It would just be so very tragic, if the Naga struggle to exercise their sovereign rights is entrenched into a state of arrestation, fuelled by the forces of division and parochial politics.
This has left little room and time for people to even contemplate reflectively; leave alone respond in a pro-active manner.
Invariably, the nature of crisis among the Nagas has provoked the common person on the street to distance itself from the crisis in which it finds itself.
The crisis and despair cannot be left to itself, because it would only put to further risk the fate of a nation.
And so, indeed Nagas 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 peril and desolation, the uncertain future implores each one of 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 Naga song must begin; a song that will give new lease to life – a dignified life acknowledged and respected by everyone.
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.
On one hand, 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. While it is also equally true that Naga history has been wounded and torn apart by pain and hurt from within, and we just cannot wish them away.
The divisions that resulted in the way Nagas have in the past attempted to address 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 Naga reconciliation.
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 open up a new way in which Nagas can explore how to come together.
Nagas are in need of a new paradigm in which we neither jeopardize our rights nor remain chained to our past. And in this moment of crisis, we must turn challenges into opportunities; from division to oneness and from despair to hope.
Morung Express The status quo of crisis in the Naga society needs to be creatively addressed, if not, it has the potential to rapidly and aggressively move into a state of deeper despair.
It would just be so very tragic, if the Naga struggle to exercise their sovereign rights is entrenched into a state of arrestation, fuelled by the forces of division and parochial politics.
This has left little room and time for people to even contemplate reflectively; leave alone respond in a pro-active manner.
Invariably, the nature of crisis among the Nagas has provoked the common person on the street to distance itself from the crisis in which it finds itself.
The crisis and despair cannot be left to itself, because it would only put to further risk the fate of a nation.
And so, indeed Nagas 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 peril and desolation, the uncertain future implores each one of 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 Naga song must begin; a song that will give new lease to life – a dignified life acknowledged and respected by everyone.
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.
On one hand, 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. While it is also equally true that Naga history has been wounded and torn apart by pain and hurt from within, and we just cannot wish them away.
The divisions that resulted in the way Nagas have in the past attempted to address 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 Naga reconciliation.
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 open up a new way in which Nagas can explore how to come together.
Nagas are in need of a new paradigm in which we neither jeopardize our rights nor remain chained to our past. And in this moment of crisis, we must turn challenges into opportunities; from division to oneness and from despair to hope.
Morung Express
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