Naga society needs transformation through truth, justice & liberation

Naga Club annual general meeting held 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 13

Peace activist and Advisor to the Naga Club Niketu Iralu on Saturday said that the Naga society must reduce controversies which come from ‘fights’ over who is right and not what is right.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of Naga Club held at AMK Building, Kohima, he said that it was a time of “great confusion and destructive division” for which the Club must give “uniting leadership which requires all to change, starting with ourselves which removes distrust and suspicion.” We must be honest about our mistakes, failures and wrongdoings and not where others have failed or are wrong, he said, expressing hope that the Club would help restore the common humanity of the Naga people.

He emphasized the need for statesmen who understood what was happening and can give mature thinking and leadership that is needed today for the sake of what tomorrow's generation will inherit.

‘We need leaders committed to justice’
Naga Club president Ariyi Nienu said in the present Naga context, the better option was to seek the truth. “The search for truth would furthermore educate us about the history of Naga people and the Naga Club. The search for truth would broaden our knowledge and open dialogues for prudent societal progress rather than that of harping on a dangerous proposition that can upshoot inconceivable annihilation of our society,” he added.

Stating that the Club has long history of a pioneering spirit right from the Memorandum of the Naga Club submitted to the Simon Commission on January 10, 1929, Neinu said it is still yearning to build the land into an idyllic place. “These pioneering moments now seem monumental, if not impossible, in our current Naga community because of distrust and falsehood. Unless there is transformation through truth, justice and liberation, fretfulness looms over us all,” he maintained.

To be successful, we must first confront our self pride that is marginalizing ourselves and downgrading our community under siege with social, economic, ecological and political challenges, he added.

Nienu said that the core values that “will help us restore our ultimate community are open expression, courage, humility, generosity and intellectual curiosity.” These values, he said, would help the Naga people rise above individualism and source the people as agents of positive change— a beginning where societal problems will be addressed.  “The societal obligation of each of us is to rebuild our community and ourselves to restore humanity,” he underscored.

“Now more than ever before, we need moral and intellectual leadership, not the leadership of coercion and hegemony that will plague our society. We need leadership to inspire dynamic social movements for transformation. We need leaders that are committed to justice; leaders that can problem solve and think critically, leaders that are thoughtful and imaginative in their approach, and leaders that seek the truth,” he added.

Kuolachalie Seyie is new President of Naga Club
A new team of Naga Club for the tenure 2021-24 was announced during the meeting with Kuolachalie Seyie as President. 

Convenor of the Search Committee Dr Viketoulie Pienyü informed that the other office bearers include: Vice Presidents K John Lohe, Y Vandanshan Lotha, and Visa Meru; General Secretary KN Mhonthung Lotha; Secretaries S Akho Leyri and K Gwanilo Himp; Treasurer Hoshito Assumi; and Finance Secretary Seyiekuolie Kesiezie.

The Advisors include Ariyi Nienu, Pheluopfhelie Kesiezie, Khyomo Lotha, Dr Tushi Ao, Dr Vinito L Chishi and Kewezu Mero.

Naga Club souvenir released
Khyomo Lotha, former caretaker Naga Club released the Naga Club Souvenir.

Earlier, Rüdolie Nagi, chairman Jotsoma Village Council shared greetings. General Secretary’s report was given by KN Mhonthung Lotha, while Treasurer Vixepu Swu presented the finance report. Phetsuma Club of Khonoma and Laudate choir, Baptist Church Jotsoma presented cultural regale and special music respectively. Rev Dr Vetso Koza, Pastor Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kohima prayed for installation of the new team of Naga Club and vote of thanks was proposed by Naga Club Vice President Khiny Woch.

The programme was followed by discussion on “Strengthening the role of Naga Club.”