Factional clashes, killings, defections etc… was never known to Naga people during the early Indo Naga struggle for freedom if not mistaken. Though not a witness of the early struggle, the oral stories continues and today our morning news are so painful to read killing stories of own brethrens.
It is still remembered; the stories of some Naga elders and former freedom fighters deeply recalls, how they have to squash their blankets and light warm clothes repeatedly and have a sleepless nights in their camps during rainy season under a temporary tents made of green leaves and sometimes run for shelter under a big trees whenever their tents are blown off by heavy storms and winds. Early Naga Army never has with those of today’s modern weapons but the brave soldiers fought in unison fighting the mighty Indian Army, they were dependent on maize, millet, vegetables and wild green leaves, bamboo shoots etc…, medicines are not known to them, unable to visit or meet their families and friends, facing the cold chilling winds during winter without fire and warm clothing and dead bodies of some Naga sons could not be found.
Today, the old lifestyles of the Naga patriots have been replaced by owning modern and sophisticated weapons, varieties of hygienic foods, medicines, standardized camps, quality trainings, well equipped cadres etc…... Above all, one among the major developments in the history of the Naga freedom struggle that took place of our time is; the ceasefire between the Government of India and various Naga political groups, which brought us a tearful joy. This hard earned blessing inherited by our leaders must be deeply acknowledged with sincerity. But sadly it has happened to be one of the disastrous impacts as we could see today. It’s more or less like allowing us an environment to fight one another when someone watches peacefully. The meaning of ceasefire does not have its importance if there is killing.
If there could be honesty with each other, if there could be consultations within themselves, if there could be understandings and have mutual respect among various factions, there will be no crisis over leadership and there could be no defection. If all factions stop blaming one another and pay a heeds to the cry of the people who longs for peace; I hope this will be one of the successful developments in the modern Naga society. Fighting and killing own brethren should not be the objective in achieving the goal.
A modern Naga intellect should ponder as to how long are we continue to fight among ourselves, how long do we have to cry for peace, how long do we have to wait for solution. If we continue the same, I think we are going back to our ancestral days, divided Naga villages.
Let Unity and Peace prevail in our Land.
Lithsa
Kiphire : Nagaland
Tsointhe
Kiphire : Nagaland
