The political dialogue between the NSCN (IM) and the govt of India has attained the highest peak beyond which there is no further step to climb. Unlike the approach of the peace talk of 1964, the approach of the Collective Leadership is dynamic and positive. As such, Naga problem is better understood and appreciated by the Indian leaders both in the ruling parties and opposition parties. The result is vividly evident that the govt of India has acknowledged the Uniqueness of Naga Political history. Also in the last round peace- talk ground has been gained by the Nagas that clear-cut understanding has been declared to the effect that “No Indian contribution will be imposed on the Nagas and thr NSCM (IM) will not insist on their proposed constitution.” This is a great leap forward in the political history of Naga freedom movement.
In the cease-fire of 1964 the approach of Federal govt of Nagaland was negative and rigid, making no room for bargain and adjustment. The Indian leaders could not understand the ground reality of the freedom movement. The Nagas were considered as savages crying wild in the jungle. The spirit of freedom burning in the heart of the Nagas could not be appreciated. So, the cease-fire bogged down with a jolt by the govt of India saying that all the Nagas rebels (revolutionaries) will be exterminated by the military might of India.
It may not be wrong to say that the policy of the Collective Leadership of NSCM (IM) is steady and tactful consuming lots of time. Many people without knowing the difficulties confronting them have criticized the leaders as having no wisdom to negotiate. A few days back the Collective Leadership was being criticized in one of the local dailies for having agreed to hold talk at Kohima on the ground that venue for peace-talk should be outside India as agreement signed. Leave it alone but peace-process will continue.
A fortnight back his Excellency Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu has issued proclamation, declaration and apology in the name of Almighty God to all Nagas and organizations for national unity and emotional integrity. This is very appealing and considered the right approach to national salvation. May God be pleased with him. Now one question arises in the minds of the Naga intellectuals and the general public as why not such statements are also issued by other factions and organizations in the larger interest of the nation. What we do want to-day is emotional integration of the nation to win the battle, lest we may regret.
Praise be to the wisdom of the GBs and DBs organizations which come forward very bravely in the right time advocating for peace pact amongst the revolutionary factions and the positive response from all the different factions is appreciated by the Naga nation. There is no greater joy than the news that Naga brothers will no longer fight one another.
Dear leaders and comrades-in-arms! We honor for your die-hard spirit of nationalism. We know, you are ready to sacrifice your lives for the nation; nay you have sacrificed your lives like our comrades and dear ones. You are saved and alive today providentially. Your names have gone down in the national book of record. Let the spirit of patriotism burn in you forever. May you live long!
One thing which the general public are confused and dismayed is differences and factionalism in the national movement. Faction in our midst is the creation and child of the revolutionary leaders. The general public simply follow you, swayed by your whims and commands. If the peace-process fails and our goal is not attained whom shall we blame. Will it be justified to blame the ignorant public? A time has come for us to recast our ways through self-examination without waiting for someone to point out our mistakes. Why not we forgive each other in Christian way ?
Sovereignty means absolutely authority which determines the life and death question of the country. There is nothing like sovereignty. Any state short of it cannot be called an independent country. For the sake of sovereignty many precious lives have been laid down. Still we are ready to sacrifice because we know full well that is our birth-right. Unfortunately, the Nagas had been handed over to the Union of India by the British when they left India and thereby the decision of the Union of India is one great importance. Our zeal and rights are to be appreciated and justified by India. As such, we have a heavy responsibility to convince India, through negotiation which is now going on. The Collective Leadership seems to be bending on federal structure relationship with India in consideration of the overall conditions of the Nagas and Union of India. So the advocates of Naga Sovereignty should, therefore, come forward with their formula and policy for public debate. The people then shall see as to how far they will be viable and acceptable to the other side. It is right time for us to talk frankly and honestly. Any wrong move fatal to the situation will be too costly. The contention of the NSCN (IM) is clear to the people. The other school of thought advocating for sovereignty should clearly explain to the people without reservation for verdict of the people.
Above all the facts mentioned above Nagas require unity and oneness. Blaming one another for this incident and that incident will not help us in this situation. When a woman committing adultery was arrested re-handed and was to be stoned to death Jesus intervened by saying “anyone here who has never sinned can throw the first stone.” Of course, all factions of the revolution have committed mistakes in different ways. No group or faction is right in the sight of God. Therefore, we ought to confess our mistakes so that God will bless Nagaland. In Lord’s prayer Jesus taught us saying, “Forgive us our sins just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us.” This clearly indicates that we shall not be forgiven if we do not forgive others. Then who is the righteous Naga leader who can stand before God without blame? Even Job who claimed that he was upright and without blame got ashamed and repented lying in dust and ashes when he saw the Lord (Job. 42: 5 &6). We do admit that we are sinners but we cannot forego the anger and bitterness in our mind against someone who wronged us. This does not please God. Jesus while on the cross at Calvary said, “Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing. Is it forgettable? Now is the time for national confession. Everyone big or small, army or civilian, leader or follower should confess. Then there will be forgiveness and love throughout Nagaland.
KUKNALIM
Ng. Muivah, Retd Lecturer
