Nagaland- the land we call our home. We are indeed fortunate and blessed to call this soil our own. But, today, our motherland is in a state of serious disarray. I don’t know who is to blame for initiating the crisis which we are in now. And frankly, I don’t really care to know. What happened in the past doesn’t matter as much as what is happening today or what is going to happen in the near future. So, I don’t see the logic in letting the past poison the present and the future. And what is happening today? Killings, murders, extortions and all sorts of evil. I’m proud to be a Naga, but I’m ashamed of what is happening today.
There are certain groups who say that they are fighting for our freedom, integration and peace. Yes, I too want us to live freely--as one, in peace. But, I find it ver hard to support or believe any of the above mentioned groups. Why? Their deeds are quite inconsistent with their words. Freedom is the power or the right to act, speak and think freely. On one hand, they say they are fighting for our freedom. But, on the other hand, they don’t let us act, speak or think freely. Whether they admit it or not, they are of the notion that whatever they say or do is right and that we must follow them. How can they talk to us about our freedom when they don’t let us be free from them? They have made us fear them by threatening, and even killing, those who dare to speak against them. And, in my humble opinion, where there is fear, there is no freedom. How many of you can truly say that you can say or do something the mentioned groups don’t approve of, without being apprehensive? They also say that they are fighting for integration (of te Nagas and also of Nagaland). How an they integrate us when they themselves are fighting among themselves? They are the ones who are segregating and dividing us Nagas. Their blame-games are only getting us into deeper turmoil. And its quite shocking when they talk about peace. How fickle and cruel are they who say, “We are all brothers” and then kill their own brothers. So, you tell me - how can I, or anyone else, trust them wholeheartedly? I hope and pray that they change some of their ways and do what is best for Nagaland.
What is best for Nagaland? The people of Nagaland merging together as one and striving for peace. We must take a stronger stance against evil and evil doers. We just can’t sit and wait anymore. We just can’t whine and then wait for someone else to fight for or do what is right. We have the power to make Nagaland a better place. The lull which we are in now greatly upsets me. We are the ones who can, and will, determine the future of Nagaland. Our tomorrow depends on what we do or don’t do today. Wake up people of Nagaland. There’s no point in just sitting around and pointing fingers at others when things go wrong. We must speak up and do something before its too late. Nagaland will witness the most gruesome bloodbath if we just wait and sit and for time to take its own course. Nagaland will be the beautiful and harmonious place, we want it to be, if we stand up and make an effort. A free, integrated and peaceful Nagaland: Its not about Christianity or any other religion. Its not about the Sema’s or the Angami’s or any other tribe. Its about human beings. Its about the people living in Nagaland. Its about a Nagaland where people live freely as one, without fear. Its about the Nagaland where there is no bloodshed or animosity.
I have sent this letter to Nagaland Post, Nagaland Page, Eastern Mirror and Morung Express. This letter has touched upon some sensitive issues. And, as I said, there is fear in the minds of the Nagas. So, the newspaper(s) which doen’t publish this must fear the certain groups I’ve mentioned , because I don’t see any other reason for them to not publish this. I sincerely believe that many of you have the same thoughts as me. The only thing is that I’m one of the first ones to speak my mind and tell it like it is. Speak your mind and make a difference. Contribute in making Nagaland a better place -- the Nagaland ,you and I , dream of.
Theja
