Charles Chasie
Various individuals and groups have already expressed their happiness, and gratitude, over the September 18 meeting of the top leadership of the NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and NNC/FGN (Shingnya) and also sent kudos to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). They fully deserve such commendations.
Most Nagas breathed sighs of relief that the factional leaders were finally meeting. This was the only way – to meet on a level playing field on the basis of give and take, forgiving each other’s aberrations because no one is perfect.
Till now such meetings have not been possible because the NSCN (IM) had wanted reconciliation on their terms – by other groups/factions joining them. It is a sign of maturity and statesmanship to be able to change one’s stated position and bowing to the will of the people.
There were some anxious moments just before the September 18 meeting when the NSCN (K) expressed their reluctance to participate. They too heeded the requests and appeals of the Naga people and finally joined the meeting again.
The September 18 meeting has, once again, raised the hopes of the Nagas that a solution to this protracted Issue may be possible at some future date, and, hopefully, sooner than later. The Naga people are the foundation and reason for the existence of the Nationalist groups. Their claims of representing the Naga people would become meaningless if they did not aver to the will of the people and instead tried to impose their wills on them. The factions/groups may have many differences, some seemingly unsolvable. While their difficulties must be appreciated, the more important issue is what the Naga people want and how the future of our people can be secured. As someone said, the trouble with points of view is that when you concentrate on the point, you miss the view!
The searchlight is now beginning to show on the other two NNCs, the Adinno and the Senka groups. Whatever their differences with each other or with other factions, they too must bow down to the will of the people for the sake of the future of our people. No faction can keep talking about having a mandate of the Naga people given over half a century ago. Situations change and what will be best for our people today must be the main consideration. The two groups too must join in so that the entire Nationalist/Underground groups could come together and speak with one voice.
I have added the term “Underground” above because there is also the “Overground” – these two really make up the two main political “factions” in Naga society. What one is sanguine about is that, at this time, the Overground, regardless of political parties, is favouring a settlement of the protracted the Naga Issue so that Nagas can plan their future and move on. They say there is nothing as powerful as an idea whose time has come. Perhaps, that time has come?
It would be incomplete without a word on the FNR. Such work as the Forum is carrying out is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. They have faced many difficulties and, surely, frustrating moments. But through sheer grit and commitment, they have plodded on and reached this stage of a possible break-through in the Naga impasse. There may still be miles to go but at least a “tunnel” has begun to take shape through which some light may begin to appear.
Some may have expected/wished more concrete terms of agreement from the meeting of the top leadership of the three factions. But it must be remembered that this is the first time these groups are meeting after so many years of fighting and killing each other. Personally, one is very happy that they have met unconditionally and have agreed to cease all kinds of hostilities against each other. The crucial point is that they have committed themselves to work out their differences. This is progress indeed. And thank/praise God.
The night of armed conflict for Nagas has been too long. All values and structures of society have been compromised or broken down. Our society has all the trappings of the modern world and has also adopted such lifestyles. But for all that we are really living a few centuries behind others where might is still right and where we still do not comprehend what democracy is or law and order. Intolerance is rampant. Wealth and status have become all-important in a society where wisdom used to be most treasured.
Nagas, especially the younger generations, deserve a chance to compete with others on a level playing field and to work out their future as they wish without a sense of disadvantage or being shackled. They deserve a chance to pursue their aspirations. The “night of the guerillas” must end. Love of the people is a necessary condition of nationalism. Those who fail to do so usually get booted out.
