Today an average Naga may be wondering what is the progress of the political dialogue between Government of India (GoI) and Nagas...9 years, what is the outcome??
One has to consider that the Naga society is infested with decaying tendencies under the spell of our common adversaries, maybe from India or Naga or both! As the political dialogue has been delayed, it is good time for them (adversaries) to have active campaign against the Nagas’ political settlement.
Influential and business segments both in the Nagaland state as well as from outside along with their local partners have been trying to figure out the ‘heavy taxation and the upper hand of the cadres’, which they propagate and magnify adversely, without understanding the gravity of the issue and the sacrifices our valiant Nagas have rendered. On the other side, the upper class Nagas have been enjoying the benefits of the turmoil, (it may disturb the sentiments of some people) and for them peace time is unwanted. They projected the cadres are leading a high flying life and have got business interest in the whole deal.
Recently the story has taken another turn. Sections of the National media has projected the antagonizing statement of the Nagas involved in the political dialogue and bring to the National attention that the Nagas is still with the insurgent mindset. What could not be done from 1946 to 1975 has been done very respectfully by the concerns in the Naga political dialogue with GoI.
India and Nagas are not enemies. The fight was for recognizing the inherent identity and political stand of the Nagas, the Naga traditions and to get a respectable position in the world political arena. Today, the Naga leaders are successful in this aspect. No Naga should worry that the situation will roll back to pre-1975.
A convincing positive line of thought has to come from the rank and files to the grass root level. Without antagonizing or decrying or agitating the negating segments of the society, a positive note has to be created – in a convincing tone and in a convincing language.
It is for the good of Indian Union, not the Naga people that results of the dialogue should come. No one need to predict and worry about on what the Union of India will decide or offer or what the concern Naga representatives will decide or accept. It is not a mere decision to organize a feast – it is a decision involving multitude of political, economic, diplomatic, international, national and regional aspects, including that of South East Asia. And we sincerely trust that our representatives (leaders) are well equipped and will work out the best that is possible for the Nagas, and above all we have faith that Almighty God will NEVER, NEVER let down His people who call on His Name!
Awareness campaign from person to person, house to house, village to village and community to community has to be strategically implemented. Such public awareness campaign, which envisages imparting basic knowledge about the whole issue, and arming them with communication skill to stand against the adverse campaign, is equally important as training and arming the army.
If there is a better option(s) from any section of people for Naga political settlement, please spell out. Otherwise, these small talks should be avoided and rumors should stop. If someone cannot understand the depth of the issue and cannot project an alternative clear cut logistic road map for the settlement, let them not cast aspersions.
I humbly make a further appeal to the Nagas wherever you are and to whatever group you might be associated with: we are all Nagas by blood and that cannot be changed. Let us not linger in the past and hold on to its memories anymore. Let us not allow this to become wall of differences among us and entertain our adversaries by making ‘war dance’ to their tune of deception. Let us stop circling in the wilderness due to our own follies. Let us look beyond with a simple faith to have a glimpse of the ‘Promised Land’. There might be many questions unanswered right now – but we have a vision and a hope that somewhere beyond the killing fields and the chaos there is a place where our dreams will be realized.
Samuel Medaliang, General Secretary
Zeliangrong Economic Development Authority (ZEDA) Assam, Manipur & Nagaland
& Member, Naga Council Dimapur
