Along Longkumer
Consulting Editor
At a time when Nagas are pondering the future road map—where to go, what to do, how to do it and when—perhaps we need to look at other people’s inspiring stories about peacemaking, problem solving and socio-economic-political transition towards a future that truly encompasses democratization, reconciliation, rule of law and free enterprise. Kosovo as we all must have read about has experienced some of the bloodiest moment in recent times. Founded after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia two decades ago, Kosovo has endured war, genocide, apartheid and inter-communal conflict. Today it is slowly recovering as one the world’s newest countries and it can offer us valuable lessons in peacemaking and problem-solving. No doubt, Kosovo still struggles with the aftermath of the bitter and bloody war. Tensions continue between the various ethnic groups. Kosovo is known to be the poorest country in Europe and its economy has still a lot to overcome. Therefore if we compare, perhaps Nagas could be somewhat a little better off. Despite these challenges, Kosovo has been rebuilding their homes, roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure besides building a new state while striving to reunite the diverse social fabric. The process of state-building is almost completed and Kosovo is ready to move forward as an independent country.
Closely observing the Kosovo experience, we can learn some of the things they have tried to incorporate into their nation-state building exercise. Firstly, respect the rule of law. In several of our editorials, we have tried to inform, educate and communicate on this very aspect because we feel that this is something that the Naga people must start to value and cultivate because we are lacking in this. One of the problems may stem from the fact that we have multiple layers of authority and subsequently loyalty to many masters. Sometimes we don’t know who to listen to or obey. Then at the highest level of authority we have an official government and many other parallels. This may sound naïve or even idealistic but it is time for us to have a unity of purpose even with respect to rule of law or say taxation too. In fact the Naga people aspire for one nation, one government and one tax. Only then perhaps we may know what the rule of law is. Now it’s all lawlessness where might is right. We need to reverse this in our nation building efforts.
The second aspect is to heal the wounds of our bitter past. In South Africa, they had the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that examined the actions of both sides. Adapting to our own need we have the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) working with the various armed groups on a ‘Journey of Common Hope’ and towards a shared future. This process is vital for sustainable peace and a secure future for our own peoples. FNR’s effort must continue. Thirdly Nagas must realize that self rule or independence is not the end process but we will continue to live with our neighbors whether we like them or not. We can never be independent in the strict sense but we will need to have relationship and be interdependent. Fourthly, enterprise and free thinking must be encouraged if we want our potential especially of the younger generation to be fully realized. We need to pay our taxes to one legal authority. We need to move away from the era of violence, extortion, lawlessness to a new beginning of peace, strong work ethics, encouraging entrepreneurship and outmost respect for the rule of law. Side by side we need to inculcate democratic ideals as a way of life and strengthen our institutions for self rule.
(Feedback can be send to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)
