‘Unity Gate,’ located at NH-29 Patkai bridge junction, Chümoukedima. (Morung Photo)
From Being an Infant to a Nascent Society - A Journey from 1872 to 2026
Takasungba Imchen
4th Mile, Dimapur
The present-day Nagaland depicts the irony of our Naga society. From being an infant society in the early 20th century to becoming a nascent society in the 21st century — at a time when the entire world is heading towards globalization, open economy, technological advancement and infrastructural development — our Naga society is still stuck in time. Every day when you turn on your phone or open the newspapers in Nagaland, what you see is all about the Naga political situation, the Churches' stand on NLTP, Unions, Hohos and Student bodies declaring bandh, the formation of new factions, and above all, a very timid, opposition-less government. All of these function parallel to each other.
The formation of 'unnecessary' unions has become the order of the day. The very unions formed have no real motive, or have lost their path in the pursuit of materialistic gains. The question is, who really has the legitimate mandate to govern the state? The answer lies with you — THE GENERAL PUBLIC. Frankly speaking, Naga people have become so egoistic that everyone wants to be a leader — President, General Secretary and so on. We have numerous Hohos, followed by tribal student unions and their subordinate bodies. Then come the underground factions, the Churches, and above all, an opposition-less government with no real authority. When we look at the pros and cons of these parallel governments, we realize that we are digging our own grave.
Unions, Hohos and Student bodies are in a dilemma for authority. They can declare indefinite bandh, close highways and demand apologies. Nationalist groups pretend to be superior, while they are already fracturing within themselves. Churches enjoy being at the helm of state affairs. They play the role of moral policing, even influencing Government policies and deciding whom to vote for and whom not to. The “wall of separation” doctrine must apply in Nagaland for smoother governance. The opposition-less government assumes everything to be under its thumb, while it is actually on its last legs. As Raj Thackeray rightly said, “If there is not competent Opposition, the government that comes to power won't have anyone to hold them accountable.” This is exactly what is happening in Nagaland today. With no Opposition, there is no accountability and no check on power, and the general public has to bear the brunt of all unnecessary decisions made by them.
It is undeniable that all of these have contributed impactful policies, but at present, those leading them seem to be lost in the clouds. Most unions, Hohos, underground groups and Churches are at loggerheads with each other, and in the name of Article 371(A), they justify and misuse it. If one union feels offended, an ultimatum is served. We talk only about underground taxation, but what about unions collecting hefty amounts, including Churches, in the name of building construction, jubilee, etc.? How have we Nagas become so materialistic? I am reminded of AZ Phizo, who rightly said, “Nagas will never surrender in the battlefield, but many Nagas will fall when money is shot through the barrel of a gun.”
Every right-thinking Naga talks of an early political settlement, but there is no unity. Our society is filled with too many Presidents, unions and tribalism. If one's ego is hurt, a bandh is declared. Civil Society Organisations are vital, but today they are divided and ineffective due to petty differences. The proceedings of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly prove this. Leaders to whom we gave the mandate cannot even speak properly. There are only congratulations and acknowledgements, with no real debate. No leader respects party ideology. They are 'Opportunist' rather than sincere. According to ADR - National Election Watch, Nagaland records the highest party defections in India — proof that Naga leaders are opportunists.
From being an infant in 1872 to a nascent society in 2026, we have grown in age, but not in unity. In 1872, we were an infant who needed a mother — the Church came and taught us. In 2026, we are a nascent society with four mothers — Union, Underground, Church and Government — but we are still an orphan when it comes to real development. Until these four parallel entities become one and understand that they are Naga first, we will remain a nascent society forever.
Many patriarchal minds will find my writing offensive, but I wish to see a future where women's representation in the Village Council will stand at par with the men. As the saying goes, grassroots decide the fruit; likewise, women must be in the grassroots too.
With a heavy heart but with hope for change, I pen down my thoughts as a concerned Naga.
Kuknalim.
