The situation in Naga society has spiraled rapidly, aggressively and destructively into a deepening crisis of complacency and inaction since the turn of the New Year. More than five months on, it has moved at such a great pace in such a brief time, that little space is left for people to even contemplate reflectively, let alone respond in a pro-active manner. In fact, it has provoked the common person on the street to distance himself from the surrounding crisis. It would be tragic, if the Naga’s struggle to exercise their rights becomes entrenched into a state of arrestation, fuelled by the forces of ‘ism.’
The crisis cannot be left to itself, because it will only put the people at further risk. And so, we, as a society and as a people, are called upon to engage in self-criticism. In the face of such a despairing crisis, the uncertain future implores us to search deep into the human heart and seek ways that will create democratic space to bring forth the contentious issues into public discourse for constructive engagement. For the sake of posterity, our common future, the divisions need to be mended. A new narrative must begin; a narrative where all life has dignity is acknowledged and mutually respected by everyone.
From a pragmatic standpoint, it can be argued that the Nagas can be united in purpose based on a common future – a vision – for all that it hopes and means to each individual. Nagas have a proud history, a history of struggle which has not only inspired us, but one that has been a beacon for other struggling peoples and nations. It is also true that Naga history has been wounded and torn apart by pain and hurt, but, when the people begin to talk to each other and work towards a shared future, the Nagas can begin to heal in unity.
The divisions that resulted in the way Nagas addressed differences have created polarized perceptions and interpretations of the same reality. In this sense, the notion of ‘truth’ has become a difficult one, both philosophically and practically. The degree of difficulty has intensified particularly when the very nature of differences is being contested. This polarization has certainly influenced and divided public opinion thus, threatening to undermine the people’s aspirations. It has undoubtedly weakened the journey towards reconciliation, resolution and reconstruction.
It is here through participating simultaneously in the complementary peace processes of reconciliation, resolution and reconstruction that all Nagas can come together and join hands and hearts. They can build a common future, a respectful and just future, which embodies the people’s aspirations where every individual feels represented can provide the basis for strengthening these processes. This requires a conscious paradigm shift from the past to the present, during which Nagas can question the very essence of their existential future. The most elegant human endeavor is one where challenges become opportunities.
