A shared language of freedom, justice and development calls for a new paradigm of relations where decisions on human affairs are not based exclusively on State pragmatism and interests, but rather on the peoples’ political, social, economic and cultural realities in combination with their inalienable right to self-determination.
A shared language of freedom, justice and development is an integral part of a marginalized peoples’ struggle against exclusion from political power structure and a means to challenge the majoritarian concept of a society, thereby making it inclusive and participatory. This includes systemic changes to ensure the full enjoyment of rights and to have ownership over the lives and resources by all communities and peoples. Hence, a shared language necessarily implies that all human communities are in a constant state of evolution. Therefore, no one particular political structure, economic framework, social system, cultural deposition or ideology can claim legitimacy for itself while simultaneously failing to provide the democratic space for such an evolution.
The interplay of the three principles of freedom, justice and development can be sustained only with a commitment to inclusion, engagement and respectful dialogue. It, therefore, needs to be located within the framework of ethical responsibility and socially shared goals that respect the other. A shared language implies responsibility to the other in which the notion of shared future rests on a shared humanity. The values of freedom, justice and development which have evolved from a shared language are a step towards building a future based on mutual respect. Respect in this context means a reciprocal, shared, constantly interchanging principle that is expressed through all aspects of social conduct.
A shared language encompasses a wide range of inclusive values and aspirations and its praxis clearly depends on translations and interpretations of what it would mean locally. Since it is universal in scope, it requires specific articulation and a localized and culturally specific expression. This implies the dependence on contextual interpretation over time and space. Invariably a peoples’ aspiration for freedom, justice and development needs to be based and embedded in creating conditions that allow an inclusive and shared language to manifest. Hence, at this juncture when Nagas are grappling with issues that concern their future it will be worthwhile for the people to explore ways in which a shared language can evolve. Such a shared language will need to embody the values that are derived from the Naga worldviews. Ultimately they need to reflect the substance of genuine freedom, justice and dignity.
