Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is absolutely right when he said during a recent public function that “real progress and development can take place only if there is real peace, unity and understanding and that this is possible once the Naga political issue is solved”. The Chief Minister is rightly concerned on the pace of development, which he deemed as not “satisfactory due to the protracted Naga issue”. We do agree that the unresolved Naga political problem remains as the major road block towards the overall development and prosperity that is eluding our people. And therefore all of us should have a concern as also contribute in whatever way towards bringing a permanent political settlement. Off-course it goes without saying that the Naga political groups have enormous responsibility to make this happen along with the positive contribution from all other stakeholders whether it is the civil society, tribal bodies, the Church, State government, elected leaders, political parties etc.
Everyone of us in our own way are rightly talking about uniqueness of Naga history, the historical and political rights of the Naga people, peace and reconciliation etc. However all of us must clearly understand and also realize that merely espousing our aspiration is not going to be enough. The diversity of Naga groups and the plurality of opinions must now converge in a meeting point—leaving aside all our politics, power struggle, tribal enmity—and coming together for the overall interest of the Nagas. Convergence is really the key to unlock the disputes and complexity of our lingering problem. We need to unload the huge weight of burden and fear that we are carrying on our shoulders. This has only stunted our growth as a people in every aspect of life. For a people committed to Christ, nothing should be impossible, although it should be mentioned that we have utterly failed. At the end of the day, if Nagas are to resolve our problems there has to be convergence based on the principle of rational thought and action besides accepting the all encompassing peace and unity that comes from God.
Coming to the earlier comment of the Chief Minister about the protracted Naga issue, he went on to elaborate that “once the Naga issue is solved, investors from outside will flock to our land and only then will we see rapid progress and development taking place”. As already stated, resolution of the Naga problem is what we need to work towards. However, we must also use the present opportunities to create an atmosphere that is conducive for business and investment to thrive in. We cannot always use the Naga issue as an excuse to give up our current responsibilities. We owe it to our present and the many young men and women who have dreams to pursue like the rest of the world. However, they need a secure environment to thrive on. They also certainly do not want to pay exorbitant rates of extortion. We need to improve infrastructure—better roads, power and security. This means we will have to clean up the internal problems that have worked to the disadvantage of the Nagas. This we need to do regardless of the protracted Naga issue.
Everyone of us in our own way are rightly talking about uniqueness of Naga history, the historical and political rights of the Naga people, peace and reconciliation etc. However all of us must clearly understand and also realize that merely espousing our aspiration is not going to be enough. The diversity of Naga groups and the plurality of opinions must now converge in a meeting point—leaving aside all our politics, power struggle, tribal enmity—and coming together for the overall interest of the Nagas. Convergence is really the key to unlock the disputes and complexity of our lingering problem. We need to unload the huge weight of burden and fear that we are carrying on our shoulders. This has only stunted our growth as a people in every aspect of life. For a people committed to Christ, nothing should be impossible, although it should be mentioned that we have utterly failed. At the end of the day, if Nagas are to resolve our problems there has to be convergence based on the principle of rational thought and action besides accepting the all encompassing peace and unity that comes from God.
Coming to the earlier comment of the Chief Minister about the protracted Naga issue, he went on to elaborate that “once the Naga issue is solved, investors from outside will flock to our land and only then will we see rapid progress and development taking place”. As already stated, resolution of the Naga problem is what we need to work towards. However, we must also use the present opportunities to create an atmosphere that is conducive for business and investment to thrive in. We cannot always use the Naga issue as an excuse to give up our current responsibilities. We owe it to our present and the many young men and women who have dreams to pursue like the rest of the world. However, they need a secure environment to thrive on. They also certainly do not want to pay exorbitant rates of extortion. We need to improve infrastructure—better roads, power and security. This means we will have to clean up the internal problems that have worked to the disadvantage of the Nagas. This we need to do regardless of the protracted Naga issue.
