By W. Kholie Kapfo
Time and again views on Article 371 (A) have been flushed in newspaper for different reasons on the merit and demerit for the Nagas. In this respect, with conviction the pioneers of this article did understand the uniqueness and rights of the Nagas thereby making it to become a special provision act in the constitution of India. The state and the Nagas has been enjoying special privilege because of the act and the reality is that so far this is the only concrete written act protecting the Naga customary practices recognized by the Indian law. Until such time as wish by the Nagas to have greater recognition and power to determine our own fate Article 371 (A) remains the foremost shield. Let us not deny the culture, tradition and customary practices of our forefathers which is one of the best unwritten forms of democracy system even acknowledged by the most advanced people, the British.
The social set up in Naga society is such that, every member whether men, women or children is treated with respect and dignity. Men and women have their own responsibilities and support one another. Everyone plays their own part equally and independently which is the key to harmony within the family. There is no instance as such that Nagas practice class system, reservation or discrimination. The assignment is carried out on the basis of physical agility and the nature of work.
To elevate better living condition equal opportunity should be given, if the person has the calibre to do the job irrespective of gender. In the midst of modernization our life has become so engrossed in alien character that, we are losing the revered cultures once regarded the most priceless Naga heritage. lnspite of the good values and truthfulness that is in Naga customary laws and practices we have. already begun to undermine it as worthless and inapplicable in the present context of our society. In other word, Nagas have become so inclined to Indian law system and consider it to be the only justice appropriate though it is killing the essence of true traditional justice system which Nagas proudly profess to be our identity and history. But mind it; a person without identity is like a subject which has no dignity of its existence. Many human races are living pathetic life because they have completely lost their culture and are regarded as second rate citizen which should be a reminder to us that we may become one too.
In recent times some learned people within the Naga society had expressed their views on Article 371 (A) which seems the special provision does not hold much ground for the Nagas concerning our rights, belief and practices. They voiced praises on the provision of rights in other articles under the Indian constitution which are basically enacted just to suit the interest of the mainland people. But the fact is that, among all the articles under the Indian constitution Article 371 (A) is the one and only act which recognized and give the choice for the Nagas to govern ourselves in m.ne with the Naga customary laws and procedures and the right to decide what is good for us. What is surprising is that the rights given to us under the article seems to be least bothered and are on the verge of losing its credibility not because of the Indian people but sadly it is by the Nagas alone. Subsequently, are we trying to project the Naga pioneers of the past that had visioned the need to protect us and our stand to the giant India to accept the distinct Naga way of life is wrong. I presume being human, the pioneers did have short comings but let me come straight it is because of their selflessness toward Naga generation our uniqueness and rights has been written as special provision becoming an act of law. Nagas cannot afford to become self-seeking for the benefit of a certain group issue alone and suffer in the greater nucleus matters related to the whole society. Any individual right that is infringing upon the clause of Article 371 (A) and more importantly devalue Naga customary laws and procedures must not be encouraged until such time Naga people take decision to abandon our culture and tradition to embrace Indian customs. There is no reason to twist or misinterpret the article as the act is clear about the system of governance which are just and based on pure democracy. Let us be rational in thinking about the importance of our customs and revive, rely on the legacy which is unsurpassed Naga identity and civilization.
