Kudos to The Morung Express for carrying an exclusive article yet again, (albeit relegated to an indifferent 'Public Discourse' column at the back pages where people probably overlook), entitled "Errors And Omissions...In The Name of Nationalism" authored by one Robert A. Silverstein (henceforth referred to as Mr. R.A.S). This chap had earlier written an article entitled "The reality of Naga Nationalism" which too had been published by The Morung Express on April 5, 2016 and aptly responded to by Atsung Imchen on April 9, 2016. This 'apparently well qualified and well informed' gentleman has raised contentious subjects beyond his effort to critically analyse what Mr. Kaka D. Iralu has written in his book "The Naga Saga" that he had had the opportunity to read. I have no immediate inclination to endorse Mr. Kaka D. Iralu's historical point of view concerning the Nagas Political Movement but the general peripheral conclusions delivered by Mr. R.A.S thereof by extension is highly unpalatable. The air of arrogance of Mr. R.A.S that truly reflect the Indian perceptions is thoroughly debatable and insulting to a common Naga and being reminded of the usual historical Indian attitude of looking down on the Nagas as an unequal sub-human being is intolerable. Let me very bluntly state that the Nagas are certainly not an epitome of corruption less goodness...but which civilisation is? ... One solitary instance of India corruption/ scams that runs in multiple billions of rupees that would have seen through the problems of a small State like Nagaland for fifty years has been hitting the daily news, is a forgivable Indian default while the Nagas corruption on a 0.1% annual State budget allocation in comparison is not?! Mr. R.A.S has dared to throw his gloves into the ring. I more than "feel up to challenging the things" he has said. Why wait for July...come to Nagaland 'yesterday' instead and we can have a very public debate, whether Mr. Kaka D. Iralu responds to your challenge or not! I too was a Senior Indian bureaucrat but still am a warm blooded Naga, having personally seen the river of Naga blood flow in the Hills of the Naga Country caused by the Indian Army that you underwrite as irrelevant perception of the Nagas and I am game to take you on any day.
Khekiye K. Sema IAS (Rtd) Upper Forest Colony; Kohima; NAGALAND!
