Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing
Kohima
Nagas are known to be peace loving community. They even describe themselves as kind, generous and hospitable. True!This is an undeniable description that has spread across the globe. But the fact of explanation should not only be historical. It should be present in our day to day life. As generation passes by, we can easily loose the grip of our culture and heritage. The good valuesthat flow along with themwill cease if the receiver ceases to exist as he should be. If the recipient becomes violent and ferocious, where will our good culture dwell? Shall we throw them in the river side and mourn the loss forever?
With much pride and honour, I took some friends to see the village where I belong.The maintenance and cleanliness has been appreciated by many visitors. I was much perplexed to find numerous flags put up in many of the houses, trees and gardens. The sight of flags belonging to different political parties were too beautiful beyond description, yet it had diminished the dignity of the village. I wish God could create the sky above with flags of different coloursinstead of just opening it up. (An open sky is too bare, it is boring for the young and old). If so, the birds of the sky would make their nest on the flags. Tourists will flock in the sky. Moreover, the flag/s will be the only link between heaven and earth. There will be different groups of Angels in correspondence to the number of political parties. God will begin to obey human beings. The Angels will descend from the flag post to guard the members of the family from all harms. The higher the flag would also mean more trust and faith in God. Likewise, many families have consecrated and anointed themselves with their party flag. They work and sleep in peace under the banner of the political flag. Politicians will control the realms of heaven. The time will come when party flags will turn into garments, both outer and inner. This will be the best step of recognizing your own party members. Confusion and violence can be avoided in this way. Henceforth, this type of life will be acceptable by all. Oh! The dream of heavenly Jerusalem has at last dawned with the help of election.
Does our culture and its inherent values come to a cessation with election? We all try to protect our culture and tradition in many other forums, but fail to do the same during the season of election. We give our best to make our candidate win so as to celebrate the joy of defeating the opponents, forgetting to celebrate the victory. We need good system of election, but what is improper can be done away with by our collective effort. Do some of the practices during election go against our very Naga culture?
There were certain tribe among the Nagas who once said that Naga cultural and traditional practices cannot give way to other (new) rules and regulations. This led to the war of ULB election. The love for culture and tradition was truly in their blood and flesh. It flowed from head to toe. We need such Nagas in all circumstances of life. Can the same people/tribe once again raise their good and honest voice and say that violence during election is not Naga culture? I am sorry, this may not be a digestive question, yet it may be the truest question. For all other crowd pulling ceremonies and events, we may be in the top list, but when real situations appear, we all close our shallow mouth and allow violence to go on. This few months, Nagaland has already witnessed many incidents of violence especially in two districts. Shall we allow it to grow wild, big and tall? No politicians or party workers will ever be held responsible for such violence. Only the common people suffer the loss of life and properties. During election all are right. Yes, we all can be right even with our worst way of life.
A bad politician can be one who sincerely work for Nagas and is blamed for all misfortunes and agonies of the Nagas. He is made the scapegoat. As public, we need to support our political leaders in their good endeavors and confront them when they become harbingers ofevil to the society. This is how we can check the growth of Naga society. We have every right to choose our representatives with our good conscience. This must be made available to all.
Women are the best messengers of peace and violence. They give life with one hand and bring death with the other. They sow the seed of violence during election and seek for peace later. They go from house to house campaigning for their beloved candidate. They do this at the late hours of the day in the most secret manner and appear to be innocent during the day. Election has changed them from womanhood to lovely owls. They hoot and screech in all the houses in search of votes like owls in search of food. This is how lies and violence spread from home to home. Who shall be responsible for any unfortunate violence in the society? Shall we blame these intruders? Do not be shocked that women are beaten up during election season. A sharp double tongue may receive a sharp Naga dao. Beware! The season of election is blind to men and women.
Let us be aware of our responsibility in forming our society. We must avoid violence in any form during election. I can only say, “Kindly avoid violence during election. This is not Naga culture.Article 371A does not tell Nagas to use violence during election.”I hope Nagas will not give up their honoured culture and tradition for the sake of election or money. Allow violence to give way to mutual understanding. Let us live in peace and be at peace with each other.
With much concern
