Every year, I use to start the new session of Political Science class by posing a question- "Are you a Naga or an Indian?" The lesson plan is simply to clarify the confusion of two important concepts- Identity and Citizenship.
Followed by: "Is Nagaland a State? Why Nagaland or any other so called state in Indian Union, can't be considered as a State?" This is to explain the concept of a State in order to present the reality in the subject matter in Political Science as it is to Political Science students. Because many in Nagaland take great pride to be in the "State of Nagaland" without understanding the meaning of a State correctly. Many presume it as theirs and consider it to be in the interest of Nagas.
There is nothing wrong taking pride in it. Yet Naga has different story which young generation should be made known. Nagaland makes sense only when we understand as one of the regions of sovereign India. This fact brings uneasiness and uncertainty about who they are. For all are young and fresh to the political realities, yet a Naga at heart and take true pride as one.
The purpose of this write up is to encourage to search oneself-" who am I and what I want to be, and to accept the reality, Politically".
Why was T. Ao known as an Indian when he played the Olympic football? Or for that matter, C. Swuro when she played the Olympic archery?. In other words, why should India take the credit as theirs on a Naga star in the world's event? Why should not we cheer our stars as Naga, as our own in the Olympic or World Cup!
NAGA BRETHREN! Let's come out of the cocoon shell from local centric issues. I wish nagas from Nagaland lead the way forward. Yet there are forces in certain section or group of people, who are more than contended to be Indian- I mean to be as Indians in the union of Indian states until such a time comes when Nagas are all united. That sounds good. But the reality is we are divided politically-a legacy from British rule, passed down and still applied by the Indian rulers with regard to Naga region. As result, now Nagas are divided into four Indian states. Not only that, nagas are also placed in a sovereign State, Myanmar. So that's the problem, practically. Nagas need a political solution to come together again as we had have been separated through political decision.
We have hope and reason to be Naga as a Naga. Government of India had recognised the unique history and situation of the Nagas. Latest being the peace accord signed last year according to which the framework of the political solution between India and Naga will be based upon. The Prime Minister on record had in Saudi Arabia, cited the Naga accord signed under his leadership, as an example to see by the world that all problems can be resolved through political dialogue, however difficult it might be.
Naga is destined to, right to self determination. Slowly but surely with all the supreme sacrifices of the uniformed persons, the patriotism of the Naga people from all corners, all our leaders, men, women, children-resisting India occupation in all Naga inhabited areas, together with wisdom of Indian government, particularly the present Leadership can make it happen. Time and situation has changed. It's no more the Congress party regime. Its now the BJP led NDA regime. Naga is a nation. A State in the making.
Lolly Bashu Dimapur.
