Charles Chasie
D’ Block, Kohima
The last few days have brought back memories that one has been happy to let go. There was a time, especially before the turn of the century, when daily fratricidal killings had become normal in Naga society. “Who and how many would be killed today?” was what came to mind as one got up in the morning! But no one dared to speak up lest they became targets themselves. The Naga Mothers Association did much to oppose and quell the fratricidal killings. But the climate of intolerance did not fully die down until the work of reconciliation began, and especially until the Forum of Naga Reconciliation managed to bring the different factions together across the table.
In a democracy, differences of opinion are natural, even healthy. They help to bring out the best options available. But to try to stamp out those who oppose us is not only unhelpful but also harmful and destroys the fabric of society. In a society like ours, with all our differences and divisions, intolerance is fatal and suicidal. And all of us must do our best to keep intolerant instincts and tendencies at bay.
And so, the happenings of the last few days are alarming. The threat to Rosemary Dzüvichü has received the most visibility because of who she is and the support she has begun to get from various quarters. But, just from what I have seen in social media, a Lotha man was found dead in Kohima with a hand gun near him (suicide or execution?), as well as threats/warnings to a Chakhesang man and another Angami woman. The language used in the case of Dzüvichü seems to suggest the person comes from a sick family/society. These are things that our society cannot afford to allow to happen again. We must all do our best to do away with these as soon as they arise.
It is not only democratic but also a sign of our maturity to allow others to express their opinions just as it is important for us to express our opinions. We may also argue our points of view but to try to suppress someone from expressing their view or to punish them for doing so is both harmful and negates the possibility of co-existence. Even pragmatically speaking this is important. Take an easy example in the Naga case. Nagas, on the whole, feel they are not Indians and their history seems clear as they declared indepence before India and Burma formally became nation states. Suppose Government of India was to suppress Nagas from expressing their opinion? It would be a form of oppression!
Everyone is looking forward to the day when the Naga Issue would be finally settled. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation has made some remarkable progress in bringing together Naga society. This is the time to strengthen the work of reconciliation, not to bring division again or to be side-tracked by petty differences. Modi and the BJP have the required numbers in parliament to settle the Naga Issue if only they have the political will. Let us give our people a chance for peace.
