Earlier this month (April 2) young people poured out into the streets of the State Capital Kohima to protest against violence and bloodshed in our society. This was significant in more ways than one. By coming out strongly in protest, the Naga youths are perhaps sending a powerful message that their voice and concern should not be undermined anymore. After years of silence and self restraint, they are no longer going to be merely watching and keeping quiet. All this is a welcome sign of our youth willing to take responsibility in shouldering the concerns faced by Naga society and politics. Hopefully the collective urge of our young people for an end to violence and the demand for security of life and property will not fall on deaf ears. This is a common agenda of not just the youth but all section of people. The different Naga political groups will do well to be sensitive to the concern and appeal raised by the youths. Similarly the government should also make more sincere attempts towards problem solving initiatives with the different stakeholders.
Another noteworthy aspect of the protest rally was the emphasis on common issues—agendas that are important for the Naga people and not just for this or that tribe. This broad base approach of the Naga youths is very encouraging and welcomed by this column. We hope that the younger generation of Nagas will walk away as much as possible from the constrains of tribalism and narrow-mindedness. Further another positive was that unlike in the more familiar protest rally of the Naga civil society groups or tribal hohos where tribes can be distinguished with the traditional apparel that is worn during such rallies, the youth rally was without any tribal colour. This was refreshing to see and perhaps the Naga elders should emulate the commonality of approach taken by the youths.
Unlike in the past when our society was more closed and there was not much interaction, however today we are seeing more open expression of speech and thought. The growth of the mass media, in recent years driven by the internet and social media, has allowed greater space for dialogue and expression to take place. Great changes are taking place around us and young people in Naga society are also part of this. The important point is that the old order must remain conscious of the new dynamics taking place. At the same time it is equally important to ensure that as much as the youths will want to bring about changes, the same must be done in an orderly and peaceful manner. If young people are voicing concern over violence and bloodshed, then they must also not resort to such behavior. One worry that has been expressed is the indiscipline among our youths. Perhaps if Naga youths are to be the channel for bringing a new awakening and reform in our land, much will be expected of them. If they are content to merely playing to the rules set forth by the present status-quo, then one cannot expect real change to come. One way that our youths can be empowered is through greater participation in the democratic process. Naga youths make a sizeable portion of the State’s electorate and they can make their votes count by firstly bringing out the issues upfront and secondly encouraging free and fair election. There is sign of frustration and restlessness in our youths—they want a government that works, they want not just a better life, but a better system, they don’t want just ceasefires or peace processes but they want security and a peaceful atmosphere. Its time to listen to them.
