Aküm Longchari
The situation in the Naga society has spiraled rapidly, destructively and aggressively into a deeper crisis since the turn of the New Year. It has moved with such great pace in such a brief time, that it has left little room and time for people to even contemplate reflectively, leave alone respond in a pro-active manner. In fact, it has provoked the common person on the street to distance itself from the crisis in which it finds itself. It would be tragic, if the Naga struggle to exercise their sovereign rights is entrenched into a state of arrestation, fuelled by the forces of ‘ism.’
The crisis cannot be left to itself, because it would only put to further risk the fate of a peoples. And so, indeed we are called upon by the forces of history to engage in self-criticism as a society and as a people. In the face of such despairing crisis, the uncertain future implores us to search deep into the human heart and seek ways that will create democratic space to bring forth the contentious issues into public discourse for constructive engagement. For the sake of posterity, the divisions must end here. A new narrative must begin; a narrative that will give new lease to life – a dignified life acknowledged and respected by everyone.
While putting these reflections down, the song ‘Wind of Change’ just struck my mind and the images of the Berlin Wall crumbling down occupied my vision; and so quickly, I did a Google search for the lyrics of this song that touched the hearts of many. The lyrics which stood out for me related to two aspects: the children of tomorrow and their dreams. It reads something like this: “Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams, With you and me. Take me to the magic of the moment, On a glory night Where the children of tomorrow dream away in the wind of change.”
From a pragmatic standpoint, I am convinced that the Nagas can be united in purpose, not on a contentious past for all that it stands and represents, but based on a common future – a vision – for all that it hopes and means to each one of us. Nagas have a proud history, a history of struggle which has not only inspired us, but one that has been a beacon for other struggling peoples and nations. It is also true that Naga history has been wounded and torn apart by pain and hurt, and we cannot afford to just wish it away.
The divisions that resulted in the way Nagas addressed differences have created polarized perceptions and interpretations of the same reality. In this sense, the notion of ‘truth’ has become a difficult one, both philosophically and practically. The degree of difficulty has multiplied particularly when the very nature of differences, is being contested. This polarization has certainly divided public opinion and threatened to undermine the aspirations of the people. It has undoubtedly weakened the journey towards reconciliation, resolution and reconstruction.
It is here through participating simultaneously in the process of reconciliation, resolution and reconstruction of the society that I am persuaded that the Nagas can come together. The idea of a common future, a respectful and just future which embodies the aspirations of the people; one in which every individual feel represented and their needs addressed can provide the basis for how and why Nagas come together.
This time of crisis demands a conscious paradigm shift from the past to the future, during which Nagas must question the very essence of their existential future. It is the human endeavor to turn challenges into opportunities. The future is calling us to collectively construct and demonstrate a vision that will empower Nagas to come together and build a dignified and respectful future, which will also enable us to constructively address the burdens of our history.
Are we listening for the Wind of Change, which like a ‘storm wind will ring the freedom bell!’
The Morung Express in its pursuit to facilitate independent news, views and opinion is introducing a weekly feature ‘Reflections’ where different writers will share their analysis, perspectives and suggestions on various issues of common interest.
