Nagas are in need of strong and vibrant leadership; one that is able to soak in constructive criticism and have the will to act justly in the finest interest of the people. In the traditional Naga context, there was no shortage of leaders. The very nature of community life and the perception and attitude towards life ensured that every individual was a responsible human being who contributed towards the common good. It was by taking care of the community that the community also saw to the well being of every individual. This sense of sharing however has been eroded over time. The sense of community has diminished and unfortunately the negative notions of individualism have begun eating away the notion of community as well as individuality. As a result there is an acute lack of leadership in the Naga context.
With the values of community and positive individuality pushed away to the margins, the notion of individualism has usurped how Nagas relate to one another. Subsequently one of its many consequences is that existing leaders – both state and ‘national workers’ – have failed to understand, listen and communicate to the Naga heart. Failure to understand and appreciate the Naga heart has also meant that the existing leaders are not people-centered anymore. A gap in understanding has emerged between the leaders and the people. Tragically this gap in understanding has been critical in defining their perception of each other. And because perception is politics; they miserably fail in understanding each other’s intention.
Nagas are in dire need of leaders; leaders who have the goodwill for their fellow human beings and a sense of perceptiveness that enables them to be firm when required and flexible when situation demands. Nagas need leaders who are open and willing to acknowledge and say sorry when they are wrong. Nagas need leaders who can humbly recognize their own limitations and have the courage to seek popular opinion and consult the people prior to making important policies. Nagas need leaders who have a vision that will better the lives of all people, not just their kin. Nagas need leaders who have the generosity of the human heart to forgive and embrace their enemies. Nagas are in craving for leaders who are willing to humble themselves and seek counsel from the people.
Nagas need leaders with a vision for the common good and one that has the determination to lead the people out of this existing cycle of indifferent ignorance; and inspire new ideas and thoughts so that people may find the spirit of life once again. Considering that majority of the people are caught up just on survival issues and hence so often not having the motivation to act outside of the survival concerns, a leader who can empower the people to transcend the cycle of despair is needed. At the end of the day in a multi-cultural and diverse society such as the Nagas, the question of legitimacy in the eyes of the people cannot be undermined. Hence, Nagas are in need of leaders who can break out of the prevailing isms and prove themselves to be relevant to the people and the conditions of their time.
