It is extremely disappointing to observe the petty self serving games our political leaders play even as we stand at a crucial crossroad of defining our destiny. It is about time for our political leaders to set aside their perpetual lust for power and money for once and consider the ultimate option that loom before us. Thus far the vast majority of the Nagas have been struggling through half existence for the past 65 long torturous years, unable to grow to our fullest potentials for lack of peaceful opportunity. Given a stable atmosphere the Nagas have every capability to replicate what the Japanese have done for themselves after a devastating destruction of their country during the WW II. They literally rose from the ashes to become a world leading economic power. For a country devoid of their own natural resources, this is a miracle personified. What stops us from achieving what they have, especially with all the unexplored natural resources at our command?
The local press has well and truly carried volumes of coverage glorifying the 1951 plebiscite in all the discourse that concern the Naga National Movement. However, from the stand point of the GOI, this past resolve is but a myth and a history that the Nagas themselves no longer respect or believe in. It has been reduced to a meaningless talking point evidenced by all the divisions and factionalism that prevail. The perception of the GOI would not be too far from the truth. We are at a critical juncture to right this wrong. It has often been repeated that the will of the people has to be harnessed for the ultimate end game of settlement. Well, here is the moment of truth to put action where the mouth is. The tentative half step taken by the JLP should be pushed to the limit of abstention from the coming Assembly Election. This is perhaps the best and only option we now have at our disposal to register an emphatic statement to the GOI and the world at large that the Nagas are a race whose rights cannot be trampled upon so casually and for so long a time. There can be no stronger expression of the will of the people beyond this. The 1951 plebiscite would then truly be reaffirmed. It is for the Chief Minister of Nagaland, the CLP Leader and all other Political Parties in Nagaland to read the writing on the wall and truly introspect their respective responsibilities to the people of Nagaland for a change. The present barbs being exchanged between NPF and Congress Parties about resigning or not resigning before the solution is more like Kindergarten children fighting over toys. If we believe in the final comprehensive resolve to abstain from all future Assembly Elections until the GOI settles the Naga issue, the matter of resigning or not resigning would fade into oblivion. This would draw the attention of the International Community without doubt and India would be left with no alternative but to act. This is our time to make it or break it. Give it a serious thought.
Khekiye K Sema IAS (Rtd),
Forest Colony, Kohima
