Former governor and five-time former chief minister Dr SC Jamir has called upon both overground and underground Naga leaders to focus on building the present Naga society. In an exclusive interview with the Nagaland Post, the veteran statesman and Padma Bushan reminded everyone that it was the 21st century, emphasising that now was the opportunity to reshape Nagaland.
He regretted the undue obsession with the past, neglecting the importance of shaping the present to define the future. He noted that Nagaland grappled with political chaos, economic stagnation, and social disintegration, while movements by groups of individuals looked chaotic. He emphasised that it was time for revival, recognising the significance of the present in shaping Nagaland’s future. Drawing from extensive interactions with diverse segments of society, including underground factions, Jamir noted the focus on sovereignty in discussions spanning many years.
He however cited the agreements of 2015 and 2017, which he claimed had omitted both sovereignty and integration.
Acknowledging the impracticality of such aspirations, he called for a pragmatic approach. Pointing out that flags and constitutions were attributes of a sovereign government, he claimed that the notion of sovereignty had already been buried. Quoting recent statements of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he referred to the India’s stance as a sovereign country with one prime minister, one flag, and one constitution.
In the light of these realities, he urged leaders to grasp the 21st century landscape and the rapid changes it had brought about, and understand the broader perspectives and dynamic outlook, especially in this digital age.
Calling for alignment of political, economic, and social structures with the evolving world, he also cautioned against the stagnation of the Naga political issue. As the chief minister during the turbulent period, Dr Jamir lamented that his commitment to truth was met with negativity, leading to four assassination attempts.
Commenting on the growing factionalism, Dr. Jamir expressed concern over the fragmentation of the Naga political movement into 26 factions, questioning the legitimacy of these groups functioning as a government.
He also questioned the “deadlock” in Naga peace talks, while underscoring the lack of clarity on the specific issues causing the perceived impasse. He flagged the challenges posed by the multitude of authorities and factions, expressing concern over their impact on the economic development of Nagaland, while emphasising security to attract private investments.
Acknowledging the historical struggles of the people of Eastern Nagaland and their efforts during the formation of the state, the former chief minister called for addressing developmental disparities in the region.
Dr. Jamir said he believed that by fostering a culture of truthfulness, Nagas could attain greatness. He called for a collective revival of the Naga spirit, which he stressed was crucial for unity.
On what shaped his political outlook, he said accommodating views of others played an important role. He remarked that he made a conscious decision to be accountable for his actions, adding that a person who was accountable to God was accountable to his people.