When we look at the present scenario of our Naga society, we cannot deny that we are living through a very complicated and concerning period amid delay in Naga political issue.
When we look at the present scenario of our Naga society, we cannot deny that we are living through a very complicated and concerning period. The sickness is not limited to one particular institution or one particular group. It can be seen in our churches,c ivil societies, politics, tribal bodies, student organisations, government institutions and, most importantly, in our own mindset.
We often speak proudly of our identity and call Nagaland a land for Christ. But we must honestly ask ourselves: Are our practical lives truly reflecting the values we preach?
No society is perfect. Human beings make mistakes, and we learn from those mistakes. But the real danger begins when we recognise our problems and still refuse to change.
The Delay of the Naga Political Issue
The Naga political issue has continued for generations. What began as a political conflict nearly eight decades ago has remained unresolved despite decades of negotiations and peace efforts. The active peace process itself has continued for almost three decades, while several agreements and commitments have remained stalled for years.
This should make every Naga think seriously. How long are we going to wait?
One of the biggest problems within our society is division. Instead of standing together, we have allowed ourselves to become divided along tribal and group identities. Tribalism has become one of the biggest obstacles to our collective progress.
Our tribal identities are part of our history and culture, and there is nothing wrong with respecting them. But when tribal identity becomes more important than our common Naga identity, it becomes dangerous. We need to learn to stand together under one larger identity and one common purpose.
Another problem is our mentality. Everyone wants to become a leader. Everyone wants to be an intellectual. Everyone believes that they know everything, but very few are willing to listen, learn, cooperate or accept responsible leadership.
"Leadership is not about controlling others. It is about serving others. If we genuinely want change, we must first change this mentality."
The Functioning of Our Government
The functioning of our government also deserves serious public discussion. From education and healthcare to roads, employment and public infrastructure, many sectors continue to face major challenges. Rules and policies are made, but the bigger question is whether they are properly implemented.
Our people continue to struggle with unemployment and limited opportunities. Many young people are forced to look outside the state for education, employment and a better future. Government hospitals and institutions often struggle to meet the expectations of the public, while basic infrastructure in many areas still requires serious improvement. At the same time, there are continuous concerns about how public funds and resources are being utilized. Whenever public money is mismanaged or corruption takes place, it is not simply money that is lost. It is the future of ordinary people that is being sacrificed.
A road that is not built properly affects a student travelling to school. A hospital without adequate facilities affects a patient’s life. A lack of employment opportunities affects an entire family. Development is not a luxury. It is a responsibility.
The Responsibility of the Voter
But we cannot put all the blame on politicians. We, the public, also have to look at ourselves.
During elections, if we sell our vote or political support for a few thousand rupees, we cannot complain about poor governance for the next five years. We may receive something temporarily, but we lose something much more valuable—our right to demand accountable leadership.
"A vote is not a commodity. We should not choose leaders simply because they belong to our tribe, are wealthy, are related to us, or give us money."
We should ask questions about their character, ability, vision and record of service. If we sell our rights for today’s benefit, we may spend the next five years paying the price. There is a saying that captures this reality: A society does not always lose its freedom through force; sometimes it slowly gives it away in exchange for money and short-term benefits. We must become more responsible voters.
India is a democratic country, and citizens have constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). We should be able to raise genuine concerns about public issues responsibly and peacefully. A healthy democracy requires citizens who can question those in power. If speaking the truth always becomes a reason to apologise or remain silent, then we must ask ourselves what kind of democracy we are building.
The Church and Our Christian Values
Perhaps the most uncomfortable question is about our churches and Christian leadership. Our churches are supposed to be places where people find God, hope, guidance and comfort. But we must honestly examine whether our actions always reflect the Christianity we preach.
There are concerns in society that people with greater financial capacity and higher donations sometimes receive more attention, while those who are poor or struggling may receive less support. Whether every individual case is true or not, the fact that such perceptions exist should itself make church leaders reflect deeply.
Jesus did not teach us to serve only the wealthy or influential. The church should be closest to people who are suffering—families facing poverty, young people struggling with addiction, people experiencing loneliness, broken families and those who have lost hope. A church should not become a place of competition over status, buildings, influence or donations. The true strength of a church is not measured by the size of its building or the luxury of its leadership. It is measured by how many lives it touches and how much hope it brings to people who are suffering.Our spiritual life and our practical life should not be completely different.
The Mindset of Naga Parents
Another issue we need to talk about is the mindset of our parents. Many Naga parents naturally want their children to become government employees, civil servants, doctors, engineers or professionals. There is nothing wrong with wanting a secure future for our children. But government employment is not the only definition of success.
Some children are naturally talented in football, music, singing, dancing, art, business, technology, agriculture, writing or other fields. Yet sometimes their interests are ignored because society has already decided what a “successful career” should look like.
After graduation, many young people are pushed into coaching centres and competitive examinations simply because their parents expect them to do so. Parents should guide their children, but they should also understand their children’s abilities and interests. Let children discover what they are good at. Guide them, discipline them, support them and help them become excellent at it.
A government job is a respectable career, but it is not the only career that can give a person dignity and success.
We Must Also Look at Ourselves
Finally, we must talk about ourselves—the ordinary citizens. We are very good at blaming politicians, church leaders, tribal leaders and government officials. But before pointing fingers at others, we should ask ourselves: What am I doing for my society?
If we want good leaders, we must become responsible citizens. If we want honest politicians, we must stop selling our votes. If we want corruption to end, we must stop participating in corrupt practices. If we want educated leaders, we must educate ourselves. If we want unity, we must stop promoting tribal hatred. If we want our leaders to become role models, we must also become role models for the people around us.
Change cannot come only from the top. It has to begin from the grassroots.
A Call for Unity
The Naga people are not weak. We are talented, hardworking, intelligent, courageous and capable of achieving great things. But talent without unity can never reach its full potential.
We cannot continue fighting among ourselves while our young people struggle to find opportunities. We cannot continue talking about development while accepting poor governance. We cannot continue preaching Christianity while ignoring people who are suffering. We cannot continue demanding good leaders while choosing leaders based on money, tribe or personal interest.And we cannot continue waiting for someone else to change society. We have to change ourselves.
The future of the Naga people should not be decided only by politicians, church leaders or influential individuals. It should be shaped by every ordinary citizen, every student, every parent, every young person and every community.
Let us move beyond tribalism. Let us move beyond selfish politics. Let us move beyond the mentality of “I know everything.” Let us learn to listen, cooperate and work together.
The Naga political issue may take political leaders and negotiators to resolve, but building a better Naga society is our collective responsibility.
Our greatest challenge today may not be the lack of talent or resources. Perhaps our greatest challenge is our mindset. And if our mindset can change, our society can change.
The change we are waiting for will not come from somewhere else. It has to begin with us.