Nuklutoshi
My fellow Naga citizens,
I would like to draw your esteem attention towards a slogan from the core of my heart to you all. This article is neither in favour nor against any individual or group but a modest point of view which I feel will facilitate an itinerary in our strive towards a permanent solution in the Naga political issue. However, if this article hurts the sentiment of any individual or group, I will oblige to rectify the imprecision.
For quite a long period there was an agonizing feeling in the minds of the Naga people till the recent historic event of the top Naga political leaders who signed the covenant of reconciliation on September 18, 2010. It is hoped that a prospective and colossal change will evolve through this event in the history of the Nagas. The leadership of various Naga political leaders is highly appreciated for exhibiting their sense of sincerity and commitment in the struggle of common hope. They can be rightly called germane leaders of the Naga people. The event shows that we are all proud to be Nagas and are willing to sacrifice our differences to save the future of the Nagas from destruction. Creating space for reconciliation may mean hope for ending a vicious cycle of violence, hatred and hardships.
The ugliest part of Naga freedom struggle was the enmity between the Naga brethren. However, lingering in the past bitterness will always deny precious opportunities which will be our own foolishness. Given the historical juncture today, to talk of any prejudices or enmity will only create an unredeemable political saga. It is not a time for such differences and indeed September 18 had transcended the past dark history. Let the past history be it. The most pressing concern of the day is whether we want peace to live without fear or not. For the cause of political freedom, Nagas are one people who have tasted its extreme bitterness. Can we afford to leave the same trend for the younger generation? This query should become the crucial question for us today.
Reconciliation is the feeling and talk of the young and old alike today. The most unwelcoming voice is that, whether over-ground or underground, the expression of enmity, differences and hared through the media or other means. Nagas with these concepts are not matured and relevant people in the eyes of the Nagas in general and the younger generation in particular. Today, Nagas long for those voices of people who regardless of any tribal distinction want to redeem the opportune time realizing what kind of historical time it is for the Nagas. The need of the hour for the Nagas is those people and their voices.
It is not an easy way to live on with tribalism or groupism any longer. It is no longer ‘my tribe’ or ‘my group’ but Naga people collectively. This feeling of oneness is the need of the hour today. The aspiration of the younger generation of Nagas towards a new orientation of vision and goal and to enter into a new chapter of Naga history should be allowed to fulfill. The future for any country should be decided by the voice of the people. A united voice of the people is crucial for the Nagas today. The united voice of the Nagas should say “this is what Naga people want”. In a crucial time like this, the matured and supportive stand of the Government of India cannot be taken for granted. Nagas can no longer afford to let go off this prime opportunity.
The leadership for Naga political unity and their untiring effort should be highly appreciated, encouraged and supported continuously. Let the destiny of September 18 be eventually achieved.
Intellectual, wise and brave Naga people, how can you be so silent? How can you be in such a deep slumber when our coming generation is in doom without future? Awake Naga people from your deep slumber and see the reality and say your words of wisdom for our younger generation. Why have you turned so fragile and subservient like a coward? Where is the legacy of our forefathers who were wise, honest and brave? Wake up my fellow Naga brothers and sisters to the call of time. Pleae wake up to “make hay while the sun shines”.
(Nuklutoshi is MLA & Chairman NIDC & NH Limited and DPDB Mokokchung, Nagaland)
