Dr SC Jamir at the youth conclave of the Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland in Dimapur on February 22. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 22
According to Dr SC Jamir, parliamentary discourse in the country, today, has shifted from national interests to party politics, leading to a loss of vision for India.
The 4-time Chief Minister of Nagaland, and Parliamentarian, who also served as Governor of multiple states, addressed a youth conclave of the Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland (LMFN) in Dimapur on February 22, where he focused his speech on the deteriorating political landscape in India and Nagaland, and the need for broadening outlook.
The 2-day LMFN youth conclave-cum-cultural festival started on February 22 at the Lions Club.
Jamir said that the spirit of collaboration between the ruling and opposition that once defined the spirit of Indian democracy has disappeared, while extremist rhetoric and harassment of minorities threaten the secular fabric of the nation.
Mirroring what was described as the negative trends seen at the national level, he said that the current political and social narrative in Nagaland has been dominated by tribalism, and splintering of the Naga Political issue, rather than unity. He said that the state is happy creating new districts as opposed to the vision of contributing to the nation’s destiny when Nagaland achieved statehood.
He said, “Unfortunately, in Nagaland also, we are following the same pattern of polity. We don't talk about Nagaland, we talk about tribe. Now we are so happy to have so many districts… There was one organisation for the Naga political issue. Now we have 26. Are we not multiplying negativism in this part of the country?”
Calling for a resolution of the Naga political issue, he urged the people, especially the youth, to focus on the future instead of dwelling on the past. He emphasised the need to adapt to the changing times and design a better future for Nagaland. He expressed optimism that a political settlement will bring peace and prosperity to Nagaland, allowing its capable and dynamic younger generation to shine.
In the meantime, he highlighted the importance of inclusivity and accommodating linguistic minorities in Nagaland. He reminded the gathering of Dimapur's history as a diverse city, and advocated for creating space for all communities.
Rajya Sabha Member from West Bengal, Sushmita Dev, was one of the guests at the inaugural of the conclave. She laid emphasis on the importance of language, culture and unity in the context of the northeast's unique history and the rights of minorities. She maintained that mutual respect between different communities is a must for harmony.
She also noted that linguistic minorities, despite their smaller numbers in specific regions, are part of larger linguistic groups in the country.
While stressing on the importance of peace for the development of the northeast in general, she expressed confidence that the LMFN will work towards the development and progress of the state in cohesion with other communities.
