Khekiye K. Sema IAS (Rtd)
3rd Mile Thilixu Village, Dimapur
As long as mankind inhabit planet earth, the inherent diversity of conflicting thoughts and actions will remain a constant distraction in decision making. It however goes without saying that an enlightened visionary leadership with a forthright strength of conviction can alleviate the burdens the masses...while an uncompromising self-centred, egoistic leadership can only spell doom for those being led. This is the universal truth that will consequently determine the destiny of a people.
Having said that, at the cost of being accused of tiresome repetition, it needs be reiterated as a reminder to us all that the Nagas have travelled a very difficult unpalatable road of injustice for the past 71 years. In so many ways, the first chapter of Naga history has, by and large, been courageously, honestly and honourably written by our first generation Christians, both 'Overground' and 'Underground', that we can be proud about. They steadfastly braved the odds, crossed impossible bridges along the way, making countless life impacting decisions...that some may applaud while others may condemn...nevertheless bringing us forward from the dark ages of headhunting to the present day 'enlightened' modernity. The unfortunate part is that we have learnt so little from the past excruciating experiences. The baton has been passed on to the present generation to script the next chapter of our history...and we seem to be smudging each page with nothing much more than a story of relentless hunt for personal power and money... indifferently abandoning the fundamental issue that ought to draw our utmost focused attention and action... rather than to let it rot in the cesspool. The hypocrisy and uncompromising greed factor is fast dragging the 'once proud Nagas race' down the abyss. The true picture of our present trend seems to depict more of a people who have lost their collective vision and hope for the common good.
For better or for worse we, the Nagas, must rejuvenate mass awakening towards realigning our misconception. Over the years we have more or less left the subject of "Naga Sovereignty" and "Integration" as an exclusively terrain of the NNPGs for them to independently chart the course of OUR collective destiny. It has resulted in the much touted opaque "Framework Agreement"...the contents of which the stakeholders know absolutely nothing till date...leaving no other choice but to uncomfortably analyse our circumstance purely on conjectures and speculations. This is certainly not right. The one thing that has emerged more unambiguously in the recent past is the fact that the issue of "Sovereignty" and "Integration" is no longer a primary subject on the negotiating table. The first reaction of the "shadow patriots" was that of their silent condemnation of the NNPGs within the safe confines of their kitchen and others in the social Medias. The successive ruling government too adopted an inconsequential policy of "Equi-distance" and "Equi-closeness"...and to this day...continues to pose as a "Facilitator" without facilitating anything realistically. The 71 years of conflict that has literally destroyed successive generation of Nagas from growing to their fullest potentials has now become a secondary concern in subordination to a new version of headhunting called "Money-hunting". GoN ought to realise that "Sovereignty" as was aspired by our forbearers is now being redefined as a "Shared Sovereignty" (whatever that may mean) but strictly understood to be within the confines of Indian Constitution...that too without incorporating "Integration". This contentious change of scenario nevertheless offers legitimate opportunity for the GoN to take direct responsibility of becoming an 'active facilitator'. The unwieldy group of rudderless 'Joint Legislative Committee' manned by those who have indifferent level of understanding or commitment to the Naga cause should be replaced by a more formal, concise 'go-between' platform of matured, commitment personalities to directly interact both with the NNPGs and the GoI and help GoN to stay on course without other distractions.
Apart from the resolution of the Legislative Assembly to pave the way for NNPGs in the formation of an 'Interim Government' in the aftermath, the GoN can also officially invoke traditional strength of our customary social structure of Chieftainship, (well acknowledged by Article 371A), to generate real and genuine endorsement of the efforts of our NNPGs rather than the unconvincing opportunistic endorsements that have been peddled around thus far. Mass momentum must be generated to draw the attention of GoI that the Nagas want a settlement without further delay tactics.
With the final settlement presumably drawing towards a close, another complex issue that baffles a mind is: who will be the final signatories to the final settlement with the GoI?...NSCN (IM) or the Working Group or both together? Joint signatory does seem to appear more rational an option but judging by the uncompromising stance of the NSCN (IM) hierarchy in the past...it is difficult to comprehend such a positive outcome from happening amicably. While it is true that NSCN (IM) consists of many tribes, every breathing soul knows that the ultimate decision making authority rests with one man and one man alone. By extension, the upper echelon within the NSCN (IM) is also predominantly armoured by our Naga brothers from Manipur both in the Civil and Army wings. Now, in the absence of "Integration", (without intending to hurt anyone's sentiment), the truthful and logical conclusion is that the direct authority of our Southern brothers from Manipur within the State of Nagaland would necessarily become redundant/ irrelevant...leaving behind only remnants of leaderless leadership of the remaining Tribes. Given such an eventuality, the need will emerge for GoN to shoulder responsibility through the 'Go between forum' to play an important role of mediation between the two entities.
Such is the complexity of our given reality. Honest efforts for a united house have long eluded the Nagas even though we are being confronted by an adversary far superior to us in every field. Rather than stand united to face the odds, we have been more efficient in compounding our problems. Take the case of the recent upheaval of our Eastern Front for a separate State. This subject has been festering for quite a while. It ought to have attracted immediate and serious attention of the Government to find a pragmatic amicable solution...but has the GoN bothered to do anything substantial thus far?
The State Government ought to press the pause button to their 'power-hunting' and 'money-hunting' games and wholeheartedly concentrate on these festering issues being reflected...beyond the realm of lip servicing political manifesto. It would be worthwhile to note that positive History is seldom written by the feeble hearted. So, can our present political leadership find the strength of true conviction to lead us forward and allow our younger generation to rediscover real hope for their future and blossom? Natural talents are abundantly prevalent. Given the right kind of fair environment and grooming opportunities, our young generation will be second to none across the globe. This is my sincere belief.
We therefore need to honestly and earnestly begin the exercise of rubbing out the dark smudges and add positive inputs on the pages of our history being written by the present generation. God Bless.
