Some of those who voted YES had this to say:
• Yes. but it will take some time since we have deeply seeded in the culture of tribalism, factionalism and corruption lets wait for the saturation point of social revolution.
• Yes. It is sad but true that only forty percent are enjoying the fruit of the sixteen point agreement and the statehood. Many are suffering like bad roads and no roads. e.g. Longleng National Highway 72.Unscrupulous public leaders and retired bureaucrats are leading us astray into some abyss. Need to come out of this quagmire. Think, think and think sagaciously to solve tribal mindsets. At last we only have to blame ourselves, not others.
• Yes, young people can rise above factional and tribal politics. This also means the young people have to rise above Nagaland state, it cannot be avoided, because tribalism and factional politics is driven by it.
• Yes. Though, unfortunately some so-called elders and intellectuals continue to sow the seed of tribal discord, the younger generation are realaising its futility, since the common aim is to build a compact Naga national organisation encompassing all Naga community big and small. The problem continue to brew more at the tribal hoho levels NOT the students unions level.
Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
• No not until we get rid of old conservative egotistical leaders who are hell bent on dividing the Nagas for their personal agendas.
• No. Any semblance of inter-tribal friendliness or affection is nothing more than an illusion. A Naga tribe's identity is still defined by primitive values such as group loyalty, respect for tradition and tribal pride. Subscribing to such values only creates distrust, animosity and bigotry. Unfortunately, in spite of modern education and exposure to the outside world young people are not able to escape from these disabling cultural influences. The situation is all the more aggravated by tendencies of tribal elders and leaders (including student leaders) to manufacture out-group threats to suit their narrow interests. Tribal identity need to be seen NOT as some rigid characteristic that is defined only by one's blood but as an essence that can assimilate other cultures and evolve into a trait that contains a willingness to embrace the enlightened notion that the whole of humanity is one.
• No! Just see how infested it is with tribalisms, the discussions in the Naga FB pages and blogs... We get a very clear picture of how brainwashed we are of tribalism when we go through the comments of the young Nagas in various social platforms
• No. They have not received basic education till now.
• No. Infact, the younger generation is more tribalistic, the feeling of "my tribe, your tribe, that tribe" has been deeply entrenched n reinforced. Tribalism cannot be undone in Nagaland.
• No. The younger generation has lost its roots. They don’t know who they are anymore.
Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
• If all rusted money mongers retired and young faces replace them, Nagaland can no doubt glow...
• This has been an agenda and talk for all of us but when it comes to practical it's not working, except for some few. Something that take us closer to 'ism' rather than from away is because many people today take our similarities as our differences therefore which we have a dozens of organisations and parties in our society. Everywhere in our society we don't find a single common platform for all the Nagas, everything is divided and grouped. Such is the trend our society is in. Sometimes we also talk about such organisation or union or group are for the welfare of the people and infact it is true, it act as a guardian of the people in all times and situation but do we ever ponder about what kind of impact does it gives to our society in general today. Let us not take ourselves for granted. Just think about the students activities in the colleges and educational institutes, such things like an alliance or faction is deeply rooted in the mind of people as many take that it shapes their policies and plans better and such is the time when we failed to keep our unity alive. And except for those who secretly do or act justice violating the norms of their own tribal bodies. And these are the people who get the whole blame and considered as a betrayal to their own tribe men or women. Anyway let us appreciate them for their truth and honesty! There are some who are working on it with full commitment but i think we still have a long way to go because many do not want to give up on it. Seems like even our leaders and elders show no interest on this matter. Hope and pray that we win over 'ism' one fine day.
• How many Naga factions are there? Which factions are committed to Naga political solution and for the whole Nagas? All the factions have their own supporters regardless of which faction is. Answering the above questions will help the people to understand how the Nagas are divided based on factionalism and tribalism.
• Tribalism is our color, our true self, our identity, our life n breathes....etc. and etc. We can't shed it if it is removed we won't b a tribal people. So, touch it not n keep it as it is.... Instead of it let's try to look at it positively or let's redefine it differently by transferring our obsessed love of our tribe to our intense love of our Naga Nation. Then Nagalim ll have 100% patriotism n it ll come out as a strong nation. That ll b realised only if we have the desire to live as a PEOPLE. To live as a people demands for individual sacrifices. Those sacrifices are none but giving up of our obsessed love of our own tribe and loving the notion of Naga Nation above everything.... The toughest part in every nation-building.
