Silverstein’s assertion (Nagaland Post & Morung Express, Oct.13, 2016), that “life should take precedent over truth and justice” and that “the living (should) take priority over the dead” at the surface level, sounds very correct. However in the case of Nagas and their defense of their motherland, they are not talking about a “precedent” or a choice between “the livings” having more right to life than the dead.
In our case, a collective national choice was taken in our national Plebiscite of May 16, 1951 where we had declared to both India and the world (Including ourselves) that we are not, and will not become a part of India. Having made that declaration, our leaders desperately tried to defend our rights through non violent means. But when Indian troops invaded our country from the early 1950’s and started to burn, rape, torture and murder our people, we were forced to take up arms to defend ourselves. And in that most unequal fight, thousands of us died defending a cause a nation knew was right and based on truth. In this collective sacrifice, not one single individual, past or present, has been spared the agony in one form or the other as-even where a father or a son had not fallen- a clansman or fellow villager had died from every Naga village. Therefore, in our case, the issue now, is not whether we should give precedence for the living against the dead, but a case where the price for the defense of truth and justice has ready been paid in the highest measure.
Today, our political issue is not a theory for debate or vote, but a sacrifice for which we demand a verdict from India and the world including Silverstein. Ours is a case of “post sacrifice” demand for an answer rather than a “Pre-sacrifice heart rending decision” where we have to give precedence for the living as opposed to those who have died.
Finally, as for an example of any country in the world- where by sacrificing truth and justice- a people have found peace and prosperity, I would be grateful if anyone can point out one single country today, enjoying such benefits. As far as my knowledge is concerned, every country in the world that has compromised and sacrificed truth and justice has reaped a harvest of injustice and exploitation for “the living”. After all, as for the dead, they have died and are gone, but it is the living that must live the consequences of their own choices over truth and justice. The choice is tough but compromise is neither the answer nor the way out. Life indeed is precious, but life without freedom and liberty is slavery to evil and injustice. I will therefore, rather than choosing compromise and exploitation, choose liberty and freedom- whatever the cost.
Kaka D. Iralu
