It is an age old adage that a ‘Society which stands united can only fall if it is divided’! How very true and it has borne the test of time over centuries. This paradigm when seen in the Naga context stands on its head, upside down! - ‘Divided we stand and united we fall’. Lets see some of the recent developments and aspects which substantiate this.
The Naga National workers have formed different factions, each fighting for the common cause yet standing as separate entities. This dispersion of effort has left gaps which has resulted in chaos and directionless talks and engagements with the GoI. Aren’t we divided on this important issue of establishing Naga Identity for which our forefathers have given umpteen sacrifices. Next is the fiasco which is taking place for the Naga Club Centenary celebrations. These celebrations were to epitomise the “Spirit of Nagas”. The very same spirit which is the bedrock of modern Naga society. Yet on this important issue there is a war of words which has erupted between the NSF and the Naga Club. The rift seems to be between the ‘Present Generation and Elders’. Isn’t it pitiful that celebrations are being turned into arguments. Don’t we seem divided! Let us examine the Naga HoHo, once the supreme Naga Tribal Organisation. However, now its relevance has been reduced to a figment of its original stature. There have been numerous other Tribal umbrella organisations which have mushroomed garnering support of some or the other Tribal Organisations. The fact of the matter is that today all Tribal organisations do not share a common platform and are not on the same page. They have got divided along tribal or regional lines of Eastern, Central and Western parts. Are we Divided or united? The development works have suffered because of the indifference shown by the common man towards the mass corruption which is undertaken by the people in power, whether in Public office or as Naga National Workers. Each of them want a share of the Pie and for this the National Workers and groups do not spare the common men from taxation. ‘Everybody has to Pay’. Isn’t this an Economic divide where the common man is at one end and the Government and Naga National Workers on other end. When we thus look at our society we see a very factured image which is divided along Economic, Social and Tribal lines without a common cause or converging point. My Brothers and Sisters, the need of the hour is to have Political and Social leaders who can bridge these gaps and lead the Nagas into an age of prosperity and Unity, and, of course the people who are ready to play an active part by overcoming their prejudice and myopic differences. That, my friends will be the true tribute to the founding fathers of ‘Naga Club’ and shall truly propel Nagas into a modern united society.
Limathung Louis
