Naga people determined to live as free people even after the departure of the Bristishers when the later left the Asia sub-continent after the 2nd World War. The conscious determination, will power, die-heart bravery and courage kept the Naga people to sail through the thick and thin of its history of sweat, pain, agony, blood and tears. The indomitable freedom spirit of the Naga people to safeguard their political and historical rights was and is praiseworthy. Since the Naga club (1918) to this 21st century, many events have unfolded, the bad, the good and the ugly ones. Remarkably the split of Naga political groups and the fratricidal fight aftermath has been the greatest hurdle among the tough challenges that Naga history has witnessed. In this difficult, mountainous terrain in the Himalayan Region of North East India, the flame of freedom continue to burn on the hill tops reminiscing the past struggles narrating to the younger generations as the family sit around the fireplace in the kitchen where the folk lore and songs were transferred and transmitted to the younger generation from the older back then in the past. This whole fire place episode still continues, sitting together to talk any issues, may it be listening to the stories, may it be settling any dispute among the family, may it be a family prayer and strong family ties has been built only when the children and parents sit to talk, listen and dialogue with each other.
The Covenant of Reconciliation signed by the three Naga political groups under the banner of FNR is the harbinger of common hope for the shared Naga future. That rekindles the ability of the leaders in the political groups to re-ignite their will to commit once again for the greater call of the people’s aspiration and desire. The popular maxim, ‘Where there is a will, there is always a way,” revisit the Naga society once again with clear and loud voice which was manifested in the recent meetings of Naga political leaders resolving ‘to work towards shared Naga future on the foundation of our Historical and Political Rights’(20th August 20 2011 event) and ‘ Agreed to strengthen and broaden the Peace Process based on the Uniqueness of Naga History-our historical and political rights’(22nd August 2011 event). To actualize the stated resolutions again on 24th and 25th August 2011 meetings, the Naga political leaders accorded that; having reconciled on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas acknowledged the past hurting and thus forgiven in the spirit of love and prepared to understand each other towards a shared future, reaffirming the resolve not to harbor non-Naga organizations adverse to the Naga political causes (discussed in Chiangmai II and IV) and also to disengage in and from all forms of actions and associations detrimental to the historical and political cause of the Nagas while affirming to work for the territorial integrity of all Nagas and further endorsing that any interim arrangement of the political rights of the Nagas shall be outside the purview of the Indian Constitution per se. That was followed by signing of Naga Concordant, which states, “Having reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE. Therefore in pursuance of this agreement, the following signatories (Isak Swu, Gen.(Retd) Khole Konyak, Brig.(Retd) S Singnya, Th.Muivah, KItovi Zhimomi and Zhopra Vero) have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of One Naga National Government. To ensure the realization of the Naga National Government, a High Level Commission (HLC) has been formed by the top Naga leaders.” Another pertinent clause in that document is to expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, the High Level Commission shall hold meetings without and further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators.
July 27-29 meeting of Nagas in Burma and FNR as appeared in media taking an essential decisive step toward building bridges in the ‘Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope,” at a neutral was also worth noting and revisiting. The church and public leaders of Burma and FNR has adopted five pertinent resolutions, the first one states, “To strengthen and take forward the Naga Reconciliation process on the basis of the historical and political rights affirming our commitment that ‘There is no turning back.” Secondly, to creatively rise above the geographical divisions under which we live. Thirdly, “to implore the Naga political groups to honor the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ and to remain committed to addressing all outstanding issues through mutual respect and understanding and by using non-violent means.” Fourthly, “Stand firm to our (the) commitment that no one will be left out of the reconciliation process. We assert that Naga Reconciliation is neither selective nor is it about merging; rather it stands for mutual respect and acceptance in rebuilding the wholeness of the Naga people.” Lastly nevertheless the least, the fifth point reads, “We extend the spirit of reconciliation and make this call for better understanding to all the communities and nationalities neighbouring the Naga-lands.”
