Some of those who voted YES had this to say:
• Tribalism is a curse for the Nagas which has divided the Nagas into 4 major groups: Tenyima, ENPO, CNTC and Manipuri Nagas. With this open polarization of groups it would be extremely difficult to work together in cohesion politically. Where is the trust existing politically? Is it there in the State govt? Is it there among the NPGs? Is it there among the NGOs? Everything is getting fragmented as there is absolutely no trust between any groups. For the Nagas, to stay together, Federal structure may be the best option.
• Yes. It's a shame that some of us think we are more Nagas than other Nagas. Before 1962, most of the tribes of eastern Nagaland were not part of the present Nagaland. They are not less Nagas before and after 1962. Nagas of Burma, Arunachal, Manipur and Assam have the same dignity as those from 50 year old Nagaland state. Naga national revolution spearheaded by NNC in the past and NSCN today made supreme sacrifices. Thousands and thousands of Naga blood/ lives have been sacrifice by those from present Nagaland and others for oneness of Naga identity politically. Negotiation with India is for all Naga areas. India has officially admitted and agreed through more than one Prime minister, the right of the Nagas to be one. A few retired bureaucrats (who have enjoyed the cream of all privileges at the expense of the sacrifices made by others) and tribal leaders with their own agenda (which is not National) should not belittle and undermine the sacrifices made in the last 70 years.
• Yes, tribalism has engulfed our society in such a way that that even politics is driven by the engine of isms. No wonder, there are many tribal patriots but little or less as Naga patriot.
• Yes. Yes tribalism is a curse for the nagas followed by the politician who decided the people. they show favoritism to own tribe. Why can we not have one people one nation one government? By election and not by guns.
• Yes. we have been blinded by tribalism. It was not like this before, but now some of these Underground government (UGs) and tribal groups are promoting tribalism through their propaganda writings. They dont understand that they are destroying Nagas for their own political agenda. Tribalism is the main problem today, and GoI is laughing at us.
• Yes. Formation of NTC and CNTC instead of reforming and strengthening NH have shown and promoted and paved the way for more tribalism. Recent similar formations of Kuki, Garo and others combine and a student body are examples.
• Yes but one of the main reasons as there are many others which afflict the political scenario in Nagaland. the misogynistic complex of the politicians, unreliability, money hungry, and many more are the main reasons. Tribalism is fueled by ignorance to create an aura around their own ignorance to show 'superiority' to others. It's just like the Emperor's new clothes.
• Yes. Tribalism was there, is here and will be there among naga. Often we try to fool ourselves by saying "we were United before and all that which I think is a lie. We were; like any other primitive society; fighting with neighbouring villages and yes even among the khels of a village. It is only after the coming of the British with its administration, education and Christianity that today we have come together as a state. However, this does not mean tribalism is not there. I feel we should accept this fact admit it but try not to use it in a negative intentions but use it as a positive way. There is beauty in diversity. Help each other for a better Nagaland. As for cohesion in politics; we have cohesion in that there is no opposition in our assembly (a record) which is an aberation to democracy because there is no discussion--forget about a "debate"(remember the 15 minute session.).Problem may be we are telling lies - tribalism is there but we think we can do away with it but we cannot. Therefore, let us live and enjoy the beauty of diversity.
• Yes, Ism is our weakest point that our opponents has analyst and notice it and they plays it which is unknown and unnoticed by mass.
• Yes. 16 tribes (MAJOR)speaks different language, this bearers blanks sensitivity of even the elite nagas. An extra-ordinary bond developed built in language and this ism is the cause of division on our naga society.
