Dimapur, April 27 (EMN): Naga intellectuals from diverse backgrounds, organisations and experiences made clarion call for peace and reconciliation for the sake of ‘our shared Naga future- one that is in conversation with each other and with the changing world.
This view was expressed by group of concerned Naga individuals from diverse backgrounds, organisations and experiences who gathered in Kolkata from April 24-26 to reflect on the current Naga situation and explore ways to nurture a process of cooperation in the spirit of critical solidarity and Naga belonging.
The Naga gathering reflected, discussed and engaged on various issues and dilemmas such as the Naga Peace Process, Framework Agreement, Naga reconciliation, leadership crisis at all levels, fragmenting society, uncoordinated activities in civil society and the stifling corruption confronting Naga society. The members strongly felt that ‘unless we collectively respond with discernment, the present situation will further deteriorate and threaten the peaceful and dignified future all Nagas.’
Given the complex circumstances that we are experiencing at this moment in Naga history, the members felt it imperative that ‘we do not employ the shallow rhetoric of regressive ideologies of the past.’ It said our leaders must come to terms with the fact that we all need each other, and we also need competent people with new ideas, models, and visions if we are to come of age as an enlightened, democratic society.
It, therefore, called for committed individuals and organisations for whom ‘power is not an end goal, but an instrument to constructively usher in the Naga future.’
Realising the existing state of affairs, which is riddled with fear and suspicion thereby leading to an environment of severe trust deficit and finally resulting in sectarian politics, the Naga gathering through a process of open and honest discussion suggests some practical steps for Nagas to move forward. They are as follows:
- We ask the Government of India to engage with the Nagas with respect, sincerity and honesty.
- We urge and encourage the Naga political groups to embrace the principles of transparency and accountability in their functioning.
- We implore the Naga political groups to recognise the political necessity to reach out to one another and by going to the people engaging in an interactive approach of consultation by earnestly listening and understanding people’s aspirations.
- We appeal to all Nagas to strengthen the call for genuine forgiveness among ourselves that will lead to a new relationship of equality, trust and dignity.
- We recognise the need to address institutional corruption and all other forms of structural malpractices by rigorously ensuring that the principles of transparency and accountability are applied in all matters of governance.
- We admonish the public to stop the culture of complacency and blaming each other by taking ownership of issues and assuming an attitude of shared responsibility in finding solutions to the varied problems confronting us.
In the search for our political, social, economic and cultural rights we affirm that it requires following Christ with responsibility in all aspects of individual and collective living.
The press release was jointly appended by Dr. Wati Aier, Khekiye K Sema,
Dr. Phyobemo Ngully, Abei-u Meru, Khesheli Chishi, Dr. Rosemary Dzüvichü, HK Zhimomi, Dr. Chingmak Chang, Dr. YL Mingthing, Dr. PS Lorin, Dr. Visier Sanyü Meyasetsu, Gaidon Kamei, S Milan, Sovenyi Nyekha, Dr. B Henshet Phom, Kapani Krichena, Kevidezo Peter Rutsa, Dr. C Ellen Jamir, Joel Naga, Dr. Lanusangla Tzudir, Lovitoli Jimo, Dr. Walunir, Dr. Achan Mungleng, Dr. Pangernungba Kechu, Dr. Salikyu Sangtam, G Vashum and Dr. Aküm Longchari.