This add hope to the young Naga today in various ways and also equally to the whole Naga society. That re-ignites the young minds to envision for the common hope that lies ahead of them to exploit and dearly safeguard the shared Naga common future. The torch bearers of such great initiatives among the Naga people working tirelessly towards reconciliation and unity in the midst of dangers risking their own lives deserve the overwhelming applause and appreciation from the Naga people especially the young minds. Among them all, Dr.Rev.Wati Aier, the recipient of the BWA Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award today stand as an icon to the Naga youth, as an ardent peace maker, a visionary leader in the trouble times of the Naga history. The World Baptist Alliance endorsing its support for Naga reconciliation by 120 countries and closely watching, monitoring, inspiring and encouraging the Naga reconciliation process and the recent meetings of the Naga political leaders are but a long road to reconciliation. The Naga people long for that moment. The will of the leaders to unify and reconcile for common Naga agenda towards the lasting solution is note worthy and need support from every quarters.
On 9th July 2011 South Sudan attained independence, on 9th July 1987, the AR Camp at Oinam Hill Village was attacked and ransacked later on became a unique struggle in the Naga history it reached to the International Forum (Amnesty International conducted a survey and brought out an exhaustive report on human rights violation in an around the Oinam Hill Village) and on 9th July 2011 Dr.Rev.Wati Aier was awarded the Baptist World Alliance Human Rights Award and followed by the BWA endorsing and supporting the Naga Reconciliation Process are the significant events that happened then and now before the Naga family and the world to witness. The Naga people are fortunate today to have the international body such as BWA supporting its reconciliation process. The tireless striking efforts of many leaders sacrificing their all for the sake of Naga reconciliation and unity is but a manifestation of the maturity of the society to embrace the past comrades and wash away the past differences for the greater glory of the Almighty and the Naga people. That’s an inspiration to the Naga people, particularly the young minds.
Today, as Naga stand in 21st century, there are many tough challenges ahead. The amicable political settlement, and the reconciliation process to come to its logical end are seems to be the toughest ones and long outstanding issues that confront the people for so long. As stated above, the will of the people is very crucial to bring both the issues to its log ical, amicable and honorable conclusion. Therefore, Naga people must once again re-think seriously about their course of dispensations in the political decision making process. The political leaders must by all means find the common agreeable platform as done recently in the past to work together based on the unique Naga history, its political and historical rights. That common agreed term can be backed with the wide consultation among various civil societies, tribe hohos and student bodies for the common agenda towards honorable solution. This demands understanding, readiness to discuss the issues taking the confident of the Naga people into account.
The other challenges are the economic stability and developmental issues, the human resource development, natural resource management and utilization, the discipline, character and will of the people and leaders towards Naga Nation building. There is no one way formula or strategy to meet these challenges of the Naga people. The consistent hard working spirit coupled with the highest ethical values, the fusion of traditional knowledge, scientific and modern technical inputs and wise utilization and management of the given natural resources can only enable the Naga to face those challenges. The old saying, ‘Rome was not Built in a Day’ seem to make sense in the context of the Naga common future, that Naga nation building took time to come to this far and will take time to make it better with progress and prosperity.
As Naga Nation is the put together of village republics with upcoming towns in recent times. The vibrant and strong villages will make the Naga Nation strong and vibrant. Each village has its own resources with limitations and potentials, therefore, the building of strong and vibrant village is becoming a paramount job for each right thinking Naga today. The village land, paddy fields, forest, water source and bodies need proper management and utilization for the sustainable growth and development of the Naga Nation. Therefore, the leaders having strong ethical values need to lead the villages and not those politically malign ones manipulating every facilities coming to the villages for the general public. The culture of ‘short cut’ need to be done away with fairness based on merit, capability, quality and sustainability.
From the infrastructural point of view, the stable road connectivity is and will be the backbone of Naga’s economy. Road and only roads will make the people prosper and progress. Road connectivity open up for many other facilities such as education, health, market, financial services(banks), postal services, transport and communication, it is the enablers for the smooth economic progress and stability. The Naga region is hilly, mountainous, terrain and difficult one, the sustainable all weather road connectivity is the daunting challenge and need appropriate technologies, methods and sound policies. For instance without road, how can the health workers deliver the services to the people in remote areas. The future and progress of any nation is determined by the ability, capacity and capability of its citizen to work and earn their decent livelihood and excel in their lives. Without basic elementary and higher education, basic health care (infant mortality and the adult health- the longevity of adult solely depend on the quality health care and the nutritional intake), no society can progress far. Therefore, the food security, basic affordable health care, quality education, empowerment of the citizen (men and women) are the crucial parameters for any nation growth and economic stability. The all weather road will greatly help deliver facilities and enable these opportunities.
