Minphong Konyak
Mon | September 25
Dispute is another synonym for border areas. Everyday we witness problems in border areas around the world. For instance, the issue that led to the recent blockade of Sonari-Mon road showed how disastrous it is when there is such a problem. A week-long blockade has proved the inevitable vulnerability of Mon district. Like all Nagas, Konyaks too are ignorant and haughty. We live with the vain pride that we are descendants of head-hunters. Something which is detrimental to our progress rather than a reminder of a proud history. Of course, our ancestors were brave and could perform such rare feat and through this history we were known by the outside world, at least in some spheres. But whatever and however they led their lives, they were self-sufficient in their own world. They were industrious and cultivated their land and lived off it. However, when we observe the present status of Konyak society we are sadly forced to accept that a week-long road blockade will starve us. We wholly depend upon Assam for our basic needs to modern luxuries. We have become parasites. We have inherited pride from our ancestors but discarded their industrious nature.
We call ourselves “unique people”-superior to our neighbours, but how do we justify this bigotry when we are so dependent on them. Of course, every race is unique in its own history, culture, tradition, etc, but what good is uniqueness in these aspects if it is economically so dependent on others. We must be self sufficient.
It’s the Year of the Farmers, and the Government has advertised the implementation of so many projects and schemes around the state but how did our farmers contribute to the society during the blockade? Within three to four days all the stocks around Mon ran out and poor people were seen frantically running around searching for food stuff. So how much was done to improve the condition and production of the farmers? How well-equipped were they to provide the society? It is sad to recollect that they too were the worst-hit victim. While the rich could stock-pile their needs, the poor farmers were helpless. Their harvest of a season does not last for even four to five months and they depend mostly on food stuff from Assam. This is because their ways of farming is still with primitive and unscientific methods that results in very low yield. More has to be done to exact the maximum of whatever resources we have. Prior to any other sectors, we must fill up our granaries first and seek for other things. Otherwise, border areas are and will always be prone to issues and another blockade will bring disaster to Mon District. Therefore, the Government and the people all alike should always bear in mind the recent problem and should endeavour to evade this spectre in future.
Morung Express News
