The October 2 is the 138th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The 2nd October of 2007, commemorating his birth anniversary is particularly significant because the day has been declared as the “International Day of Non-violence” by the United Nations. The objective of the declaration is to spread the message of non-violence, a principle strongly advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, to the world.
There is no better appropriate time than the present time of heightened violence over the world when the message of non-violence could be preached. Terrorism of highest magnitude has gripped the world in which, unless something is done human race would face self-destruction. The maxim, “Violence begets violence” has amply proved that counter-violence has not solved the global problem of terrorism. The leaders of the leading nations in the United Nations perhaps realized this and foresee that non-violence (Ahimsa) as preached by Mahatma Gandhi alone can give a healing touch to those who inflict violence as well as those afflicted by violence.
Nothing is more relevant than the message of non-violence in the context of the Nagas in the present time where the Nagas have embraced the policy of “Eye for an Eye” Decades of infighting and merciless killings have not led the Nagas to anywhere. Fratricide has ruined us and all these because we see our own side of the reason. Relentless efforts of reconciliation have fallen to deaf ears.
The Nagas ought to learn and exploit from the present situation of Myanmar. The pillar of Lord Buddha’s teaching and preaching was non-violence to all living beings on earth. Lord Jesus Christ’s teaching and preaching rests on the same pillar. For that matter, no religion in the world preaches violence. The importance of drawing parallel between Christianity and Buddhism is however in sharp contrast giving the zero tolerance Naga underground factions have for each other. The question is; “If the predominantly Buddhist Myanmar can do it, why not we Nagas, the Christians?” That the world community has enough space for non-violence approach for our struggle is evident from the Myanmar situation.
What and how much the power of non-violence can do, we have been observing during the past few days. The non-violent, peaceful protests of the Buddhist monks and peace loving publics have attracted the eyes of the world over-night. The leading world leaders and nations have not failed to condemn the human rights violation perpetrated by Myanmar military junta. With the massive supports from the countries on which, the military junta depends for economics aids and partnership, the world in the next few days would probably see the eastern sky through not without a heavy price.
The choice is left to the Nagas now whether we could continue to follow the path of violence, the abominable path of fratricide and draw flak from the world community or eschew the path of violence and make a complete U-turn to the path of non-violence, the one and only principle of our struggle in the hey days of the erstwhile undivided NNC (Naga National Council)
The world community is closely watching us in which, we ought to make a wise choice: “the path of non-violence”. Enough of violence and killings! The time is ripe for non-violent, peaceful march. The question is however; “Who will lead us?” If the call is the Church, like the Buddhist monks, will the Church be wanting? A charismatic visionary leader with a sacred calling, heaving mass appeal and without the stain of his brother’s blood is the dream Messiah- But, is there one among the Nagas? More importantly, even if one such Messiah emerges, will the common Nagas be brave and ready? This is the situation we are in. God save the Nagas from self-annihilation.
Dr. K. Hoshi, Phek Town