Coming back again to the village, it is the centre of life for the Naga people. Each village need to be sustained in every front to meet the rising needs of it’s people, the old, young, strong, weak, able and less able. The villages need to be strongly knitted society with high degree of democracy, justice with modern progressive outlook while tradition must be conserved and preserved as the centre piece of the Naga identity. The cultural and traditional aspects play a pivotal role in defining the identity of its people and taking the people back to root. The villages in Naga Nation are mostly rural, may be 90 to 95% of it with poor living conditions and limited livelihood opportunities due various infrastructural gaps. Therefore, the question how can Naga sustain, survive and thrive as people and nation demand tough answers. That doesn’t mean there is no hope. It does mean, that people need to be consciously awaken to the fact that answers and solutions lies within the people themselves once, the political solution is settled. The progress of any nation, society depends mostly on the ‘will’ ‘character’ and ‘moral’ of the people and its leaders. Therefore, this writing strongly states and emphasizes on the ‘Will’ and ‘Character’ of the people and its leaders at every platform.
The society needs strong will of the people to assert and stand for their rights and liberation through non-violence means. The character of the people to stay away from corrupt practices and to work hard, striving for excellence, not by favouritism but by merit, not by mere words but by works, not by might but be right, not by manipulation but by sheer justice, not by money and muscle power but by sincerity and dedication, not by status but by the spirit of dignity of labour, not by majority but by what is right, not by jealousy but by zealous pursuit for the good of community and humanity at large, not by ritual but by spirituality, not by fashion but by faith, not by lips service but by compassionate faith in action, not mere rhetoric but by practicality, not by speech but by examples, not by double standard but by honesty and sincerity, not for present alone but with far sighted vision for future, not for this generation alone but for generations to come, not by tribalism but by nationalism, not by cruelty but by humanity, not by coercion but by persuasion, not by imposition but by involvement, not by the spirit of one man show but by collectiveness, not by partisan but by unity, not by violence but by reconciliation and unity, are the need of the hour for the Naga Nation building.
In this opportune moment it is a call for the Nagas to wisely articulate their collective will, wisdom, knowledge and vision to culminate in the ultimate goal of realizing their freedom and honorable solution at the earliest time possible as expressed by the GOI representative R.S.Pandey, the interlocutor and Th.Muivah, Chief negotiator of NSCN in their recent joint press statement. It is an opportune moment to devote on the collective mandate which is best possible for the Naga people for present generation and for the future generations to come. Is the long road to reconciliation and Nation building becoming more visible than ever before? Is the road becoming clearer? It is a collective treasure that needs collective care and responsibility to safeguard and sustain the reconciliation and Nation building processes.
The Covenant of Reconciliation signed by the three Naga political groups under the banner of FNR is the harbinger of common hope for the shared Naga future. That rekindles the ability of the leaders in the political groups to re-ignite their will to commit once again for the greater call of the people’s aspiration and desire. The popular maxim, ‘Where there is a will, there is always a way,” revisit the Naga society once again with clear and loud voice which was manifested in the recent meetings of Naga political leaders resolving ‘to work towards shared Naga future on the foundation of our Historical and Political Rights’(20th August 20 2011 event) and ‘ Agreed to strengthen and broaden the Peace Process based on the Uniqueness of Naga History-our historical and political rights’(22nd August 2011 event). To actualize the stated resolutions again on 24th and 25th August 2011 meetings, the Naga political leaders accorded that; having reconciled on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas acknowledged the past hurting and thus forgiven in the spirit of love and prepared to understand each other towards a shared future, reaffirming the resolve not to harbor non-Naga organizations adverse to the Naga political causes (discussed in Chiangmai II and IV) and also to disengage in and from all forms of actions and associations detrimental to the historical and political cause of the Nagas while affirming to work for the territorial integrity of all Nagas and further endorsing that any interim arrangement of the political rights of the Nagas shall be outside the purview of the Indian Constitution per se. That was followed by signing of Naga Concordant, which states, “Having reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE. Therefore in pursuance of this agreement, the following signatories (Isak Swu, Gen.(Retd) Khole Konyak, Brig.(Retd) S Singnya, Th.Muivah, KItovi Zhimomi and Zhopra Vero) have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of One Naga National Government. To ensure the realization of the Naga National Government, a High Level Commission (HLC) has been formed by the top Naga leaders.” Another pertinent clause in that document is to expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, the High Level Commission shall hold meetings without and further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators.
