22nd April, 2007 is undoubtedly the darkest day in Nagas’ struggle for freedom. It is our 9/11.
It is our 9/11 because even though lives were not lost the repercussions of this day will be felt for years to come. It is our 9/11 because this conflict has the potential to split our National Movement wide open.
Let this strife be an eye opener, a time for very deep introspection. Let this strife be a time to dwell on our mistakes. Tangkhul Nagas have sacrificed equally if not more than other Nagas in our incessant struggle for freedom. But today, what Tangkhuls in the National Movement lack is tolerance and trust in others. By God’s grace, they were bestowed with leadership in the Movement but they frittered away the respect which the Naga family had for them due to their many reprehensible acts. Sadly, the action of 22nd April is the consequent result of a community’s angst and anger against their community. This harsh reality they have to accept and swallow hard.
However, it pains us no end to see the two leading tribes of the Movement – Sumis and Tangkhuls not seeing eye to eye anymore. Could this be the beginning of the end of the Naga Movement? Is this the end of an era?
In our haste, let us not forget that Tangkhuls have always been at the forefront of the Movement. It is our appeal that despite their shortcomings let them not be humiliated. Despite their failings, let us not belittle them in the eyes of other Nations. In our haste, let us not forget that during the dark phase of the Naga Movement in the 70’s, they provided leadership and sustained the Movement. In our haste, let us not forget that they too are Nagas who have sacrificed many a sons and daughters for the Movement. It’s all about the Movement, brothers. Imagine how the Army must be gloating at this turn of events. Come to think of it; how happy must be the Meiteis or any other peoples who are against the Naga aspirations.
But we will not let this incident destroy our Movement. Let us all learn from the mistakes of the past and move forward. Let there be forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us be magnanimous enough to embrace each other. It’s all about the Movement, brothers.
All said and done, where was the District Administration? I can understand the paramilitary and the Army not intervening but the role of the District Administration is suspect. The police (IRBs included) and the Magistrates were all mute spectators. They are all guilty of criminal negligence because they are under Constitutional obligation to protect the lives of its citizens – whether undergrounds or overgrounds. For more than 7 hrs (the destruction started at around 11 AM) they were at the site of the mayhem and they did absolutely nothing. Were they directed by the Home department not to act? If so, isn’t the Nagaland government directly responsible? If the District Administration could not control the situation then they had no business to be at the site.
I’m not supporting or condemning any community. But this strife is doing no good for the peace process. How a visibly stirred and shaken organization ( NSCN-IM) with a weakening base can bargain with the GoI is anybody’s guess. In the ultimate analysis, it is not about the Sumis or the Tangkhuls, but we Nagas as a whole stand to lose.
Our destination is so near and our Movement just too precious for tribal squabbles to destroy it and interfere with our destiny.
It’s all about the Movement, brothers.
Joel Nillo
