Dr. Lanusashi Longkumer, a Lecturer at Lumami University says, “These days, it is common to find many people blaming the present generation for the ills plaguing our society like insurgency, corruption, or recklessness among the younger generation. However if we see clearly, we (the present youth) are the generation of the 60’s and 70’s. This was the time of extremism – insurgency was at its peak, the World War, .…. we are the offspring of that…. So until we realise the dignity of human life, we will continue with the recklessness…..” We have every right to fight for our birthright – to determine our future ourselves.”
With the developments in the state, and affinity towards western values/cultures the Naga society stands the risk of losing its identity and forgetting its rights. Kheshili, President of NMA believes that, “instead of exercising our rights we end up misusing them. Often, we do so out of ignorance or pressure. In our society, those knowledgeable about Human Rights should create more awareness among the ignorant group which comprise the majority.”
Nepuni, Secretary General, NPMHR, elaborates, “Human Rights, as I understand, is an environment in which every individual has the dignity to maximise his or her potential. When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was endorsed, the people from the so-called uncivilised part of the world were not empowered to partake in the decision-making of those very values that sought to uplift their dignity. The Nagas were part of this community that were excluded from the decision-making powers. So on this day, when we commemorate International Human Rights Day, it is very appropriate that the State and the people at the helm of affairs recognise the rights of the indigenous people.”
Nepuni adds that the recognition of the rights of the indigenous community at the United Nations is something that we positively look forward to. When one talks about Naga society, Naga polity, as such, is democratic. However, Nepuni says that “In many ways our tradition also excludes all who make up the society from being part of the decision making powers; for instance, though women’s role has been acknowledged – so far we have not empowered them, we have not given them enough space to be partners of the Naga community, to strengthen their aspirations. So Naga women are still lacking in responsibilities despite the strengths they have. Nagas cannot afford to say that their society is democratic when Naga women and youths are not enjoying their fullest rights.”
The future movement toward Naga empowerment of herself as a community would empower not just women but also youths and children. So we uphold that the struggle of the women, youth, and children stands for democratic participation in decision making. All these are very much a part of our Human Rights agenda. Nepuni feels it is time “to start legitimising the process of claiming human rights because in the past, our role has been in terms of educating people about their rights. We hope that the society, the churches and the various other platforms of our society will play a role.”
In an encouraging message to Human Rights activists, Keshili says, “To those trying to safeguard the human rights, even when there is threat to their lives, they should not be discouraged but keep on holding the fort for the less fortunate – they should keep on working for the rights of the people.”
