Developing a Naga Model of Co-existence
The official stand taken by the ruling Naga Peoples Front (NPF) that the September 1, 2012 Dimapur ‘rampage’ “cannot be termed as Tribal or communal conflict”, is bizarre to say the least. While it is convenient to blame “some misguided, unscrupulous youths” for the rampage and vandalizing of properties of which the “Niathu Resort, Noune Resort and T.K Service were the main targets”, as stated by the NPF statement, it is disappointing that a political party like the NPF has failed to grasp the seriousness of what happened especially on September 1. If it was not a tribal clash and the damage done to properties was not along tribal lines, perhaps the NPF should enlighten the public. As rightly mentioned in a recent write-up published in the local dailies, we need to call a spade a spade and not try and bury our heads as though nothing has happened. Yes majority of Naga people, whichever tribe you may belong, would never subscribe to such behavior along communal or tribal lines. And it was the good sense of these sane elements, which was able to calm the tension and anger around on that day. However the small group of people (if you want to call it that) who took to the streets on September 1 and caused harm and damage, they did so because of the virus of tribalism that exists in our Naga society. If we are honest to admit our problems, then it gives us the opportunity to find ways and means to fix it. We can also ensure that such things are never repeated in future. The peaceful co-existence of the diversity of Naga tribes must be guaranteed if we want to live and let live. But if we are so blind to what has happened and we try to hide it or brush under the carpet, we are only fooling ourselves into accepting that all is well when it is not the case. Instead of running from the truth as the NPF appears to be doing, let us be prepared henceforth (with the right tools and skills) to neutralize the deadly virus of tribalism as and when it raises its ugly head. But we can do so only if we admit our problem in the first place.
We can learn something from Indian history where it was the communal ideology which finally led to the partition of India and Pakistan along religious lines. The ideology that people belonging to a particular tribal lineage or region have separate social, economic and political interest which is incompatible and even hostile to those of others is very dangerous and Nagas must not subscribe to such dogma. The vandalism that took place targeting business establishments just because they happened to belong to a particular tribe or the killing and injury caused on September 1, they are all very wrong and the Morung Express condemns it. It is a matter of concern that there is the reiteration of the old dogmatic belief of ‘we’ and ‘us’ and such beliefs are becoming more pronounced even though we all talk of peace, reconciliation, unity and a shared future. We need a strong Naga civil society to absorb the ill effects of tribalism, which if not contained will remain detrimental for our peaceful co-existence. It is not only factionalism but tribalism as well, which can cause severe damage to our common Naga identity. We need to create a Naga model of co-existence based on the principle unity in diversity. And that is the reason why it is vital for us to nurture and strengthen some of our pan-Naga organizations like the Naga Hoho, Naga Students Federation, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Council, NBCC etc.
