Dr Asangba Tzudir
Nagaland today stands at a crossroad, a land defined by its rich cultural diversity, spirit, and resilience, yet, the emerging trends shadows the state by dangers that threaten its peace, identity, and collective a future. Unlike the period till the 90s, the guns may have largely fallen silent, but new forms of social, political, economic, and moral challenges have emerged, confronting Naga society from within and without. The question before us is not merely about survival, but how to preserve the essence of who we are as a people amidst the strands of rapid changes and uncertainties.
The foremost danger confronting Nagaland is the political instability. For decades, the unresolved Naga political issue has largely defined the concern of the land. Negotiations and ceasefires may have brought relative calm on the surface, but the long delay in achieving an inclusive settlement that is "honourable and acceptable to all”, has drained energy and has created a sense of disillusionment among the people. With the passage of time we are witnessing internal divisions leading to multiple factions, and in the process a common vision finds lost. This political fragmentation has weakened the moral authority thereby opening up space for opportunism, corruption, and mistrust. On the whole, a society divided within cannot stand strong against external pressures.
Then, there is the danger emerging from the crisis of governance leaving the public disillusioned. The widening gap between the powerful few and the struggling many has eroded confidence in the system. One question that really hits the conscience is the recent merger of NDPP with NPF. Was it done in the larger interest of the people of Nagaland? While the content of politics should be policies, when a government’s policies are not aligned with justice and welfare for all, society will definitely suffer, not because of lack of resources but from moral bankruptcy.
Another pressing danger is the decay of moral and cultural values. Traditional Naga life was grounded in honesty, community spirit, and respect for elders. Today, these values have faded away under the influence of materialism and selfishness, class and elitism, social media culture, and consumerism. The younger generation is growing up amid confusion wherein they find themselves caught between the fading traditional identity and the demands and pressures of the modern ways. Education, once seen as a tool for enlightenment, now risks becoming a means for competition and status rather than for wisdom and service. Ironically, the curriculum also finds curated and aligned in that direction.
Unemployment and substance abuse further adds to the danger. With the growing number of educated unemployed and unemployables in the state, and the limited opportunities available, many youth find themselves disillusioned and depressed, and often drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. may serve as a way out of depression. Nonetheless, the dry state remains wet creeping into communities, eroding family and social harmony. These issues which finds connected with other larger issues constantly threaten to destroy the very backbone of Naga society especially the youth.
Furthermore, the Church once regarded as the moral compass of the people is losing the trust of the people along with its credibility. When faith becomes a ground for rivalry rather than reconciliation, it loses its transformative power. The Church must reclaim its prophetic voice, not as an institution of prestige, but as a conscience of truth and compassion.
In the face of all these dangers, Nagaland must reawaken its collective Naga spirit. The path forward lies not in mere political agreements, but in moral renewal, honest leadership, and unity of purpose. The younger generation also needs to rediscover pride in their roots starting from one’s mother tongue, also, guided by education that nurtures critical thought and ethical conviction. Civil society, churches, and traditional bodies must work together to heal divisions and restore faith in truth and integrity. A serious unlearning, repackaging is needed and for which honest dialogue towards understanding one another is imperative.
Considering the dangers confronting Nagaland today, it is not external, rather it is the erosion from within. However, there is hope and which lies within in the strength of its people, their faith, and their capacity to evolve and renew. Sooner or later, Nagaland must confront the dangers boldly, not with fear, but with conviction and unity of purpose. Time to awaken from the current dogmatic slumber.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