July 27-29 meeting of Nagas in Burma and FNR as appeared in media taking an essential decisive step toward building bridges in the ‘Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope,” at a neutral was also worth noting and revisiting. The church and public leaders of Burma and FNR has adopted five pertinent resolutions, the first one states, “To strengthen and take forward the Naga Reconciliation process on the basis of the historical and political rights affirming our commitment that ‘There is no turning back.” Secondly, to creatively rise above the geographical divisions under which we live. Thirdly, “to implore the Naga political groups to honor the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ and to remain committed to addressing all outstanding issues through mutual respect and understanding and by using non-violent means.” Fourthly, “Stand firm to our (the) commitment that no one will be left out of the reconciliation process. We assert that Naga Reconciliation is neither selective nor is it about merging; rather it stands for mutual respect and acceptance in rebuilding the wholeness of the Naga people.” Lastly nevertheless the least, the fifth point reads, “We extend the spirit of reconciliation and make this call for better understanding to all the communities and nationalities neighbouring the Naga-lands.”
This add hope to the young Naga today in various ways and also equally to the whole Naga society. That re-ignites the young minds to envision for the common hope that lies ahead of them to exploit and dearly safeguard the shared Naga common future. The torch bearers of such great initiatives among the Naga people working tirelessly towards reconciliation and unity in the midst of dangers risking their own lives deserve the overwhelming applause and appreciation from the Naga people especially the young minds. Among them all, Dr.Rev.Wati Aier, the recipient of the BWA Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award today stand as an icon to the Naga youth, as an ardent peace maker, a visionary leader in the trouble times of the Naga history. The World Baptist Alliance endorsing its support for Naga reconciliation by 120 countries and closely watching, monitoring, inspiring and encouraging the Naga reconciliation process and the recent meetings of the Naga political leaders are but a long road to reconciliation. The Naga people long for that moment. The will of the leaders to unify and reconcile for common Naga agenda towards the lasting solution is note worthy and need support from every quarters.
On 9th July 2011 South Sudan attained independence, on 9th July 1987, the AR Camp at Oinam Hill Village was attacked and ransacked later on became a unique struggle in the Naga history it reached to the International Forum (Amnesty International conducted a survey and brought out an exhaustive report on human rights violation in an around the Oinam Hill Village) and on 9th July 2011 Dr.Rev.Wati Aier was awarded the Baptist World Alliance Human Rights Award and followed by the BWA endorsing and supporting the Naga Reconciliation Process are the significant events that happened then and now before the Naga family and the world to witness. The Naga people are fortunate today to have the international body such as BWA supporting its reconciliation process. The tireless striking efforts of many leaders sacrificing their all for the sake of Naga reconciliation and unity is but a manifestation of the maturity of the society to embrace the past comrades and wash away the past differences for the greater glory of the Almighty and the Naga people. That’s an inspiration to the Naga people, particularly the young minds.
Today, as Naga stand in 21st century, there are many tough challenges ahead. The amicable political settlement, and the reconciliation process to come to its logical end are seems to be the toughest ones and long outstanding issues that confront the people for so long. As stated above, the will of the people is very crucial to bring both the issues to its log ical, amicable and honorable conclusion. Therefore, Naga people must once again re-think seriously about their course of dispensations in the political decision making process. The political leaders must by all means find the common agreeable platform as done recently in the past to work together based on the unique Naga history, its political and historical rights. That common agreed term can be backed with the wide consultation among various civil societies, tribe hohos and student bodies for the common agenda towards honorable solution. This demands understanding, readiness to discuss the issues taking the confident of the Naga people into account.
The other challenges are the economic stability and developmental issues, the human resource development, natural resource management and utilization, the discipline, character and will of the people and leaders towards Naga Nation building. There is no one way formula or strategy to meet these challenges of the Naga people. The consistent hard working spirit coupled with the highest ethical values, the fusion of traditional knowledge, scientific and modern technical inputs and wise utilization and management of the given natural resources can only enable the Naga to face those challenges. The old saying, ‘Rome was not Built in a Day’ seem to make sense in the context of the Naga common future, that Naga nation building took time to come to this far and will take time to make it better with progress and prosperity.
