There is a famous saying, “If some people are waiting for something important they wouldn't die until they achieve it.”
This seems to fit the case with Naga political issue. Naga leaders have waited for political solution for decades and continue to wait till date with hope, despite many different governments who have come and gone at the helm of Delhi politics.
If I have not forgotten, former NNC vice-president Imkongmeren had once said, “In the book of world history, fighting for self-determination has never been failed and politics is like a blade- sharp in both sides. When falls, to pick it up we have to be very careful.”
Many successive governments had touched the issue but failed to resolve it because of lack of political will. Now, we have BJP-led government in whom Nagas have tremendous faith that it would be able to carry forward to logical conclusion. Blessed are the leaders who succeed it.
Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio has been out-rightly persisting the Govt. of India to expedite the Naga peace talk for early resolution of the Naga political issue. He made several visits meeting leaders and Ministers in New Delhi. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju too seem to show seriousness of the issue while Naga people in general are positive and hopeful to see the final outcome. It is my sincere appeal to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi for early settlement of the Naga political issue.
Here at home, we are also confronted with many other issues such as Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ)Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang has been reiterating that the proposed NSDZ was never an attempt to review or dilute the rights and privileges of Nagas given in Article 371 (A). It is aimed at achieving faster economic development through liberalized entry and participation of investors both from within and outside the state. But there are sections of people with apprehensions and oppositions.
Whatever are happening, I feel it is quite natural, more so in the case of Nagaland where such crucial and major projects are being set afoot. We cannot blame the government nor the people protesting it. What the state government is doing, it is not a bad idea. However, in such crucial situation, the government needs to be cautious. And most importantly, it needs to take the confidence of the people. Exploitation of natural resources and rampant entry of outside investors are not a child play. I do not mean, we stop doing anything and everything. But what I mean is taking steady steps diligently and at the same time guarantee hundred percent safeguard to the interests of the landowners. The state government could also take steps to bring in more mega institutions in various sectors.
I would also appeal to the fellow Nagas for unity and cooperation in whatever constructive and collective decisions are being taken, so that there is infrastructural investment and economic growth in Nagaland.
Khohota Sema
Former president
Educated Unemployed Union Nagaland
