Atsung Imchen
Kohima
Now that the 10 days merry making is over, let’s do some serious talking.
Hornbill festival from its inception in the 2000 was not as glamorous as it is today and definitely less influenced by western touch, a sore sight for sure (those dances and songs that has no traditional meaning). From a suggestion for winter carnival by Beauty & Aesthetics Society of Nagaland (BASN) to the government adopting the idea and turning it into an event that we know today. It was to celebrate all the cultures of our people together in harmony and to strengthen the feeling of oneness and unity amongst us.
There was no link with any existing Indian festivals or Indian political events where the formalities that ideally are respected and followed during such Political events like the Indian Independence Day, Republic Day etc. needs to be adhered.
So, why are we asked to sing the Indian National Anthem? Does the Govt of Nagaland led by the chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and along with the tourism minister Temjen Imna Along unaware that there is an existing conflict between the Naga’s and the Indian Government? Did the Govt of India share the Solution to the Indo-Naga Political conflict and is it already accepted? To be fair, if it has to be part of the Program so be it, then why not include the Naga National Anthem/State Anthem too?
The Sentiments of the Naga people should be respected. Even when the Prime Minister of India visited Nagaland to grace the Hornbill Festival, he spoke in English and of course played with some words in Nagamese. He could have easily chosen to speak in Hindi but though English is not his first language he made the effort. That’s because he understood the difference and by doing so, acknowledged the fact that he is in a place that is historically sensitive. And it’s absolutely idiotic to see our own Naga Politicians ignoring that.
Let’s not forget, we have an unfinished business with the Indian Government and regardless of how much effort “some” Ministers invest to try and make us forget our history, unfortunately it won’t happen. They can speak in Alien tongues, sing Alien Songs but we the Naga people are yet to find a settlement and the Indo- Naga Political conflict should not be used a stepping stone for those Ministers to attain their goal and ambition.
Similarly for all the tribal Hoho, Ao’s, Angami’s, Sema’s, Konyaks, Lotha’s etc. If the sentiment of our people is not respected by the Govt of Nagaland, why do we have to grace a festival which has been hijacked for political purpose? I remember one incident in Dimapur, I don’t recall which tribe it was but one or more individuals were made to apologize because they wore a traditional Shawl in an event for LGBTQ+.
So why not oppose wearing of the traditional attires (which represents the tribe) when we are made to sing an anthem alien to us? Have the tribal Hoho’s received and accepted the Indo-Naga Political Solution? If they want to sing an Alien National Anthem, let them sign without the tribe representation, no? One cannot pick and chose the situation based on convenience. I am hoping next year, if the organizers still ignore the sentiments of our own people, you as the tribal Apex bodies will forbid anyone from representing your tribe?
The Naga Political Movement is not a choice, it’s our right. So, until the time we have a solution acceptable to our cause, respecting the Sentiments of our people is paramount and the people in the decision-making bodies whether it’s the Government of the day, underground or the tribal Hoho’s should be mindful of how they navigate these sensitive topics.
Overall, stop politicizing and hijacking the Hornbill Festival.
