G. L. Khing
Kohima
The fight for Nagas Independence, Peace process or Agreement (as it is called now) has become a mockery. This is so because we are being cheated and tossed upon by the GOI from time immemorial. The phrase, “Nagas issue is almost settled” is heard even by grandparents. Many Nagas must have died awaiting the new dawn in the history of Nagaland. The same may continue in the generations to come. This is because Nagaland has been torn into pieces by many groups and associations all claiming to be the apex body.The body is there without a good head. Therefore, there is no apex head (Paradox of associations).
We need not blame the Government at the centre/GOI for such prolonged illness of the Nagas. We have created our own diseases and sicknesses and appeal others for healing. This is totally absurd. The remedy is with us, not outside. Nagas have their own immune system. The good spirit of Phizo, Isak, Muivah, Khaplang, etc must have been swallowed by Government of India. Therefore, Naga continue to live without any good outcome. No one really knows about the fight for Independence, Sovereignty, Peace, etc because it has changed in the course of time. The so called “Agreement” is never a revelation to the general public because of its sensitivity both political and territorial. Is it an agreement of all the Nagas or only some few leaders/groupswith the Government of India? The former would be for all the Nagas, the latter would be only for few Naga national leaders. I prefer the former because it is better to be under the Government of India with all the rights and privileges than to be under my own leaders who try to unite Nagas by spilling innocent blood even on broad day light and without any unity among themselves.I wonder which group will lead Nagas to the better future of hope. All groups are claiming to be better than others without any betterment. Unity under one flag is a missing mark in the history of Naga political life.
Can all the Underground groups come together first under one cause before seeking for better solution? They have failed their duty in this respect and seek answers outside the State. No Prime Minister will solve the issue of Nagaland because we have not settled our internal issues first. We are undergoing a wrong treatment consciously. Look at our own internal life in the State. Different underground groups continue to kill each other and the Government of India is joyfully waiting for the last man to die so that Peace could be established. Are we waiting for this state of life? Let us not. We need not let the last Naga die in the name of peace process. The day may come when a new race will inherit Nagaland with peace and prosperity. They will look back in laughter at Nagas for their carnivorous behaviour, from head hunting to hunting the whole body down. And Nagas will be found only in the history books (a page or so). What can be carried/done by us need to be fulfilled without putting it on others. We need not throw our burdens at others and blame them for not helping us. And Nagas are for sure burdened with many loads of differences and indifferences.
The so called Naga national leaders must have gone to Delhi a thousand times for the same cause only to say that it is in the process, “Hobo le ase”. The peace process is still in pieces. And the Agreement is still disagreed by many people because they are unaware of it. These pieces are piercing the hearts of the Nagas deep down. Off course, we all appreciate the hard labours of the leaders. All the same, let us not sell Nagaland for a piece of silver coin that may lead to our own suicide. May be I am too idealistic with realism of Nagas life. But we need to change ourselves before the Government of India change us for better or worse. I have lived half of my life as per the normal span of human life. Yet, I am still awaiting the ray of light to befall on Nagas.
