Nagas are the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland. It consists of various Tribes that speak different languages. It has its own custom, tradition, culture and originated places which vary from tribe to tribe. Since time immemorial every Naga village was considered as a country and popularly known as head hunters which defended their country. With the invasion of the British and Japanese into Naga area, the idea of religious belief and education system was brought to the Nagas. It is regretted to say that it is not widespread all over the Naga inhabited areas where Tikhirs too are the victims of it. But Nagas as a whole has undergone various changes with the introduction of schools and religious institutions people came closer and formed the idea for the formation of state where political consciousness was developed on the basis of tribe.
Due to the late coming of educational system in Tikhir area it is lagging behind. It is believed that during the late 1940’s only the educational system had reached our land and by that time Nagas as a whole were at a high transformation stage – politically, socially and economically.
Tikhirs were under darkness for many years and not known to the rest of the Naga family. Today Tikhirs are sowing seeds whereas other Nagas are enjoying the fruits that they had sowed and going for alternative measure. A big has made hindrance for the Tikhirs. Like other Naga tribes, Tikhir has its own distinct culture, tradition, custom, language, originated place, historical background and territory.
Tikhirs are mainly inhabited in Tuensang and Kiphire district. Politically Tikhirs are divided into three constituencies having minority in each constituency. Administration is also run under different heads where people cannot come closer and vice versa. Today due to the above mentioned disparities, the struggle for identity has become a key issue for Tikhirs which naturally creates conflict with the ones who dominate us politically, socially, economically. But no one is ever ready to compromise his/her identity at any cause for it has its own existence since time immemorial.
In today’s scenario dominating one group of people by others or particular tribe has become a part of history in Naga politics. Hunger for power gave birth to political injustice, social discrimination, and economic inequalities and finally led to tribalism. It automatically developed a sense of conflict, tension and jealousy which is a problem for one and all. Unless and until peace and harmony is achieved, all round developmental activities cannot take place and provided there is no social, political and economic discrimination.
In the context of Tikhirs there is no one to raise their voice during the Naga political development taking place due to the lack of education. Today it has become a major phenomenon for Tikhirs. Political identity is the need of the hour without discrimination on any basis which will definitely add another fruitful peace and harmony in Nagaland inspite of all its political shortcomings.
Asu K Tikhir
