By Visato Kiso | EMN
Having being witness to the recent political situation in Nagaland, I am reminded of a story my father told me long ago. It goes “One day a man found a snake while returning from his field; almost lifeless and on the verge of death from the chilling cold and the rain. He felt sad and pity for the poor snake surrendering to the cruel forces of nature, and so he decided to help the snake. He took the snake home, wrapped a warm cloth around it and put it near the fireplace. Gradually, the snake gained consciousness and slowly recovers its natural strength. And then, the first thing the snake did was, it tried to bite the man who saved him. This is a snake and snakes always do what it does, no matter who saved them”. Snakes have been known for their persuasive and backbiting nature since the beginning of time with Adam and Eve. Had it not been for the snake, we would still be in the Garden of Eden!
Nagas are known for their extraordinary courage and truthfulness. There have been countless testimonies of their bravery and honesty throughout the Naga history. There was no place for cowards and weak hearted as evidence from the head hunting days. Nagas were known for their support to societal welfare and selfless service. Nagas were known to disown and excommunicate persons who are a threat to the society by the people including the closest to the culprit. Nagas were known to support good people in times of hardships and difficulties with consorted effort from the whole community. Nagas were known to take advice from the elders who are laden with wisdom. Nagas were known to have classless/casteless society where no one is more important than the other.
With the coming of Christianity and modernization, Nagas could have been strengthening these core values which make us distinctively unique. And these values are the reason that Nagas embrace Christianity as they blend with the values and ethics of a Christian. But sadly today, we, the Naga Christians seem to be indulging more in the non-Christian values but rather anti-Christian values. If Nagas follow the core values which Nagas were known for, it would have been more Christened!
Nagaland today is the best example of a failed government: corruption, extortion, ‘ism, crime, the rush to grasp power and money in the worst imaginable ways, treachery and selfishness. Name anything related to a failed government and Government of Nagaland has the best demonstration in full disclosure of its people. Chaos and non development is the name of the new government! Where is the integrity and values of these so called leaders? Are they not ashamed to behave this way in front of their people? Are they so drunk with power and money that they stripped themselves naked and feel nothing? The public are now ashamed to call them their leaders. The time for awakening has come.
It is high time the elders step in. Nagas are desperately in need of wisdom and advice from the elders at this juncture. I, for once, would love to see the elders step in, pull the ears of these stray politicians and said “Enough is enough, son; you have done much damage, we will not let you do anymore!”. Oh! What a great relief and satisfaction it will be, if it happens. If not, these politicians are going to make history in, not only degrading themselves but will sell Nagas at so cheap a price that Nagas will no longer guess what they are really worth!
