In the backdrop of criticism of US invasion in Iraq, an international conference on peace held in New Delhi recently to commemorate the centenary launch of ‘Satyagraha’ by Mahatma Gandhi has rejected “unilateralism” and also clearly sought ways to expose the futility of “violent and coercive means” to resolve conflicts. In today’s climate of fear and turmoil the need for creating a world free of terrorism, hatred and violence through dialogue and peaceful means as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi needs quiet reflection of leadership at all levels.
In the context of the Naga political situation it needs to be clearly foretold that violence and war do not help in resolving conflicts. To bring an end to the escalating spiral of violence and bloodshed that the Naga society is witnessing today, Gandhi’s non-violent approach has to be applied. Anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, who more than anyone in modern history, has witnessed conflict and peaceful transformation in his own lifetime, knows this truth. And by his own successful experience in South Africa, Mandela is counseling the world to reinvent Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent approach to solving conflicts. In Mandela’s own words, Gandhi’s philosophy contributed in no small measure to bringing about a peaceful transformation in South Africa and in healing the destructive human divisions that had been spawned by the abhorrent practice of apartheid. “In a world driven by violence and strife, Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence holds the key to human survival in the 21st century”, Mandela says.
For the Nagas, efforts for peace will have to come from within if at all the specter of violence haunting the people is to disappear. Naga leaders must reflect on the politics of peaceful negotiations. Gandhi’s basic aim was to find out how a law abiding citizen or group should resist constitutional authority and provided a definite guide for peaceful conflict resolution. Gandhi was aware about history where fighting evil with evil only accentuated evil and violence. In particular, the powerful message of Satyagraha—that no one is wholly right or wrong has to be ingrained into process of reconciliation in the Naga context. Such an attitude as practiced by Gandhi led to the conversion of enemies into friends and resolution of points of conflict into points of agreement acceptable to both.
It is therefore of immense importance for the Naga underground leadership to start relating to this profound message. Gandhi’s teaching has become more relevant for the Nagas today in order to resolve this internal conflict. Arms and violence cannot ensure freedom and peace just as consumerism cannot eliminate poverty. Corrupt money certainly cannot bring prosperity and happiness to society. Hegemony cannot foster fraternity or the equal respect for one’s rights. In the crisis that Nagas find themselves grappling with, Gandhi’s politics and principles deserve a prominent place.
