The Indigenous people the world over are rooted to their ancestral land which nurtures the social environment and from which a unique culture emanates and thrives. The culture is characterized by different customs, laws and procedures. It is this which makes each and every tribe unique. Remember the age old saying that no two hills are same nor are two tribes similar.
It is the sacred duty for all tribes to protect their identity, their culture, customs, laws and practices. For which it is essential that they remain connected to their land. After all it is this land which creates and sustains the uniqueness of each tribe. If we Pan across the globe and scan the struggle of indigenous tribes, willynilly, majority of them are struggling to get hold of the possession of their land.
The first basic requirement of establishing, leave aside, preserving their identity.
Then aren’t we in Nagaland a blessed lot. Just a little bit of contemplation and delving into history will reveal that our forefathers had the vision and intellect to have ensured that our land remains protected and in the firm custody of the community. Thereby ensuring that the Tribes of Nagaland thrive and continue to maintain their identity. The Constitutional authority for this is vested in the Article 371 which is applicable in Nagaland. But are we really aware of its power in protecting us, our culture, customs and procedures, religious and social practices, administration of administrative and criminal justice and above all safeguarding our own land. It probably has been shut in the closet and forgotten or is it being deliberately downplayed, not very sure!
If we scan the various tribes of Nagas across different regions then each tribe is inhabiting and thereby signifying a particular tract of land. It is this distinct tract of land which defines the tribe and not the other way around. Doesn’t it make us ponder over the stark reality that Nagaland and Nagas of Nagaland already possess what is rightfully theirs.
The others will thrive in their respective geographical areas as long as they are given the same protection. So if the present day political dispensation at the Centre is willing to ensure protection in all the affected areas then what are we fighting for? Some symbolic demands which will outwardly display our identity, is that all, but we shouldn’t forget that Symbolism has its own limitations and cannot satiate the thirst and deep felt aspirations of the people. It is my earnest appeal to all our community stakeholders to be pragmatic and show unity in approach.
Unity should be in thought and philosophy and not merely territorial unity, which by nature may not be feasible. Therefore the sooner we reconcile to the fact that our land is distinct within our state and in neighboring states and so are people inhabiting them, the better equipped we will be to finding and accepting a solution to the vexed Poll imbroglio which is unique and not one size fits all. Also the inclination to force fit “unity” beyond certain land boundary’s will then be seen to be unrealistic, non workable in the long run and a waste of precious time. Therefore, it is time that we consolidate and build on what we have for a better future for the coming generation rather than waste it. After all a bird in hand is better than two in the bush, of which the second bird may be virtual!!
Rembemo L
GHS, Yimpang
