Veteran Naga leader, former chief minister and governor Dr. S.C. Jamir has maintained that the recent threat issued by the NSCN (I-M) on restarting the war for independence goes against the wishes of the entire Naga people.
Dr Jamir’s statement comes in the wake of the statement in November issued by NSCN (I-M) warning that it will resume “violent armed resistance against India” if the centre does not agree for third-party intervention to address its demands, which include a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.
Jamir emphasized that Nagas are no longer unaware of global changes and cannot be taken for granted. While the people of Nagaland unanimously yearn for peace, underground leaders’ outdated rhetoric fosters confusion and stalls progress. “Is it not time to choose either violence or peace?” he asked.
He reminded that, in the name of sovereignty, Nagaland has endured unimaginable loss- bloodshed, a crippled economy due to extortion, and countless lives lost.
He also highlighted that the Naga freedom struggle has fatally disrupted the Naga polity, leaving the political system in disarray.
Further, he said governance is paralyzed by overlapping constitutional and extra constitutional authorities, while unity among Naga communities– both underground and overground– is absent, and the economy remains crippled by rampant extortion.
Jamir noted that a pervasive fear psychosis dominates public life and criticized the fragmented political landscape, likening it to a single body with 26 faces, calling it the ugliest phenomenon. He urged underground leaders to address this dysfunction, warning that Naga politics risks becoming a mockery.
“If they (NPGs) can truce with Indian forces, why not live as one family (with their own people)?” he questioned. Acknowledging collective responsibility, he urged burying the hatchets to restore peace and dignity in Nagaland.
Jamri said: “In the heart of every Nagapeace is like a seed waiting in the desert to grow, to blossom. When we allow this seed to blossom inside, then peace is possible outside. We have to give a chance. Will we give peace a chance?”
(Full text on p-6)