The wave of crises in the Naga society needs to be interrupted and creatively addressed, if not, it has the potential to rapidly and aggressively move into a state of deeper despair. It would be very tragic, if the Naga struggle to exercise their inherent rights as a people is arrested, fuelled by the forces of division and parochial politics. The current situation has left little room and time for people to even contemplate reflectively; let alone respond in a pro-active manner. Invariably, the nature of crisis among the Nagas has caused the person on the street to distance himself from it.
The crisis and despair when ignored and left alone only places the people at further risk. And so, indeed Nagas are called upon by the forces of history to engage in self-criticism as a society and as a people. The uncertain future implores each person to search deep within and seek ways that will create democratic space to bring forth the contentious issues into public discourse for constructive engagement.
For the sake of future Naga generations a new song must begin; a song that will give new lease to life – a dignified life acknowledged and respected by everyone. From a pragmatic standpoint, Nagas can be united in purpose based on a common future – a vision – for each person. On one hand, Nagas have a proud history, a history of struggle, one that has been a beacon for other struggling peoples and nations. However, it is also equally true that Naga history has been wounded and torn apart by pain and hurt from within. The longer it is left unaddressed, the more it bleeds.
The pain and hurt has polarized perceptions and interpretations of both the past, as well as the future. In this context, the notion of ‘truth’ has become difficult, both philosophically and practically. This has led to a divided public opinion which threatens to undermine the people’s aspirations. Nonetheless, it has also provided Nagas with the opportunity to search for a new paradigm in which they neither jeopardize their rights nor remain chained to their past. And in this moment of crisis, Nagas can turn challenges into opportunities; move from division to wholeness or unity, and from despair to hope.
The answer lies in the Naga ability to evolve a common pathway to the future.
