Shall we all ask ourselves the basic question of what “independence” really means? Does independence mean freedom from the dominance of other nations only or what does “Naga independence” actually mean?
Making allegations and counter allegations and recalling the past errors shall not serve the Naga political interest. Let us give a deep thought as to whether we want independence in the manner we are seeking now. The Naga National workers depict themselves confused of the cause they are fighting for, claiming own group genuineness for Naga political movement. Which puzzles an innocent/general public more; what are these all about? Do we really need independence by brothers killing brothers? Barrel of the gun pointed at us by our own fellowmen, who are called freedom fighters? Are our country’s defenders/army on the right track for the cause we have been fighting for?
Blood of countless Nagas has been shed in the name of Naga Political movement. Many judgments have been pronounced unilaterally and capital punishments awarded without giving an opportunity to the victims to defend themselves, which is against democratic principles and in utter violation of human rights. In many cases people are killed on mere suspicion and without proper verification of facts. Did all those Nagas who were killed by Nagas really deserve such severe punishment? No amount of condemnation through the media can bring back the lost lives, and the dead cannot rise up to justify and defend their rights or wrongs. In the end, the public at large is compelled to believe that the death sentence was executed in the interest of the Naga nation.
It is worth pondering, if we happen to achieve independence, whether we are going to be governed by a government which suppresses our rights and freedom of expression. Are we going to be ruled at gunpoint and are the Nagas going to live in fear of the Nagas even after independence? If the present trend is any indication, I doubt whether independence will give us freedom in its real sense.
The spirit of the people of Phek in the recent incident is commendable, where the public has unitedly fought against the anti-social elements. They have proved that the people’s sentiments cannot be suppressed by the power of the gun. This kind of situation is still inevitable and worse can be expected if the so-called national workers do not learn to respect the rights and freedom of the citizens. All Nagas should unite to protect Nagaland and fight for freedom from the dominance of other Nations and from those who attempt to suppress, torture, hamper, physically and mentally assault, and wish to eliminate us from our own land (Nagaland). Let every Nagas be a freedom fighter and may God lead us in this mission of freedom fighting for Naga Independence.
Kuknalim
M. Gwegantsu Naga
Kohima, Nagaland
