Nehemiah Rong
Conflict is persistent issue that continues to affect the lives of everyone living in a given society at that point of time. The domestic violence has a direct affect in the society and nation. The conflict amongst any contending parties needs to be resolved by way of proper peaceful dialogue rather than taking up violent means. In any democratic movement the bone of contention or disagreement between or amongst the group(s) can be openly debated for the people to judge and give their conscious comments. The proper rational dialogue over the disagreement or conflict is the best way to prevail. Violent means to resolve any conflict pay heavier price in terms of loss of human lives and material loss. That definitely leads to more killings and bloodsheds. In the game of violence, there is no sign of surrender until one party completely eliminates the other. That is near to impossibility.
When the contenting group(s) dissects out their disagreements and could understand one another than only could a workable solution be brought forth. The unwillingness to admit the past mistakes is one amongst others that block the road to peace and reconciliation. No party involved in the conflict is infallible. Instead of trying to rectify the wrong past and heal the wounds, people try to justify their actions and decisions. Looking the past may be bitter as it was yet it is inevitable that past’s mistakes must be rectified to reconcile at present so as to restore the lost chord of common objective for better posterity.
Coming closer to the Naga society the ‘factionalism’ brought much bloodshed and violence. The ‘factionalism’ as many have said was due to the fall out of ‘ideological clash’ that leads to political violence. This violence is synonymous with the ‘gun culture’. Guns kill a person. That person uses guns to kill more people. Gun shots in the market place, near the college campuses, in the nearby jungles, it happens to your next door, it is as easy as for a boy to shoot a bird with his catapult.
The factionalism not only disrobed the peaceful coexistence in the Naga society but also has serious implication in the Nagas’ political movement for independence. As it is a known fact, it is like tearing apart the kingdom by killing each other. Now it has become more serious with the media war being fought amongst the various Naga factions. It is more or less like pointing out the weaknesses of one another not to strengthen each other but to weaken and claim the dominance. In the house of those factional groups, it is very unfortunate that the knowledge and wisdom one possesses is being reduced to just a mere play of words. ‘If’ those efforts, time, resources that the factional groups invest in this media war were used for creative purposes like researching the literature of Naga society, then surely Nagas will be by now so rich in this field. Also ‘if’ they invest their time for research and analysis in the Naga movement in the most intelligible way then that will give many plus points to make best decisions. Also ‘if’ those times were invested in socio-economic planning then it can contribute largely in the future once the Nagas secure its independence. ‘If’ those articles of condemnations written by the factions were done so to educate people in the field of nationalism and its true meanings, they would only strengthen the movement more. These are some ‘if’ points expressed in this humble piece with an attempt to let noble leaders give a thought and ponder upon for positive change.
Many peace-builders and scholars have said, ‘conflict is cyclical’ and the trick is to stop the wheel turning. This ‘factionalism’ will go on in cycle until its wheel is stopped. The ways to stop is, it needs repentance, true realization of brotherhood, forgiveness, reconciliation, rebuilding of lost hope and trust and reconstruction of collective common goal and vision. That is not at all impossible in Christian framework.
Many thinkers, intellectuals, civil societies, writers, church leaders, political leaders, young and old called for the stop of ‘factional fight’ and to start a ‘reconciliation’ process. Even the leaders from the factions have acknowledged that atleast through press releases and statements but the question of coming to ground reality is the challenge for them. It challenges their courage, wisdom and maturity of true leadership and above all the love for the people and the land.
The lyrics of a song called ‘Where is the Love’ sung by the ‘Black Eyed Peas’ has got a profound relevancy in the Naga society more particularly with the factional violence/clash. Somewhere in the middle part of the song goes like this, ‘With ongoing suffering as the youth die young. So ask yourself is the loving really gone? So ask myself really what is going wrong. In this world that we are living in, people keep on giving in making wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends. The lines continue, ‘Not respecting each other, deny thy brother. A war is going on but the reason’s undercover. The truth is kept secret, it’s swept under the rug. If you never know truth then you never know love. Where’s the love?’ asked the song writer(s).
Black Eyed Peas continue to sing, ‘People killing, people dying Children hurt and you hear them crying can you practice what you preach. And would you turn the other cheek.’
Towards the road of peace, unity and reconciliation, the guns must stop and the roses of trust, sense of shared history, and meaningful dialogue with true spirit of brotherhood must reign. The Black Eyed Peas at the end says, ‘Father, Father, Father help us, WE SEEK some guidance from above ‘Cause people got me, got me questionin’, Where is the love (Love).’ The land which needs healing, the people who need hope and love, where people want no more killing and bloodshed, the question at the end is when will the guns stop and roses bloom?