• YES! Tribalism is based on an irrational premise that blood (and culture) is the ultimate reality and the basis of all universal truth. This is not only based on ignorance but is also reflective of the predominance of a primitive and erroneous understanding in the tribal conception of reality and human nature. Tribalism is inconsistent with the modern scientific notion of the commonality of the human species. Tribalism, which is nothing but a most primitive form of racism, segregate people into groups based on the assumption that blood is the ultimate irreducible reality. This misguided metaphysical assumption, which inform a Naga's understanding of all ethico-moral and socio-political truths and principles, influences the way he interact with his fellow folks and with other tribal entities. When Blood is considered sacrosanct all political principles - justice, equality, cooperative existence etc. - are compromised. The fallout is a US vs THEM tribalistic socio-political arrangement characterised by magnified negative out-group stereotypes, culture of suspicion, morbid xenophobia, power politics filled with nepotism & favouritism, unproductive competitions and internecine tribal feuds. Tribalism has become a malignant growth that has pervaded into the deepest recesses of the Naga psyche. No socio-political interaction appears to be possible without the pernicious tribal mind influencing the process itself, very often with undesirable outcomes. It negates every rational thought and disengages human reason from all ethical principles that bind humanity together. Being based on the idea that the OTHERS is inferior to the US, it demeans and belittles the 'OTHER'. While tribalism may gives a false sense of security and superiority, it infects the person from the inside, and the toxins that are generated defile the very human essence, eventually degenerating him to the level of an animal. Tribalism is based on superstition and is immoral. It has no place in modern society. If Nagas wish to live in an enlightened society then we have to eradicate the evil of tribalism once and for all. We need to practice tolerance, foster communication and understanding, celebrate diversity, inculcate enabling principles of modern democracy, advocate peaceful co-existence and treasure the enlightened idea that humanity is one. We need to understand that tribe, caste and race are nothing more than social constructs that can be dismantled by putting human reason to use. Stereotype is not the truth. Color is not the reality. Blood is not ultimate. Tribal identity is not one's essence. Tribe is not a god. Say no to tribalism.
• Yes. Are there Jew and Gentile Nagas? If so, which one are you?
• Google the word "tribalism" and read in the Wikipedia. Tribalism is linked with the mindset that the tribe s/he belongs is superior than others and therefore deserved more privileges. In the third millennium, over two thousand years after Christ came to the earth, tribalism still exist among some Nagas (not all). Even in Africa, the menace of tribalism is largely on the wane.
• Yes, we nagas are so egoistic. When we don’t agree with someone’s view, we go and form our own organisation/union. This is what is destroying the Nagas. We are all selfish.
• Yes. The greatest legacy Nagas were handed down generation after generation is COURAGE and DIGNITY. A Naga who walks barefoot with a dao in hand in the remotest village or a Naga living in New York or Singapore have the same pride and dignity of being a Naga. That is why the British and the Indians could not subjugate Naga people. But Nagas are also under a spell. That is, having different tongues. That is why Ao, Angami, Konyak or Sema whether in Kohima or Dimapur will continue to socialize and worship on their own. This may go on till the second coming of Christ. So the devil comes to you not in the form of a snake but "tribalism" to wreck havoc among the Nagas.
• To fight the evils of tribalism, group discussions at local and students gatherings should not be confined to a single tribe. If we cannot come out from the cocoon of our kinfolk, building Naga Nation will take another 100 years!
• Yes. Because of the disease of tribalism, Naga politics is like cooking elephant meat or boiling rhinoceros skin. Unless we take bull by the horns to eradicate the disease called tribalism, we will remain miserable in our own pits. Do not blame India or Burma.
• Yes. Rani Gaidinliu was baptized by an Ao. But because of tribalism, a few Nagas could not forgive her. But the greater question is : Did God forgive her?? After, after you are buried and returned to dust from where you came, which tribe you belong become less important. There are greater issues for Nagas beyond tribalism.
• Yes. After the first world war, Nagas who returned from France felt the imperative need to build a strong Naga Nation to survive, and to protect our way of life, faith and economy. If tribes and the half naked festivals and dances are so important, let them exist in their own villages and within it own tribe. Naga struggle is not tribe versus tribe.
• Yes, tribalism has engulfed our society in such a way that even politics are driven by the engine of ism.No wonder, there are many tribal patriots but little or less as Naga patriot.One may say so but hardly it is.
Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
• No, Tribalism does nothing sorts of that division. Lack of awareness, lack of awareness leads to hatred, hatred leads to division, division abolishes unity. Also Indian politics divides the Naga society. Today the Naga society exists as a victim of the Indian and Burmese suppressive politics. Solution- reunite all the Naga and the factions of the Nagas and libration from foreign rules.
• No. Its not the "main" reason but one of the reason. Politicians selfish attitude is the reason for tribalism
• No, tribalism is symptom of corruption.
• Not exactly! The primary cause lies in egocentric mindset based on money and other material riches.
• No, our society has become corrupt.
• No. A time will come when Naga Hoho will not be represented by tribes. But through districts. Tribes should be confined to the districts where the tribe originated. For if tribalism is allowed to permeate, it becomes like meat half cooked, with blood still in it. Unpalatable!
• Media reports say there are 155,000 unemployed youths (but employable) in the state of Nagaland. A few openings have also been filled through back door and front door. How many Rongmeis are there in Nagaland and how many of them are seeking jobs under Nagaland government? How many employment opportunities are going to be generated through the Framework Agreement? Are we heading back to the survival of the fittest? No, the current talks is not only for the militants of all hues, but for all the children of all tribes for the generations to come. Ergo, all must joined in the collective dug -of -war with India. There cannot be greater folly than fighting among ourselves.
• No. Rabindranath Tagore talked about "Narrow Domestic Walls" that separated Indian society. He got Nobel prize for his thoughts. But Nagas must build the Great Wall of China encircling all respective tribes. Only then we will be secured.
Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
• For some, small hate politics (read politics of division and tribalism amongst Naga society) has become their bread and butter. It is sad. I hang my head in shame.
• Once I heard a man say that tribalism flows thicker than the blood of Jesus in Nagaland... When I contemplated on this words it seems to be true.. Not that I don't believe in Christ but looking at the situation in our lim the people are not willing to let Christ's blood wash our tribalism so you can judge by yourself.
• When people see no hope in ... the good also want to turn into worst being.
• These subject is extensive and needs much more than a few lines to explain, but yes tribalism is an issue in nagaland. Although it's not wrong to have a sense of belonging to one's tribe, there is corruption born out of tribalism wherein people use unfair means to empower their own tribe. And some even have negative feelings towards other tribes, which makes cohesive work next to impossible. We really need to look at the bigger picture, and I think our churches is the only one that can do something about it, because political leaders can't, or rather use tribalism for their own profit. There are many problems in our society and love of money is probably the biggest issue. However according to the subject, tribalism is one of the main reason for division in our society.
• I don't think tribalism is the main reason. The lack of political cohesion lies at the grass root level. Each individual should think and act not only for his tribe but for the whole society/tribe.
• My village is in Manipur. I still remember, a brave man from my village joined NNC in 1957.Later many followed. All the fightings and lives laid down were not for the present Nagaland gifted by Nehru to quell Nagas struggle for self determination. But the spirit of Naga Nationalism could not be wiped out. Now there is a hope that things will be better for all Nagas, after so much struggle and killings, more among ourselves. Tribalism is the last thing to be discussed in the public discourse. Tribalism is taboo.
• If Nagas of all tribes from Arunachal, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland are truly concerned for the general well-being of all the fraternity, then prove yourselves!! Bigger tribes like Ao, Sumi, Lotha, Tangkhul should help one hundred students each from the Nagas of Burma to get proper education till college level. Smaller tribes can help 50 or 30 each every year. This will be coordinated by leaders, hohos and students unions from eastern Nagaland. Thus in ten years, 10,000 students or souls from Burma side will be benefited. I heard Chakhesang as also about 500 qazetted officers. Thus by helping each other, there will be uniformity, political cohesion among the Nagas. Naga areas of Burma should not remain a hiding place of all Northeast militants. Look East and Act East within our own Naga fraternity for LASTING PEACE.
