Valley Rose H Hungyo
Since many years I’ve been hearing that the northern parts of Nagaland state like Mon and Tuensang areas, the erstwhile NEFA are most underdeveloped and backward as compared to other Districts like Mokokchung, Kohima etc. Due to under development of the areas, the people are also not civilized. I also learnt that the pre-dominant tribe settled in these areas, the Konyaks are very fierce and they don’t like the Tangkhuls for a simple reason that their area is pre-dominantly controlled by the Khaplangs group of the NSCN who happen to be the rival of Th. Muivah who is a Tangkhul, also learnt that prior to the separation of the two underground leaders, there was no enmity among different communities, whether Tangkhuls, Sumi or Konyak or any other tribes. They were in harmony.
From the time of the unfortunate separations of the two leaders their supporters were also divided and the once upon a time good brothers and the best friends, became the worst enemies. Both groups started hunting each other and killing one another whenever and wherever they come across. This trend had continued unabated till date.
All these years, the common people have been kept under much pressure. Very often to do things under the diktat of the UGs wherever they have their control over the people. As a result the common people have come to think and speak that Konyaks and Tangkhuls do not like each other, they cannot see eye to eye. If they meet, they will kill eachother. No Tangkhul will dare to go to Mon area; the abode of the Konyaks and no Konyaks will dare to visit Ukhrul, the home of the Tangkhuls. If anyone venture out into the territories of the other he/she may not come back alive.
This was the common remark of many people including those who are in the top positions. I was also made to feel and belief that Konyaks do hate Tangkhuls. Considering the situations, I had a desire, a dream to go right into the heart of the Konyaks and meet them, interact with them, share pleasantries and hurt feelings with one another, talk about what we wish to happen in the future and plan together how we wish to build our land and our nation.
I had a feeling that if we the people interact better and more frequently, definitely we will be able to build up better rapport towards one another, bring understanding and trust towards one another so that love and peace prevail among the people, beginning between the Tangkhuls and the Konyaks and then to spread to all other communities.
Yes, this was my dream that I would make my physical presence amid the Konyaks sooner or later so that it will mark the beginning of peace between not only common people but also between the two rival factions of the NSCN through the initiatives and influence of the common people. I belief that it will come true because everything is possible when there is mutual trust, respect and true love for one another.
Before I set out my journey to Mon, I was reminded and warned by many people that the situation is tense and that Tangkhuls going there will not be welcomed by anyone. There is more risk than prospect. But my desire to fulfill my dream was a stronger force than to be afraid of any threat. So I and my companions decided to move ahead to Mon. initially, we were a bit concerned because we did not know the road. Moreover there was none to lead us. But after prayer and putting all our trust in God’s hands, we ventured out to the unknown world. Yes, it is only Nagaland, the land of my fellow Nagas yet it has been more foreign to us than any other country as we are going there for the first time.
As we drove along the N.H.39 into Assam and later taking the road via Golaghat to Jorhat, we were confused sometimes whenever we came across some road crossing. As usual, we enquired from the passers by the road we want to take, all the people were so gentle and directed us to the right tract. We drove along passing through several places of tea garden and tea estates, towns and cities.
When we reached Assam and Nagaland border called Namsa, I could see the differences immediately. There the people were dressed differently, the soft Assamese language turned to kuchha Nagamese, the faces were different and most of all, the houses made lots of difference. Most of the houses in Nagaland side of the border had thatch roofs and the walls are bamboos. Slowly we started driving uphill and as we went up higher, the whole mountain seemed to be covered by very thick fog. Driving through it was a challenge. I found that the climate and the vegetations were just as in my own place. The people there also have cultivated on the hills (Jhum) just like us. The crops grown on the jhum fields very much like ours. I felt as if I was going to my own village.
When we reached Mon town, we found that the town roads were under construction. It was muddy and slippery. We were received by a young man in the town and led us to the president’s house. As I got down from the car, I heaved a sigh of relief for we could reach there safe and sound. To our delight, Mr. Tiger Tingnei, an elderly man of above 70 extended his hand warmly towards us and introduced himself as the president of the Konyak Union (KU). He is the head of 3.25 lakhs Konyak population; two of the KU vice-presidents were also present with him. They were sitting at the outer part of the traditional Morung (Mens Club) where women are not allowed to enter (if any women enters the Morung a fine of Rs.500 is imposed). Mr.Tiger continuously chews pan/tamul.
To my pleasure, I found that the Konyak people are very hospitable. Immediately as we arrived we were served with a nice cup of tea and quickly followed by hot and delicious lunch served by Mrs. Tiger Chubala, the 1st Lady and another cute girl. After the lunch, many leaders representing the Konyak Mothers Association, Konyak Students’ Union and others gathered in the Konyak Union Office Hall for a joint meeting with us arranged by the Konyak Union.
In the meeting, our team members and other leaders exchanged views and concern for the Naga political issue. Everyone felt very strongly that the killing among Naga brothers in arms should be stopped at all cost, that inspite of the fact that several attempts have been made by different organizations in the past to unify the three groups, yet unsuccessfully, we must try to find new modalities to bring together through reconciliation. The leaders liked the ideas and concern shared by our team. Mr.Tiger Tingnei assured us of every possible support and co-operation from the Konyak to any move who works for the unity and progress of the Naga people. He said so on behalf of the 3.25 lakh Konyak population. That was really sounding like telling me that my dream will one day come true. The desire to pray for peace and unity of the Nagas in every meeting we had, assured me that God will surely listen to the cry of His Naga people.
Our team had the opportunity to meet some key leaders of the NSCN (K) group the next day (17/6) at their cease Fire Supervisory Board Office. When our team presented our vision and mission, the purpose of our visit to Mon, we were reciprocated in a warm and friendly gesture. They appeared very open and receptive to our suggestions. Even though they expressed their anger and dislikes towards the other camp sometimes, it was also true that they are also not feeling good about the killings among brothers. They also expressed that they ill co-operate to our vision and mission so that the now divided Naga family will come together once again and work together towards achieving our common goal. Before we departed from Mon, I got a pleasant surprise from one of my childhood friend who is married to a Konyak gentleman of Mon. we exchanged our long time sweet memories on phone. When I asked her ‘how are you doing?’ she said “I’ am living just as one of their women” (Konyak women). Yes, that is it. The message is, she was a Tangkhul, married to a Konyak, yet there is no difference between the two. As long as there is mutual love and respect towards one another, there is peace and harmony. No difference in looks, blood, issue or race. Even though we speak different languages, follow a little different customs and culture, all are human beings, members of the Naga family.
With this humble beginning the spontaneous and warm response from the people, I feel that it is not too far off to achieve my long standing dream. It will be possible, yes it will come true when all the people come forward and join hands to restore our lost peace and love all the Naga brothers and the whole Naga family.
Yes, the time will come to build up the broken Naga family into a strong and prosperous Nation through a wonderful grace and power of God when all the Naga brethren forgive one another, be reconciled and unite to work together as one.
Kuknalim
