Nagaland: Peace in context of Naga Political Conflict

SJU observes International Day of Peace

Chümoukedima, September 22 (MExN): The Department of Political Science, St Joseph University (SJU), Chümoukedima observed the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, 2022 themed ‘End Racism, Build Peace’ on September 21. 

The occasion was marked with a talk by Dr Kethoser Aniu Kevuchusa, Freelance Speaker and Academic on the topic, ‘Peace in the context of Naga Political Conflict’, the university stated in a press release. 

Dr Kethoser opened with the question, “how do we find peace in Nagaland?” He pointed out that the ‘costs’ of war in Nagaland, owing to brutalities faced by the people under both the Government of India and the Naga underground groups, were clearly reflected in problems resulting in (non/under) development, unemployment, and fear psychosis, largely due to the political instability and political conflict. 

Further, he specified the various dimensions of peace, and the exogeneous and endogenous ways in which conflicts could be understood and resolved, stating that the long-standing Naga conflict cannot be solved through a specific or single explanation without examining the nuances of the conflict. Interestingly, Kevichusa also argued that paradigms of resolving peace that work in the international context don’t work in understanding the Naga conflict. 

He pointed out that the pan-Naga identity, a 20th Century construct that provided the impetus to the Naga movement, is constantly narrowing. Dr Kethoser concluded by stating the eight pillars of positive peace identified by the institute for economics and peace.

Earlier, Dr Shonreiphy Longvah delivered the welcome note highlighting the history of the International Day of Peace. She brought out the nuances of indirect violence and its repercussions fostering direct violence on institutions and society in the everyday. Dr Longvah also emphasized on the need for ‘comprehensive’ and ‘true peace’ in the Naga society, which is one of the primary United Nations’ General Assembly Resolutions. 

Results of class-based competitions on flag designing and sketch/painting held the day prior, were also declared and winners felicitated.