[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t appears that in the backdrop of the Naga political history, Nagas have attempted to make history with God, through two commitments, namely; the Plebiscite and the slogan “Nagaland for Christ.”
Firstly, the Naga Plebiscite was renewed through the Yehzabo of the Naga National Council. The Preamble states; we the people of Nagaland, solemnly acknowledge that the sovereignty over this earth and the entire universe belongs to the Almighty God alone, and the authority of the people to be exercised in the territory is sacred trust from God, who sustained our fore-fathers, the national workers and our people through the years of attachment to the truth of popular sovereignty as declared on March 22nd 1956.Secondly, the slogan “Nagaland for Christ” initially was an anti-war movement organized under the ABAM (Ao Baptist Arogo Mundang) in 1958, to counter bloodshed and killings in Nagaland. “Nagaland for Christ” ultimately meant life, talent, time and wealth, everything for Christ. Nevertheless, the slogan “Nagaland for Christ” which had been generally accepted by all political groups and church councils had been battered into a meaningless slogan.
From these two statements, it is evident that Naga nationalism burgeoned under strong spiritual emphasis.
Nationalism is the desire to achieve political independence for a nation and there is nothing wrong to be a free nation and nothing strange in being social as long as we are human beings (Plato affirmed it longtime back). Humanbeing in order to stratify their differences and choices, have chosen different ideologies of life and means to achieve and design their social stratification. For example, Mao Zedong chose Marxist-Leninist theories to define his struggle for People’s Republic of China. Nehru chose socialism and secularism for republic India, whereas Gandhi used non-violence for achieving swaraj. Apparently NNC initially was separated because of its opposing choices in achieving their goals in the freedom struggle. The means to achieve our freedom became a contentious episode of the Naga nationalism that has resulted in fratricidal war among the Naga political groups thence till today.
Naga national struggle continues amidst various internal controversies and political despotism, but if at all it has a form of commitment to God in some way, I am sure God honors that commitment, even if the liberation of the Nagas from the Indians is in no way comparable to that of the Israelites from the Egyptian bondage. Remembering that God honors our commitment in becoming a sovereign nation; if Naga nationalism becomes a threat to common people, if it derides someone’s identity, if it promotes tribalism, if it degenerates into national egotism, if it practices extortion, if it advocates killing and justifies evil deeds by means of threat and warning letters, it would be a different notion of nationalism.
This form of movement indeed is not nationalism but an Idolatry. Idolatry includes two forms of departure from the true religion: the worship of false gods, whether by means of images or otherwise; and the worship of the Lord by means of images. The second part of the definition rightly serves the purpose of addressing the so called national workers (the worship of the Lord by means of images). Keeping in mind that it could be worship or a national cult, let me point out some images of idolatry. For instance, the image of having a spiritual outlook “Nagaland for Christ” in their demand letter head; the image of serving warning letters in the name of their community (region); the image of taxing people basing on the Naga historical right; the image of using “freedom struggle” as a social struggle when it is only turf wars among themselves; the image of faking peace while its contingents go door to door threatening people of their lives; the image of killing their own brothers in the name of their groups’ interest (not Naga interest); the image of armed cadres in uniform parading for Christ; the image of instituting Christian fellowships among the designated camps inviting various leaders to speak; the image of committing arson and vandalism almost every day in the market places; the image of chaplains with ranks and arms praying in tears; the image of overriding the rights of the common people; the image of travelling to various villages and cities in the name of peace, attending various peace agreements in pretence are all idolatrous and bigamous in faith.
Biblically, God never intended a nationalistic Israel; it was Israelites who asked for a human King (Saul) in the first place. Israel having exposed to other worlds wanted a human king (image for themselves) like other foreign nations. Even when Christ came on this Earth, he neither sided with the imperial Rome nor the Hebrew nationalists; rather he chose to usher in his kingdom which is of peace and understanding. Paul was a fanatic but up on meeting Christ he forfeited his rights as a Roman citizen, choose to share good news to the gentiles as a Hebrew. All these facts do not demean nationalism, rather we should keep in mind that any nation built without Christ would be a futile nation.
Knowing the fact that Naga Nationalism has a significant interface with spirituality and religion, if Naga nationalism is pursued with God’s authority and recognition in line with the kingdom principles, than it will be a solemn worship unto God but if not, nothing less than idolatry would be the outcome. Nationalism, if pursued with the mind of Christ, will surely build the community (fellowship), bring justice and order in society. Nationalism, if pursued with mutual understanding, respect and honesty, will build a just society. Thus the concept of nationalism could be a powerhouse in a society where people can be empowered, regenerated, motivated and then flourish extensively. But it could also become an institution where people could misuse their authority, power and resources; leading to violent situation and make vicious attacks on its own people.
Once again, if Naga nationalism recognizes the God of the Bible, Christ of Bethlehem and Paul of Tarsus, what is it, that we are trying to build in the name of nationalism? Nagaland, as a Christian state, Naga freedom struggle is a Christian struggle, but the means is not Christian as of now.
Besides that, if we think that Naga nationalism is God’s agenda for us, it should trigger God’s mercy and grace. It must promote justice and equality. It must defend the poor and fight for their cause. It must stand for the truth and not negate it. It must seek to restore our community and not tear it apart. Therefore if nationalism is only the image of portraying oneself as mightier, stronger and better, it is sheer idolatry.
The socio-political and religious affirmations in Nagaland are deeply interwoven with the fabric of nationalism. But if nationalism promotes illegal tax woes, repressive laws and propensity of exclusive rights, than it is not the type of society or nation that I want to belong to. In this type of society only timid people survive and they, being whipped by the threat of totalitarianism, would not dare to speak a word against this kind of government and society.
The Bible is very clear about the doom of idolaters; it is always desolation, destruction and decadence. I do not want Naga nationalism to break down into small turf wars; I do not want Naga nationalism being boiled down due to integration of all Nagas, I do not want Naga nationalism only being represented by a group of armed cadres, dressed in military camouflage whose ideology is to demand money and collect taxes. Nationalism is not hand grenades and AK-47 rifles; it is much more than guns and bullets. Nationalism is building one’s community with honesty and integrity. It is a corporate responsibility to serve with loyalty and to strive for justice. For a Christian state like Nagaland, nationalism should be more spiritual and less political.
In my opinion, ACAUT is playing a true nationalistic cause in the lives of Naga people and not the so called Naga political groups. I am a patriot and I love my nation, having said that, I challenge every Naga to be honest within him/herself and loyal to his/her God in terms of faith, morality and personhood. There is a saying from the bible “Sow for yourselves in justice, and you will reap what loyalty deserves”. Let our strive for nationhood be a strive for justice; let our justice be justice for the unjust.
Kuknalim
Villo Naleo (Viswema Village)
