The Inferno at Wungram Colony is an interesting drama inside modern Nagaland. It is looked upon as something depicting the legacy of the Nagas which lingers to this day inspite of modern civilisation and Christianity dawned in the land of the Nagas. Even in ancient history of the Nagas disputes or misunderstandings are settled by the Village authorities – Longs or Hohos and justice is disposed of. Of course, there are instances of deciding matters through the use of force which is the agency of violence. This method kept the Nagas backward and primitive. Thanks to the Christian missionaries who preached the good news of love and tolerance to this area and people’s positive response which culminated to foregoing head - hunting culture in our society. Going through the incident in the contemporary Nagas history one can come to the conclusion that the Nagas have backslided to the old way of life which is nothing but greatest enemy to their salvation – political, economic and spiritual. If this situation is not tackled properly in time we shall have common doom – no tribe or community can survive in the absence of unity. Let us reason together for sense very frankly.
(a) Who are the Nagas?
(b) What were their conditions?
(c) How they were looked upon by the outsiders?
This is the bedrock of the Naga history which everybody should ponder and give reply. How is it that the Angamis, Aos, Semas (Sumi) Konyaks call the Maos, Tangkhuls, Rongmeis, Anals, Marings, etc brothers? Is it a meaningless address? In the past every tribe is hostile to any tribe and one tribe considers the other tribe as enemy for various reasons known to us. But it brought about our downfall for which we today regret. Had there been no movement for Naga freedom could there be consciousness of Naga brotherhood? Will there be development as we see today? Arise from oblivion, lest we get lost without a trace. Nagas are now on the march involving in all spheres of life. What other communities do Nagas are also capable of doing. The meaning of primitiveness is withering away in the context of present scenario. The world all over expects that a new Christian State will be born and will become Israel in the North-East of India where the justice will reign supreme. Are we prepared for such time to come?
Recently intertribal war was fought in Kiphire area and the fire of rage and hostility is still burning in the hearts of the people of this area. In this clash some of them went to the Church and prayed to God to let them win the battle. Alas! God is neither. When the hostility is erupted where were you Oh! Naga Hoho, Mother Association, Church leaders and the District Administration? Can such things happen in our society? Nothing is achieved out of this inter-tribal war but hostility between the two.
The fiery Sunday fire (22/04/2007) at Wungram Colony is unfortunate but it is a big show to the world that the Nagas are still barbarous, not fit for self - rule. How can we expect such actions for Skirmishes created by some unruly urchins who are under the influence of liquor? Is there no means for solving the situation other than resorting to mayhem? Is it Nagas way of settling dispute or otherwise? Our national politics has attained international level. Many international societies have acclaimed the prowess of our leadership demonstrated in the on going rounds of peace-talk. But we are reclining to the old value “might is right.” It appears that we have not learnt anything about democratic way of life of modern day.
It is fortunate that no life is lost in the inferno. Only properties worth crores of rupee are razed by fire. Not a single gun - shot was heard. The mob torched the houses at will for seven hours. Praise be to the Wisdom of the leaders of Wungram Colony who dared not issue firing orders even though their houses are aflame. Had there been firing orders and some of the mob killed the course of the Naga political history will have a different turn which may lead to total destruction of Naga brotherhood and patriotism.
Though the unfortunate incident is ugly it has given impetus to re-affirming Naga brotherhood and nationalism. The angry mob though lost their human consideration, did not torch the Church – house of God. At least they fear God which indirectly or directly means that they are ready to listen to God’s Words. The sulky inmates of Wungram Colony are still panicky and restless. However relief materials are donated to Wungram Colony from different corners of Dimapur irrespective of tribe or community. The church leaders, Mother Association, the Hohos of different tribes have come forward to condemn the incident. They remained silent spectators where quit notice was served to the Tangkhul in Nagaland. Very interestingly, the NSCN (K) bodly condemns the Sunday eruption. Praise be to the leadership of NSCN. It is time for us to stand unitedly by ironing out the differences, not finding fault with each other. In humility and honesty it will not be wrong to say that the people (public) do not divide the Nagas into factions. It is the organisations which divide the nation into factions.
To whom we shall blame for the troubles and tensions prevelant through the length and breadth of our land? Whose responsibility is anyway for reconciliation? It is time for the general public to voice their opinion and feeling. They are not to remain puppet of one organisation or the other. Time has demanded mandate of the people. So any organisation not responding to the call of the people deserves pubilc action.
VOX POPULI VOX DEI. The voice of the people is the voice of God. The Naga public also enjoys the same power. Prolonging the movement decades after decades may bring “Political Fatigue” which is nothing but self-defeat. In Short, let us unite and achieve our goal. The readers may please forgive me if I hurt your sentiment.
KUKNALIM
Ng. Muivah, Retd. Lecturer
D.M. College, Imphal
