Nagas have been living under ‘political bondage’ for so long that they have developed a very negative attitude not only towards the oppressors but also among themselves.
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Nagas have been living under ‘political bondage’ for so long that they have developed a very negative attitude not only towards the oppressors but also among themselves. With negative attitude gaining momentum, they become paranoid of each other. Not only do they develop negative attitude and mistrust of each other but they also feel helpless and weak. Paralysed by political issue they think they cannot do (or even should not do) anything great before getting independence or for that matter before attaining sovereignty. Every vision and possibility of progress and development is swallowed up by this unfulfilled dream of freedom. With this mentality, they become literally weak and feel meaningless as they live under the bondage of India and Myanmar. In this way, they became the victim not only once but twice: firstly under the political bondage of the oppressed countries and secondly they became victim of their own mindset. The second one is even more dangerous than the first one because it blocks and paralyses the creative minds of the Nagas to think and look beyond political freedom. This write up is aimed at addressing the second issue by giving some doable suggestions for the growth and development of Naga nation.
Naga contractors from across Naga’s homeland can come together and form Naga Contractors’ Association (NCA). If 100 Naga contractors come together, contribute TWENTY CRORE rupees each for at least five years, then they will be able to own flight and maintain flight services. Then Nagas can proudly travel by NagaGo or NagaAir flight services to any cities of the world. Why should the Nagas even travel by Network or Bluehill Bus services owned by Non-Nagas when they can easily own and operate by themselves? NCA can even think of establishing and running chain five stars hotels and restaurants across different towns and cities. If the formation of NCA comes into reality, all the contract works (big and small) can be taken up in all the Naga-inhabited areas. Right now, all the big contract works are in the hands of non-Nagas. Dear Nagas, this is not only the time to think but it’s high time to act.
Another possibility of building Naga nation is for the Naga doctors coming together and forming Naga Medical Association (NMA) and establish hospitals and research centres of world standard across the Naga’s homeland and even abroad. NMA can then connect and collaborate with doctors from different foreign countries for sharing knowledge and technology. Naga doctors can then exchange their expertise and help each other in various ways. Naga’s traditional knowledge of healing can be incorporated into modern system of treatment. One of the main causes of draining away villager’s wealth is due to lack of health facilities. Why should we go to Imphal or Guwahati for treatment when we can have much better health facility in our own place? Naga medical doctors need to put their heads together and work for the betterment of their people.
There is also an urgent need to have our own Bank. Naga bankers can come together and establish Naga National Bank (NNB). By God’s grace, Nagas have already produced thousands of bankers working in different parts of India and in different countries around the world. Do in-depth study of our own context and take up banking system relevant and helpful to our people. If NNB is established, thousands of our youths can be employed. Naga’s village economy will be protected from outside forces. Gradually Nagas will achieve self-reliant and self-sufficient economy. Naga’s dependency syndrome on New Delhi (Indians) for survival will be slowly terminated.
There is also the possibility of Naga educators/scholars coming together and forming Naga Educator’s Forum (NEF). Knowledge is power. Nagas have rich knowledge heritage but that is at verge of extinct due to the invasion of western culture (western form of education) and now under the active revival and imposition of Indian culture. Naga’s knowledge sovereignty is at stake because we are not able to turn knowledge into education form. Hence, there is an urgent need to establish educational institutions and incorporate Naga’s indigenous knowledge inherited from our ancestors. If Nagas do not do anything by now, the next generation will be Nagas in outward appearance but inwardly foreigners. Nagas treasure rich indigenous knowledge such as sharing of resources, respect for nature, simple lifestyle, willingness to help each other and so on. Naga’s knowledge system may be the answer to many problems such as ecological crisis, wars and conflicts, and mass poverty.
Nagas can continue to live as ‘individuals’ but unless we are together we cannot live in dignity with distinct identity. Nagas as ‘I’ cannot do anything great but Nagas as ‘WE’ can do many great things. To be ‘WE’ every Naga must realide that they are Nagas despite living in different places enforced by artificial colonial boundary. Naga is a small nation with small population. Let Naga elders talk more about the possibility of unity, harmony, development and progress but not disappoint the youths with negative mindset. A strong sense of oneness as Naga transcending artificial boundary is prerequisite for development and survival. Nagas must also realise that they have both human and financial resources to compete with the world. However, instead of progressing and developing, the Nagas are going down the drain. Look at the condition of the Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh. They are one of the most struggling groups with no proper development. The Nagas in Manipur are completely under the domination of the majority Meitei population. When it comes to tribal job quota, Kukis are always at the upper hand. The Nagas in Assam live in a pitiable condition, always fighting for protecting their land and its resources. Again, the Nagas in Myanmar live without good road connection, health facilities, schools, proper shelter and so on. Even the state of Nagaland has no worthy developmental projects or infrastructure to be proud of. Let’s not be cowed down by the unfulfilled dream of Naga political issue. Let’s all come together and labour on building Naga nation and move along with the fast changing world.
Z. K. Pahrü Pou