'Without truth, no real healing or settlement can come'

First edition of ‘Unscripted’ held with Charles Chasie

Morung Express News 
Kohima | March 20

While the risks of writing about an on-going situation are apparent, with possible reactions from various quarters; noted author & former journalist, Charles Chasie said he has tried to record events as truthfully and faithfully while indicating that the coming Naga generations should know the recent political history of their people. 

Unpacking his latest book, ‘NAGALAND State-in-Waiting?’ at an event held under the banner ‘Unscripted,’ an initiative of Writers Collective organised in collaboration with Kohima College Kohima on March 20, he said that, "I have written what I believe to be true regardless of whether it might upset, even make angry, some people or groups on the Naga or Indian Government side."

Whatever the past, he said that, "the future matters far more and without truth, no real healing or settlement can come." Stating that "it is our job to record history faithfully, learn from it and not merely make judgements", he also underlined that, "it is important that we approach history with an open mind and not with a biased mind or from a pre-conceived position."

Chasie further urged for a "United and working and functioning Naga society with a collective vision to the future" while underlining that, "for this to happen, Naga divisions have to be done away with."

Stating that "the development of Overground and Underground still represents the first and biggest division in Naga society", he also noted that, "statehood itself may not be wrong but the manner in which it was created was wrong, both from the Naga perspective and the Indian one." 

Towards this end, he further emphasized that, "this Overground-Underground divide must be bridged and reconciled first and following that, all other divides." 

"Only when Naga society is healed and becomes a fully functional one, can Nagas expect to play their God-given roles unto themselves, to India and the rest of the world", he added.

Unscripted: Storytelling, Conversations & Creative Dialogues 
Carving another new chapter in its endeavour to uphold storytelling, conversations and creative dialogues, Writers Collective today organised its first edition of "Unscripted" hosted by Kohima College Kohima in the Conference Hall. 

In her opening remarks, Vishü Rita Krocha, President of Writers Collective highlighted that it was formerly known as 'Open Book' that was initiated last year wherein two consecutive series were held in July and October respectively. 

Stating that it has been rebranded as 'Unscripted' this year, she also gave a background of the Writers Collective and its initiative of successfully organising 5 editions of Nagaland Literature Festival since 2021. 

In their endeavour to create a vibrant community of literature on the state while simultaneously promoting emerging writers, who, she added, are the ultimate keepers of Naga history and culture", she highlighted that, "with Unscripted, we aim to take our literary aspirations beyond Nagaland Literature Festival by making it more inclusive and bringing together as many homegrown storytellers in as many places across Nagaland as possible."

In this regard, she also exuded hope that Writers Collective would be able to take "Unscripted" beyond educational institutions, cafes or book spaces and further connect with storytellers in neighbouring towns and villages.

The programme was chaired by Dr Ketoukhrieü
Asst. Prof, Dept of Political Science & IQAC Coordinator while Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Asst. Prof, Department of English, Kohima College Kohima & Member, Writers Collective proposed the vote of thanks. Among those who attended the event were students and faculty from Don Bosco College Kohima and Baptist College Kohima besides Kohima College Kohima, Writers and Researchers.