DIMAPUR, MARCH 20 (MExN): A few years before the turn of the century, a few conflict resolution experts foretold that conflicts around the world would centre on tribal and ethnic lines. Bringing this into relevance at Dimapur today during the ‘Peace is Possible’ seminar organized by the Nagaland Social Forum under the aegis of NBCC and Christian Auxiliary for Social Action, Dr Wati Aier put up five points to address as challenges for peace in Nagaland.
He campaigned for the need to correct misconceptions and to reduce fears for reasonable discussions to take place, out of which “rational bargaining becomes possible.” “Misperception is stronger, more dangerous than bullets,” he quoted a retired Indian Army General as saying during a previous meeting. In the Naga context, negative misperception plays heavier than the positive, he added.
Outlining the need for understanding the cause rather than only focusing on the effect, Wati said, “Nagas cannot live on relativism; the truth has to surface.”
His third challenge was to open lights of communication by winning trust and by being faithful to duties. The ‘ontological finitude’, which seeks to propagate that all have fallen instead of pointing the finger on others, was also sought to be put into practice. To define the term he elucidated on how a perception is created “when you say Sema, Lotha, Ao…”
He put forward the proposal for the Church, peace forums and councils, or in other words the Naga intelligentsia comprising of not only the educated but those with ‘wisdom’, to come together to (re)define ‘sovereignty.’
NBCC General Secretary, Rev Zhapu Terhuja, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to healing and reconciliation. “The NBCC is convinced that the wounds must be attended to.” The Church also believes that “spiritual dynamism” should not be downplayed. It has sought feedback from the people on the contents of the booklet it had earlier circulated.
Discussions followed as people from various districts, including those from the grassroots, expressed their views. The seminar, currently underway at IMC Hall, concludes tomorrow.
