PG Banerjee
Dimapur
The first regional party of Nagaland, ‘Democratic Party’, was formed on October 21, 1963 under the chairmanship of late A Kevichusa at Kohima with a group of Naga leaders. The main aim and objectives of forming this new party were:
1. To act as a facilitator or bridge between two contenting parties- the Government of India and NNC
2. To shift political power from the power of bureaucrats to democratically elected people
3. To preserve Naga identity, culture, Naga customary laws etc
4. To set up a pattern of administration best suited to all the tribes
5. To form a lasting good relationship with the Government of India for a permanent and honourable solution of the Indo-Naga problem through reconciliation.
During the formation of the Democratic Party, A Kevichusa and his friends decided on the motto ‘Fide Non Armis.’ This is a Latin word that means ‘by faith and not by arms.’ They believed that only faith can solve this problem. Not arms. Government of India and Nagaland need to have faith on each other. To achieve this faith, Nagas need unity first and Government of India needs sincerity.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio rightly said that Nagas will not progress as long as they are divided. Before the final solution of Indo Naga people Nagas should come to a common platform under one umbrella. What I feel is that if the Government of India and the Nagas, having faith in each other, try for a settlement that will be an honourable, acceptable and final settlement for contending parties – the Government of India and the Nagas.
As Kevichusa and his friends rightly said, faith is the only answer to this problem. But no arms.
