2012: Great Expectations

Morung Express News: With 2011 setting down, Nagas are looking forward perhaps the New Year would be better although the current horizon seems not so bright. Yet there are those who hope: some who are wearied, tired and angry of the endless violence and crimes want a political settlement; others wearied of corruption and mismanagement want good governance and so on.

Reconciliation, settlement, empowerment

 “… I am a very optimistic person. We cannot look at the present situation and be pessimistic. The world will have to go on and we have to keep on working,” said the Convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Rev Dr Wati Aier. On the reconciliation process, he said, “My expectation along the reconciliation process is ‘we are very hopeful.’”

Social worker Niketu Iralu says, “My expectations are that our leaders will work out a common position for negotiation with Government of India. A frank transparent process and involve the specific terms for negotiation with Government of India.”

All tribes and factions need to “sit down” and be “honest with one another.” Without it, there will be no reconciliation or settlement, he said. ‘A settlement should be brought about, which will be honorable for India as well as the Nagas.’

Advisor to the Naga Mothers' Association, Rosemary Dzuvichu said: “Unless we have good governance and less corruption I think Nagaland is not going to see many changes.” However, she said that she is hoping for a good accountability in governance and looking forward to women empowerment at least election of 82 women in 19 municipal councils which is a step forward for Naga women. In addition, she hopes for a solution to the Naga political problem.  

Founder and member of Youth Net Hekani Jakhalu, said she is looking forward  to see 2012 as year which will set a milestone in redefining development  and economy by young professionals. “There is so much energy and talent in our young people that it’s not only a matter of time that our young Nagas will translate this into reality.”

By the youth, for the youth

Front man of Divine Connection, Obed Kath, hopes that the youth will be given more platforms in various fields basing on their talents. Only then there will be change in Nagaland, he explains.

Musician Alo Wanth only wishes for peace, unity and justice in Nagaland.

Like many youngsters, upcoming artiste Alobo Naga said that the government has done much for the youth but he expects that it will do more in the coming year. “Youth are the leaders of today to pave way for the leaders of tomorrow.”

Voice of the youth

Watila Mollier: I wish for a Nagaland... where we, as Nagas, don’t have to live in fear of anyone when we speak our minds... where we are not afraid to stand and fight for the truth/for what is right... in short? more action than words...

Moa N Longchar:  I want a renaissance not only in my life as a person but all over the world as a humanity!
Along K Ao:  I wish for a corruption free Government in the land.

Amen Jamir: That we Nagas live up to d name… “NAGALAND FOR CHRIST”

Caisii Mao: A political settlement for the Nagas

Atoka Yepthomi: I wish Everybody… me no exception, but most of All, the Politicians and the Bureaucrats changed their Corrupted Mindset.  And that Justice, equality, liberty, and most of all Transparency in the induction Process of Government Offic… I don’t Want Sovereignty…as for now. I just want freedom from Our Leaders Underground/Overground Selfish Nature and Corrupted Mindset. Hope that is not too much to ask for. Long Live NAGALAND.

Kuku Nuh: Would like to see for better roads and electricity connectivity, more clean, safe water drinking supply, provision of better healthcare facilities, higher quality education, good governance, a healthy environment with peace and unity for the people to live in harmony and prosper.

Chundibo Kalengta:  All the factions together as one, no more forceful ruling with guns but with honest policy where every Naga is a Naga and brotherhood among all the tribes. Let Nagas be led by wisdom not raw force.

Bazo Kire: Peace is too vague and it might come only in pieces...if you can grant me a wish for the new year, I’d wish that most Nagas become conscious and responsible.