to flourish, develop and further embellish their rich and varied cultural legacy and traditional endowments”, Jamir stated. In this regard Jamir reiterated that this can be ensured through a “constitutional provision that the political and cultural identity of the Nagas is beyond the purview or scope of any alteration, even by way of constitutional amendment itself”. Jamir pointed out that this “paramount guarantee is essential to protect the future political identity and entity of Nagas against any mischievous outrage” and that this “would preempt any deviation from the prescribed and accepted path, even if the reigns of the government in the country pass into the hands of ultra-rightists”. “This is the most central and critical pillar of support upon which the political edifice of Nagaland shall be erected”, it was stated.
While pointing out that there was a need to prepare the ground and open avenues for the younger generation of Nagas to play effective and integral role in both national and international arenas, Jamir called for a “special dispensation” made for the Naga youth in the new political blueprint.
For instance, certain seats must be reserved for the Nagas in the Indian missions abroad especially in the South-east Asian countries, to facilitate their networking and specific engagements. This would also be in perfect harmony with our avowed policy of ‘Look East’ which can unravel exciting prospects for the entire north-eastern region in terms of trade, economic and socio-cultural linkages and growth, Jamir stated.
Jamir also expressed the view that a “special financial policy framework” needed to be worked out for the state of Nagaland for at least the next 30 years, with assured and previously agreed upon funds flowing annually into the state to enable it to overcome the hiatus of infrastructural and economic development vis-à-vis the rest of the country. “The present funding patterns and schemes can never really accomplish the task of bridging this stupendous divide, which only adds to the sense of relative deprivation and abets frustration and negativity”, Jamir pointed out and added that this “guaranteed special financial dispensation must form a part and parcel of any evolving political solution for the Nagas”.
Speaking about a new vision and fresh perspective, Jamir pointed out that while designing our political future all Nagas must come together with “unity of purpose and ingeniously chart out their political future themselves based on the practical, pragmatic, credible and objective evaluation and assessment of their political foundations and historical background”. Jamir stated that “we are the masters of our own destiny and the sooner we realize this and move forward, the better it is for the entire Naga society”.
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