Niekhoto Curhah
Assistant Professor, Capital College of Higher Education, Kohima
It is astonishing to see the amount of Indian flags flying across the state. Nowhere, have we seen in our history, the mass participation, rallies and procession to celebrate the Indian Independence Day in Nagaland. The targeted 4.5 lakhs of flags to be ensured to placed every nook and corners of the state, by Rio’s government and the utter silence of the Naga National workers and civil societies on this issue raised the question as to whether the Nagas had already conceded their defeat to the Government of India.
On an interesting note, the facts that the Nagas never contribute a thing in the India’s struggle for freedom and had not participated in the making of India’s constitution bewilder me as to why are we celebrating something which we did not achieved. On contrary, we were fighting against the GOI when they hosted their first tri color flag. Besides, we have our own history and our own flags to hoist. These are facts that cannot be changed in course of time. Moreover, in the middle of the negotiation for a separate flag and constitution, I am baffled by the contradictions of the stance of the legislators. Judging on the contributions of the state government in the 75th celebration of Independence Day, they had forfeited their rights to participate in the negotiation for Naga political solution.
At the capital, a glimpse of hope was spotted when the taxis hoisted the Naga flags in their cars until they were ordered to take it down by the police. In this bizarre situation, the taxis had gain more respect from the people than those clown, administering the state. Judging at the laws and regulations passed by the administrators and bureaucrats across our state with their ill-informed knowledge, they might have a lower IQ than a taxi driver.
From once being feared by the mighty British to becoming a mere puppet of Delhi, we have lost our sense of integrity and honor. Our culture has been invaded by an alien force. The British, during the colonial time, having aware of the pure and distinct Naga culture, protected us from the influence of Hinduism by introducing Inner Line Permit which also helped to prevent dilution and disruption of the Naga culture. However, it appears like we had corrupted our own culture by trying to blend in with the western and Indian culture. The fact that a communal party, such as BJP is gaining momentum in a Christian state reveals the decline of a culture, a culture of honesty and reputation.
National flags are patriotic symbols. Thus, compelling to hoist the Indian national flag across our state and organising rallies and procession in the middle of negotiation for a political solution is a show of provocation. However, I highly doubt to see any reactions from the Naga national workers, NGOs, tribal leaders and student bodies. Perhaps, Phizo’s dream of “to be Man among men and to be a Nation among nations” might be slowly fading away.
.JPG)
