More than ever, it’s time for people of my age to remain healthy, so that we don’t become a liability to our people and our society. To fulfil that objective, morning walk is one such routine I regularly do ever since the turn of this century.
In the last few months, during my usual morning walk, I used to come across Khiamniungans (a tribe belonging to the would be FNT) of Kohima Town, working so hard and enthusiastically to build a decent Church for themselves in the middle of the town in front of the SKV Petrol Pump; below the National Highway.
It was such a pleasant and heart warming sight to see our brothers and sisters establishing their presence in the capital city of Nagaland. Whenever I walk by every morning, a sense of pride always filled my heart as I see them working in unison and in rhythm - both in voice and in action. I am sure that our Khiamniungan brothers and sisters will also be having the same feeling of happiness and pride as they tirelessly and selflessly render their services to their community, particularly, to their future generations in a place like Kohima.
Then came 28th June 2023, the black Wednesday, the news about the Frontier Naga Territory (FNT) engulfed the whole horizon of the state of Nagaland. It was drizzling that morning here in Kohima and the ‘Garrison Hill’ area was covered with fog, hardly anyone was on the street, as I walked through the same old path. However, this time around, I didn’t see any activity in the same spot which was bustling with energy some few days back. The aura was rather quiet and calm and the thought of Frontier Naga
Territory crossed my mind, and then I pondered and asked myself:
a). Next time when I see them, will the same spirit of oneness and brotherhood (before the FNT) that I had towards them be still there?
b). When they come here next, will they still have the same feelings of enthusiasm and excitement to have a new Church here in Kohima? and,
c). What will the world think of the Nagas now?
The thought in itself is indeed scary, both internally and externally.
Internally, will the atmosphere of tranquility among the so-called Naga brothers remain the same? if so for how long?
Externally, will the respect from the outside world, including Indians, be same as before?
God forbid, but I have my doubts in both the cases, and the price will be high.
-K. Puroh