The 7th Churches and Society Lecture was held at Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS), Bade, Chümoukedima Tuesday on the theme “Seeking ‘wellbeing’ in the North East Region’s distorted Road to Development”.
In his speech, speaker Mrinal Gohain of ActionAid acknowledged the significant transformation North East region had undergone, from its post-colonial dreams of well-being to the current struggles faced by its people.
In the early days of independence, he said the region aspired to a future of egalitarianism and inclusion, blending modern values with the wisdom of their ancestors. Gohain also said that early constitutional promises such as the 6th Schedule had sparked hope for reform and social progress.
He, however, said over time that hope was overshadowed by political realities. The speaker lamented that the region had found itself trapped between militarization and economic exploitation as governments treated it as an “enclave” for resources rather than a space for people to flourish.
Gohain maintained that development agenda, initially envisioned as a means to improve well-being, had become synonymous with economic growth and material progress, often at the cost of cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
He also reflected on how the region’s past, marked by conflict and trauma, still shaped the lives of the people. Gohain expressed hope that emerging generation of leaders would redefine development in a way that honoured the region’s unique history and future aspirations.
Discussants, Along Longkumer, first editor of The Morung Express, in his speech, stressed on the development in North East that had been shaped by a policy of militarization, ignoring a people-centric, humane approach. He stated that the Indian establishment was unwilling to invest in conflict resolution, as the current situation served its agenda.
Longkumer maintained that policies like the use of Hindi, Uniform Civil Code, and “One Nation, One Election,” suggested subtle push for economic, military, and cultural expansionism fostering fear and alienation in the region.
Further, Longkumer underlined what he described as “corporate-driven development agenda”, particularly the exploitation of the Northeast’s resources, such as the imposition of palm oil plantations and the privatization of forests. He said that such policies, framed as “sustainable development,” threatened the region’s land rights, eco-systems, and cultural identity.
Emphasising on the weakening of civil society in Nagaland, he claimed that many so-called people’s platforms have lost their independence, compromising their ability to advocate for the people’s rights. He expressed concern that this trend could lead to a loss of freedom and identity.
Stressing the importance of revisiting federalism and granting more autonomy to the regions, Longkumer, however, said that the challenge lay not only in blaming the system but in taking responsibility for the region’s own failures.
He argued that the disoriented and corrupt systems in place were hindrances to fostering wellbeing. Longkumer said that the way forward was not an intellectual challenge, but a moral one.
He, therefore, called for the development of a moral foundation upon which politics and economics could take shape. Discussants development secretary, Rongmei Baptist Association, Akeina Gonmei, emphasized that development should come from the people, tailored to their needs, and not be a package handed down from the government.
She pointed out how the region’s identity has been compromised in the name of progress, particularly when it came to land and compensation. Highlighting the importance of cultural transformation, she maintained that development must involve a shift in mindset, from merely receiving external projects to defining and driving one’s own path forward.
Drawing from both Christian teachings and indigenous wisdom, the speaker called for a responsibility-driven approach to development, one that combined justice, mercy, and sustainability.
On the ongoing Hornbill Festival, she said that while many people participated in the celebrations, there was a concern about the lack of sustainability. Despite significant investments, the speaker argued that once the event was over, there was no lasting impact. She said that the same issue applied to church programme—many were held, but none led to long-term change.
Further, emphasising the need for sustainability, responsibility, and stability, she suggested that without these, transformation would not be possible. The speaker, therefore, called for a shift in focus for a more lasting and meaningful approach to development and progress.
Earlier, opening remarks was given by OTS principal Dr. Joshua Lorin, introduction of the speaker by OTS academic dean Dr. James Kalong, introduction of the discussant by Dr. Ellen Jamir and a technical session was followed which was moderated by OTS faculty member Dr. Panger Kechu.