Mizoram, which once used to be as strife term and violent as some sister states still are, will soon be celebrating 20 long years of peace and rapid march towards development. In a land mark decision, the Mizos decided to change the path and the fail dangerous plans of various external agencies and be drivers of their own destiny, and removed the hurdles and pitfalls that plague most other states of North East till date. This courageous move has led to true atmosphere for peace and development. Decision to invite all ex-Chief Ministers to celebrate 20 years of peace is bold and praiseful, and shows that there is no petty politics. They have shown that ‘Peace pays’, and there is a big lesson for us mortals.
But it is not the common man who is at fault. People in streets want permanent peace and no more interested in various demands and private agendas, because permanent and genuine peace is pre-condition for development. But where is the problem?
The first problem I feel is our definition of peace itself. We have slowly started believing that peace simply means lack of violence, cease-fire etc. But peace means respect for each others views, respect for life, patience and big heart to accommodate everyone rather than pointing fingers. Violence, killings, fear of the gun, illegal activities continue unchecked, and various peace rallies and public cries go not noticed. So, there is no peace of mind. We need to learn our lessons and act fast and the state government cannot be a spectator and needs to lead from front. As Aristotle once said, “State exists not only for mere life but also for the sake of good life”.
The second problem is our definition for development. Dependence on crumbs and aid cannot be the forever solution. Our own resources have to be tapped; our strengths and weaknesses have to be studied. Whatever industries we had have been consigned to the coffin. Who will come here? Because our biggest hurdle is our extremely poor ‘working culture’. We need to identify new areas and change gears to be part of the fats growing knowledge economy and we need some sincere people. Temporarily borrowing some bureaucrats and politicians from Mizoram not be a bad idea.
The third problem is the burden of history thrown on us in the name of Naga cause by foreign agents, whose main aim is to create unrest and disturbance various regions of the world. We are also a small part of that big game plan and the games nations play in the name of geopolitics and strategic interests. For them people of other regions not matter. And we are the sufferers, and will remain at the mercy of foreign butchers unless we also rise collectively like the Mizos and say enough is enough, leave us alone please.
As long as our leaders and organizations keep playing into the hands of outer agencies, we will keep suffering. Even if we get cease-fire for the next ten years, true peace will never come. True peace means the freedom to take your decisions, freedom of movement and economic freedom. The hurdle is the factionalism and tribalism, we live in doubt and fear even when the ceasefire is there.
And our own brothers are the reason for our suffering and downfall, because they want us to be hooked to their demands and agendas which appear out of sort in this fast change globe village where the only thing that matter is economic progress. And we are under pressure to support one or more of them, at gun point and fear of our lives. We will continue to exist like this and support these factions as long as we remain stupid spineless fellows. But there is no other choice, because deserving options like true peace are not being allowed to be voiced. And bitterness among factions and differences of opinions will ensure that we remain in the war zone because of private interests.
Today, we are at the cross road and options are many. We need to take decision which takes care of our future rather than justify our past. Everyone wants peace and development but is afraid to speak. There is a leadership vacuum and leaders have their own agendas. The first step is all we need the courage for, rest everything will fall in place automatically. The only trick is to define a roadmap and identity opportunities. It may not be difficult, if we are united for peace and sincere in our efforts. Where there is a will, there is a way. May the Lord Christ grant us the courage and Strength?
Kuknalim
Tali Ao, Kohima
