Time for introspection, Dr Jamir calls for reclaiming unity

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | May 2

Former Governor and veteran Naga statesman Dr SC Jamir today urged the people of Nagaland to reflect on their past, confront present challenges, and envision a united future, during the ‘Culture Connect’ programme which was organised by the Ao Youth Forum Diphupar, in collaboration with the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), as part of the Moatsü festival.

“This is one of the greatest opportunities for me to participate in Moatsü festival,” Dr Jamir said, as he reflected on the transformation of Nagaland over the decades—politically, socially, economically, and spiritually.

Remarking that the hills in this corner of India were “chosen by the Almighty for His own purpose,” he said, “I feel proud to be a Naga because we are living in a land specially blessed by God.”

He highlighted the arrival of Christianity in the Ao region through Dr Clark, noting its profound influence on political awakening among the Nagas. “No other tribes had political crises during the colonial rule, where the entire Naga people stood as one man. The cherished idiom of those days was ‘united we stand’,” he recalled, adding that violence should never be the answer, as “violence begets violence.”

He reminded the audience of the values envisioned by early Naga leaders—a land of Christians guided by “love, harmony, mutual respect, honesty.” For two to three decades, this momentum brought a sense of oneness. “The Naga people felt that they are one, that they are the children of the same God which was a sincere, genuine belief,” he said.

Dr Jamir acknowledged economic backwardness but stressed that “we had the Naga identity, the Naganess, and people were proud to be Nagas.” He described the Nagaland of the past as “nothing less than Switzerland of the East,” where people were “simple and honest.”
However, he expressed concern over today’s reality. “The kind of Naga world we live in today is very sad. The entire system has been destroyed because of our follies,” he said. He pointed to egoism and tribalism as divisive forces, lamenting that “today, people cherish the ‘divided we fall.’”

Paying tribute to past leaders like AZ Phizo and other Naga leaders, he recalled their selfless service. “AZ Phizo has never owned any vehicle, any house, nor Imkongmeren, Kaito, Sukhato…they gave their all for their people,” he noted, while witnessing today’s proliferation of groups, “so many presidents and commander-in-chiefs.” He asked, “Then where is the sovereignty?”

He challenged the younger generation to examine the authenticity of current Naga politics. “What kind of politics are we talking about, and what kind of freedom are you asking for?” he questioned.

Turning to national affairs, he reflected on a decline in parliamentary values. “During our time in the 60s… they used to talk about the country, international issues, country’s problems. But today, only quarrelling is happening.” He warned that this erosion has begun to affect Nagaland as well.

“We have two identities — Naga identity and Christian identity,” he said. “If we are strong… should we be afraid of those people? If you are strong, no one will touch you.”

Calling the Nagas a “chosen people,” he reminded that the land has been spared wars and natural calamities. “Is it not the blessings of God?”

He called for unity, to foster the spirit of oneness, and to forgive and forget. Polarising into one strong unit, he believed, would lead to peace. “Once this polarises, I am very certain that Nagas will have solution. Nagas will have peace. And Nagas will definitely rise again.”

Appealing to the younger generation he said, “Let us open up our mind and increase our horizon of vision. Otherwise, talking only about the past will not help Nagaland.” Citing his experience across other Indian states, he encouraged the gathering to adopt values of determination and hard work. “Let us imbibe those spirit in us so that Nagaland can shine.”