The common Nagas had some reason to cheer when the JLCP was formed, to bring about some sort of unity and broad consensus to put the Naga peace process on fast track. The silence and drama thereafter had almost turned into a bad joke, when our hopes were raised once again by the news of a planned All Party Delegation, which appears to be the only sensible way forward. But the euphoria once again seems to short lived and vested interests are out to ensure that this dramatic roller coster between hope and despair continues for us.
Everyone agree that we badly need a united voice and a platform where all points of view are considered and we need to march forward with one voice to bring out a practical solution at the earliest. But the Nagas sadly remain a divided house with so many players pulling in different directions.
This cancer is holding the peace process hostage and prolonging the agony for common people, who just want to live their lives peacefully. Our very own political leaders also seem to be fooling and failing 11s, and we are allowing them to do that.
And about the factions - the lesser said the better. Whom-do we go to now? We strongly feel that the main goal (cause) should be to ensure peace, economic development and a bright future for our generations. Ideologies worldwide are fast turning irrelevant. This needs sincerity, courage, introspection and pragmatism. We can’t allow ourselves to fall prey to internal frictions and one upmanship. If we don’t think of our collective desires and common good, we’ll be history.
Our political leaders and parties have also a lot of explaining to do. Differences required. NPF and Congress need to show magnanimity. Rumours of dissent within NPF have been perhaps on the rise for some time. If a change of leadership can help resolve matters, there should be no hesitation. If the whole elected govt is ready to step down as and when a solution is reached, a few individuals can always step down to facilitate the process. What matters are the, goal, and not a few individuals.
An all party meeting is urgently required to first set our own house in order, sort out the irritants and remove the hurdles and-then decide on a practical course of, action, without forgetting the ground realities. And then project our case collectively to find a solution which is not only honorable but also pragmatic and in common good. Give and take is the essence of any diplomacy. That is the only way forward.
Let us hope good sense prevails before it is too late.
Avito and Neibu
Kohima
