Aaron Kikon
Unity is not cohesion of the like minded, rather it is the integration of diversity into a cohesive unit. It is an amalgamation of the different minds in order for each mind to develop and grow within the space of the integrated whole.
Unity as a concept has a wider connotation, than is generally taken to be. For instance, to coterie around only those who fall in the line of our thinking and interest within that compact whole may be a good pretension to a presumed unity, but I tell you, that is the beginning of disunity, because a wall has already emerged from within that compact whole. Unity is not a double standard concept.
God stands for love, peace, unity; yet man with all his insecurities and concerns, sticks to his interpretation of a part of the greater whole, resulting in divisions( denominations). Of course I agree that we have different ideas, tastes, interests and different perception of things, yet it is not unity to blend only with the like minded. Unity is about integrating all these into a compact whole, bringing about varieties in life and adding taste to living; the masalas of life. surely conflict will arise in such a state. My parents as sticklers to tidiness and order and me, a shabby, untidy fella, who most often even forget to shave, have our little wars, but that doesn’t meant that we don’t see eye to eye. We, as a family, share lots of intimate moments together.
The Nagas need unity. Now don’t get me wrong, but in our context when we talk of unity, instinctively the different factions come to our mind. Now I am not for factionalism, infact I cannot wait for the day all the factions are united for our cause. But I say the germs of division lies somewhere. How about this for raking up the brain: Generally it is seen that our underground officers go for security guards from their own tribes. It should be, after all it is a question of life and death for them. My question here is, WHY? Is it because of factionalism or that those from the other tribes are not competent and well trained? My friends there is deep distrust and insecurity. And just where do they stem from? Undoubtedly ‘isms’.
One of the greatest threat to unity or for that matter any organised institution or organisation is fear and insecurity. The Naga nation must embark on a trust building endeavor to save its rot from within. As W. Durant quoted, “A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.”
This is not the time for us to cry out for unity but to act on it. And this unity don’t start only from the different factions. It starts from you, your family and your neighbourhood.
Come together, let us save the destruction of our nation from within, to face the challenges of our enemy from without. Let us not be arrogant and adamantly stick to a part of the greater whole, leaving no room for the greater whole to exist. I am not the Nagas nor the nation. Together we are the Nagas and we are the nation.
Kuknalim.
