Dr Asangba Tzüdir
The Naga day celebration, centered on the call to all Nagas to come as one without borders, has created a process of Naga reconciliation but there seem to be certain undercurrents underlying the Naga Day celebration and the call to reconciliation. That, the very word reconciliation doesn’t seem to augur well with those in power wanting to continue the current status quo.
The process of Reconciliation is done with a purpose and more often comes in direct confrontation with those in power, and with the existing power structure in the state it poses a threat to their status and power.
Over the years, those in power have enjoyed the many benefits of ‘power’ and its associated ‘opportunities’ and therefore it will be difficult to surrender such power and status quo. Reconciliation would mean that the existing power structure built over cultural, social, political, economic etc dynsmics should take a U-turn and therefore reconciliation becomes an unwanted entity for them.
In this strain, those in power are ‘compelled’ to employ a dual power model in their efforts to deflate the reconciliation process. Taking the current scenario, power is being wielded to bring up a model of 'solution before election' under a polarized reconciliatory guise but the same power is employed to derail the Naga reconciliation process because it comes in the way of their power. Further, those voicing against ‘powers that be’ also invites the risk of their vindictive targeting.
The ironic reality is that, while FNR has shown that reconciliation is the only way to start a process of bringing a peaceful solution, those in power including the leaders of civil society organizations are only destabilizing the Naga reconciliation process in the guise of a ‘solution before election,’ a ‘solution’ that is not openly defined. The word compromise is a necessary ingredient in the process of reconciliation but on the other side of reconciliation a lot finds ‘compromised.’
It does not come as a surprise to see the state government and the leaders of civil society organizations joining hands to the call of ‘solution before election’ ignoring the fact that reconciliation lies at the heart of a solution that is “honorable and acceptable to all.” A solution to the Naga political issue, or even to envisage and work towards a better Naga society, begins with reconciliation.
Coming to the understanding of reconciliation, it is often understood in the spiritual light of forgiveness. It is also not just about political reconciliation. Reconciliation encompasses all aspects of social, cultural, religious, political, economic and the spiritual. Contextually, reconciliation is a beautiful concept, but it has become a very difficult concept today.
As of now, the demand for ‘solution over election’ going against a veiled ‘constitutional mandate’ lacks a rational base because at the heart of ‘solution’ is the need for reconciliation.
On the whole, for peace, unity and development, and for human activity to progress in a desirable direction, reconciliation in all its aspects is a necessity and the general public and the right thinking citizens should struggle for such form of reconciliation.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
