What lies beneath?

Y Merina Chishi, Sema Tila, Dimapur

The peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) has been going on for a decade. The endless number of meetings that have taken place gives us a sense of hope for a solution to the Naga issue. But the complexity of the issue is more than what meets the eye and Nagas are unable to break away from it. With one triumphant account of peace talks, i.e. ceasefire, we are living in dispelling ignorance. We are squashed between what we ‘want’ and what we ‘need’.

It is not that I am not sympathetic towards the Naga issue, but I am more concerned about economic growth and opportunities .We are certainly not denied these opportunities but the mindset of the Naga youth are caught up in a web of uncertain choices. Everybody wants a taste of NPSC and its imbroglio is another saga altogether. Where are the avenues for this generation to step on? The cream of the society can find an alternative; how about the rest?

We are faced with more severe challenges than this unpromising crusade of tireless meetings. Poor health care facilities, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and factional discord, lack of infrastructure some of the problems to reckon with. We cannot afford to ignore these problems that plague our society.

Nagas are so desperate for achievements that the fly - over in Dimapur and cellular phones are so thrilling and over rated. For all its popularity about Bangkok and Amsterdam, we are so wasted. How far have we come and where are we headed?

We need to come out of this nut and deal with bigger challenges and shape out our model of political co- existence and economic growth.