(From previous issue…)
The Naga people are no doubt tangled in the folds of perplexing polemics and from this the people see no way of escape and in plaintive or woeful strain cries-who will come to our rescue ? Who can liberate us from the present conundrum? First and foremost step should be people of Nagaland be roused from their lethargy and apathy and saved from the dangers of smooth but treacherous materialism which has started destroying the character of the people. Time has come for the Nagas to have a serious introspection as well as retrospection and to ponder what had gone wrong in our Naga society as well as Naga polity. The most despicable hall mark of today’s Naga society is instead of mutual good feelings and brotherly love, we find the bitterest rancour and hatred, and a ceaseless exchange and slander. of revelling, vituperation and slander. The flame of antipathy kept alive by those who believe in status quo so as to keep the entire society under their grip for exploitation. As a matter of fact leaders who had love and compassion for the people should otherwise help diffuse or allaying fury and reconciling differences, are ever and anon fulminating thundering invectives against each other.
Selfishness has been our state’s ruin, and even now in spite of education and Christian culture, this odious selfishness is prolonging and destroying the very fibre of Naga society. For a better and brighter future of our people, we must eradicate selfishness. Neither the big talk of enlightened hypocrisy , nor cold, calculating policy of prudence, can remedy the evils which severely afflict Nagaland. Let not sordid selfishness any longer make us indifferent to the deplorable condition of our state. Enough had been the degradation of Nagaland, her sufferings and hardships are brim-full. Despite this gloomy picture, I firmly believe that in the old-age dictum that better days are around the corner and that change is the only unchangeable law of nature.
We have to resurrect Christian love and compassion to redeem the people from the present mess. With the collective efforts of all the stakeholders, guided by the wisdom from above, we can very well remake our own destiny and reinvent Naga society for a better and brighter future. Without prejudice to anyone but goodwill toward all, we can surely design and fashion a magnificent and strong edifice on which the Nagas will build a future not only for the present only but also for the future generations. And we have to be realistic and pragmatic and to keep abreast with the changing trends in the country and the world. Nagas what ever they may be belong to the same Naga family. Love and compassion are the only instruments that could bring all Nagas as members of the same family. What does love mean ? A drawing together of hearts. Man may be said to stand at some distance from each other in consequence of barriers of selfishness . Love removes this barrier, brings different minds together and binds them . There can be no love without harmony of will. Discordant inclinations prevent union. It is universally admitted that self is a disturbing agent in all enterprises of charity and philanthropy, and is a foe to love. The fetters that bind man to himself must necessarily prevent his being drawn to others. How then to heal the wounds among the Nagas ? Retaliation even under the highest provocation , is in itself a sin. We give honours to him who forgets and forgives the wrongs inflicted on him either by his fellow-man or even by his enemy, and though insulted, beaten and cruelly persecuted readily return good for evil, such example is no doubt praiseworthy. We admire his exemplary patience and forbearance, and the ease with which he subdues the feelings of resentment as often as they are excited. This example should be emulated by the Nagas if they have to have a bright future.
Final resolution of Naga political problem shall be a master stroke to heal all ills:
Root cause of the present malaise of Naga polity is non-solution of the Naga political problem. To appreciate and recognize the problems which we are confronted with is political, hence a brief narrative / chronicle of the evolution of the Naga political movement is herein stated. Pre-eminence of Naga National Council. There can be no shadow of doubt or prevarication on the fact that the Naga National Council ( NNC) formed at Wokha in 1946, was the only empowered and truly representative institution, authorised to reflect and fulfil the genuine aspiration and political goal of the entire cross-section of the Naga community. Through the much publicised and widely participated Plebiscite of 1951, the Naga people cutting across the boundaries of tribal, clan or regional affiliations, had wholeheartedly and enthusiastically accorded complete mandate to the NNC to realize their cherished political aspirations of a separate Naga Homeland. The entire Naga community rallied willingly and devotedly, behind the NNC, under the inspiring and charismatic leadership of A.Z.Phizo who was revered as the unquestionable leader of the Naga people. It is also pertinent to note here that the bedrock of NNC’s policy and strategy was non- violence and peaceful resolution of the Naga problem through democratic means and the common Naga men and women readily sacrificed their utmost for the cause dear to their hearts. A.Z.Phizo as President of the NNC had no doubt candidly articulated its avowed destination and objective that gave tremor to the Indian leadership. Unfortunately, there was no peaceful dialogue between the NNC and the Government of India under the leadership of A.Z.Phizo. Whereas, the kind of political activities of the NNC and the reckless handling of the situation in the early fifties by the Assam administration , the entire Naga areas of the present Nagaland was plunged into violence and bloodshed. From thence, the Naga political complexion was totally changed with the formation of the state of Nagaland within the Indian Union. Then after the death of A.Z.Phizo, the underground organization fell into the hands of Young leadership who were novice in Naga politics to carry on the struggle.
It would therefore be prudent for people involved in the affairs of the Naga problem to view the problem objectively and systematically. To correctly understand the whole issue of the Naga political problem, it is essential that one adopts a rigorously objective and ruthlessly detached stance and abdicate all possible prejudices or opinions against or in favour of any faction, organization or political party in the state. It equally significant and crucial that parochial tribal loyalties are vehemently shunned in the study and assessment of the Naga political puzzle. Further it is also pertinent to remember that the common people’s genuine political aspirations, yearnings and felt needs, predicated on myth or reality are the very life and soul of a political movement and hence, people’s feelings and desires can not be de-linked or ignored while attempting to delve into the dynamics of a tortuous , complex and delicate issue like the Naga political problem. There is not an iota of doubt or sliver of hesitation in stating that each and every person in Nagaland, irrespective of his tribe, clan or region, is fervently praying and sincerely hoping for an early and conclusive end to this protracted curse of social unrest, instability and political uncertainty. Fortunately, after more than twenty years of protracted and vexatious political parleys between the Government of India and the underground organizations two Political Agreements namely The Framework Agreement of 3rd August 2015 that was signed in the presence of the Prime Minister, Home Minister and National Security Advisor on one side and the other side led by Th.Muivah and all the top leaders of the NSCN(IM). The said agreement was accepted by shaking hands with each other by clapping hands. No other related issues were raised on that day by the signatories. Expressions of jubilations of the members on that day can be read as unanimity over the accord. Further, another Political Agreement known as “Agreed Position” was signed on 17.11.2017 between the Government of India and the NNPGs. Both the Agreements were signed on the basis of Contemporary Political realities. Hence, sovereignty and Integration did not figure in both the agreements.
It is sure and certain that during the political parleys for more than twenty years all issues like sovereignty, constitution, flag and many other related subjects were thoroughly discussed, debated and analysed their meanings, significance and relevancy etc. Under the contemporary situation we cannot expect better arrangements than the two agreements. The entire people of Nagaland maintained stoic silence over the two agreements . Silence means approval. Then why making all kinds of excuses by raising issues to delay early solution ? The Government of India’s position was made amply clear in Parliament by the Home Minister. In India there is only one Prime Minister, only one constitution and only one flag. It is incumbent on the part of the signatories to the two agreements to honour its sanctity and implement the same immediately. The mighty India should not let this tiny problem to be a thorn in the body politics of Naga people. If Nagaland is geographically, politically, and Constitutionally an integral part of India treat this with compassion and love . Let the Naga people also see the light of the day.
(Concluded)
By S.C.Jamir,
Ex-Governor & Ex-Chief Minister of Nagaland.
Monday, November 10, 2025