As Naga Nation is the put together of village republics with upcoming towns in recent times. The vibrant and strong villages will make the Naga Nation strong and vibrant. Each village has its own resources with limitations and potentials, therefore, the building of strong and vibrant village is becoming a paramount job for each right thinking Naga today. The village land, paddy fields, forest, water source and bodies need proper management and utilization for the sustainable growth and development of the Naga Nation. Therefore, the leaders having strong ethical values need to lead the villages and not those politically malign ones manipulating every facilities coming to the villages for the general public. The culture of ‘short cut’ need to be done away with fairness based on merit, capability, quality and sustainability.
From the infrastructural point of view, the stable road connectivity is and will be the backbone of Naga’s economy. Road and only roads will make the people prosper and progress. Road connectivity open up for many other facilities such as education, health, market, financial services(banks), postal services, transport and communication, it is the enablers for the smooth economic progress and stability. The Naga region is hilly, mountainous, terrain and difficult one, the sustainable all weather road connectivity is the daunting challenge and need appropriate technologies, methods and sound policies. For instance without road, how can the health workers deliver the services to the people in remote areas. The future and progress of any nation is determined by the ability, capacity and capability of its citizen to work and earn their decent livelihood and excel in their lives. Without basic elementary and higher education, basic health care (infant mortality and the adult health- the longevity of adult solely depend on the quality health care and the nutritional intake), no society can progress far. Therefore, the food security, basic affordable health care, quality education, empowerment of the citizen (men and women) are the crucial parameters for any nation growth and economic stability. The all weather road will greatly help deliver facilities and enable these opportunities.
Coming back again to the village, it is the centre of life for the Naga people. Each village need to be sustained in every front to meet the rising needs of it’s people, the old, young, strong, weak, able and less able. The villages need to be strongly knitted society with high degree of democracy, justice with modern progressive outlook while tradition must be conserved and preserved as the centre piece of the Naga identity. The cultural and traditional aspects play a pivotal role in defining the identity of its people and taking the people back to root. The villages in Naga Nation are mostly rural, may be 90 to 95% of it with poor living conditions and limited livelihood opportunities due various infrastructural gaps. Therefore, the question how can Naga sustain, survive and thrive as people and nation demand tough answers. That doesn’t mean there is no hope. It does mean, that people need to be consciously awaken to the fact that answers and solutions lies within the people themselves once, the political solution is settled. The progress of any nation, society depends mostly on the ‘will’ ‘character’ and ‘moral’ of the people and its leaders. Therefore, this writing strongly states and emphasizes on the ‘Will’ and ‘Character’ of the people and its leaders at every platform.
The society needs strong will of the people to assert and stand for their rights and liberation through non-violence means. The character of the people to stay away from corrupt practices and to work hard, striving for excellence, not by favouritism but by merit, not by mere words but by works, not by might but be right, not by manipulation but by sheer justice, not by money and muscle power but by sincerity and dedication, not by status but by the spirit of dignity of labour, not by majority but by what is right, not by jealousy but by zealous pursuit for the good of community and humanity at large, not by ritual but by spirituality, not by fashion but by faith, not by lips service but by compassionate faith in action, not mere rhetoric but by practicality, not by speech but by examples, not by double standard but by honesty and sincerity, not for present alone but with far sighted vision for future, not for this generation alone but for generations to come, not by tribalism but by nationalism, not by cruelty but by humanity, not by coercion but by persuasion, not by imposition but by involvement, not by the spirit of one man show but by collectiveness, not by partisan but by unity, not by violence but by reconciliation and unity, are the need of the hour for the Naga Nation building.
In this opportune moment it is a call for the Nagas to wisely articulate their collective will, wisdom, knowledge and vision to culminate in the ultimate goal of realizing their freedom and honorable solution at the earliest time possible as expressed by the GOI representative R.S.Pandey, the interlocutor and Th.Muivah, Chief negotiator of NSCN in their recent joint press statement. It is an opportune moment to devote on the collective mandate which is best possible for the Naga people for present generation and for the future generations to come. Is the long road to reconciliation and Nation building becoming more visible than ever before? Is the road becoming clearer? It is a collective treasure that needs collective care and responsibility to safeguard and sustain the reconciliation and Nation building processes.
