By Edward Lotha
Without the law, society is in shambles. But the primary question that arises is- what type, or kind of law should prevail? Obviously, the law should free us rather than bind us. This statement would seem like a contradiction in terms. But, I believe it to be a truism. Life, should be enjoyed, and enjoyed to the fullest. What? And where? Would the freedom be if we are bound by restrictive and prohibitive laws and norms? All, human endeavour is towards freedom. Especially, of the human spirit. We have institutions, not only of the law. But, of other kinds which are but, an endeavour for the fulfillment of freedom. Freedom from what? Or, from whom? You might ask me? When I mention the law, and freedom i imply not only temporal laws and external restrictions. But, ecclesiastical and shackles of the mind and spirit. Let us do away, post haste, the laws that restrict the mind and the spirit. True freedom flows from the spirit. Any law or laws that constrict the freedom of the human spirit are to be done away. Whatever, the powers that be tell us, let us be a little sceptical always. For the heart knows best. Listen to your heart, Listen to your instincts and your intuition. Many of the revelations of science, which we today accept as truth; the human intuition has known all along! For therefore, as I always stress a little extra importance has been attached to the faculty of rationalism, all along. Here, I would also stress, that there is also a lot of importance of the materialistic contribution to human civilisation. There may be contribution in the sense of non- materialistic- cultural values or otherwise; which are not accorded status by an imperiastic dispensation. But, let us not digress! Coming back to the main topic of our discussion; freedom and the law. Freedom can be interpreted in many connotations. Our much controversial Naga issue, for example- we may indeed attain political freedom one day. And, the Naga will one day be under one banner and flag. But will we be free from our our prejudices, selfishness, and tribal conflicts. Factionalism, has been a sad reality for all to see among our brothers of the national movement. The factor of which has been selfishly exploited by various individuals and parties to the fullest extent. I wonder, how? Such individuals live with themselves and their conscience. After, having sold and raped their own?! Various forces- internal and external still seek still seek to exploit our our inherent weaknesses. So let us, as Nagas try and create new dispensations, new laws, new norms which are of true freedom. Otherwise, what has been rightly predicted by the venerable Churchill, for the Indian nation; may verily hold true for the Naga. Political freedom, or otherwise!
Edward Lotha is an advocate by profession. He can be contacted at Edward5.fhl@gmail.com
