Deputy chief minister TR Zeliang said that “tribalism and sectarianism” has become one of the major problems among the Nagas, for which the people are unable to match with the higher order of democratic values.
Speaking at the Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) diamond jubilee celebration cum Nagas Meet on Saturday at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in Delhi, Zeliang explained that tribalism and sectarianism has created a negative attitude of one tribe over the other and where the word ‘unity’ applied mostly to one’s own tribe. “We favour our own dialect, culture, tradition, practices etc. but pave no way for other tribes to co-exist among us,” he said.
Zeliang said this directly or indirectly effected the Nagas politically and socially adding Nagas must get rid of these setbacks in order to secure a safe future.
While Nagas conveniently blame external forces for geographical division and sub-division of the people, Zeliang asked- “Who can stand in our way if we are united politically and socially? It is in our hand to repair this damage.”
He encouraged student leaders in the national capital to bring the desired transformation, provided they were prepared to forgive, forget and move forward.
Dwelling on the theme ‘Rekindling the flame of Naga Unity, Zeliang said the theme was most appropriate because of the fact, that today, the people live in a world where history, tradition and culture is being diluted by foreign ethos, culture and values, with or without one’s knowledge.
Highlighting about the ongoing negotiations between government of India and the Naga Political Groups (NPGs), Zeliang said Nagas should not blame only the Centre for undue delay in resolving the Naga political issue but somewhere “we have to admit our own shortcoming which is, infighting within ourselves particularly between the two negotiating Naga groups.” As far as MLAs and MPs from Nagaland and Manipur were concerned, he said they have all given their best and would continue to do so as facilitators.
Zeliang, however, was hopeful that both the negotiating parties– NSCN (I-M) and the 7 NNPGs and Centre, should come to an amicable solution with inking of a settlement – one that is inclusive, honourable and acceptable as aspired by the Nagas at large.
“At a critical time, such as now, a time when the Nagas are encountering various social and political issues both in India and Myanmar, it is important for all of us to stand together as a united entity,” he asserted, adding that the Nagas cannot afford to sing different tunes and foster divided opinions at this crucial juncture.
“The present generation is faced with numerous obstacles in several front due to the unresolved Naga Political Issue and we should not leave it unsettled for our posterity,” he said.
He therefore, reminded all the Nagas are one by blood and share the same history, practise same culture, follow the same faith and that the word of God is our foundation.
“Empires may come and go, but our history will stay. We may be small and weak but we must defend our foundation or we will perish,” he said.