The phrase
"crossroads" is not overused when applied to the current political
moment for the Naga people. At this juncture, we stand between moving forward
without leaving behind our historical and political rights and dogmatically
unmoved. It is a precarious position requiring constructive Naga belonging,
strategic action, and an unwavering commitment to self-determination.
This article
is not an argument to be hastily dismissed with instinctive rebuttal, but rather
an appeal for deep reflection. Political decisions made at this moment will
reverberate through generations, shaping the future of our sovereignty and
collective identity.
Therefore, before we qualify what it means to be standing
at a crossroads between moving on without leaving and unmoved dogmatism, a
prologue to the intended position is necessary.
Naga
political history is one of resilience, deeply rooted in an unwavering spirit
of self-determination. Sovereignty for the Nagas is not a commodity to be
bartered in negotiations but a primordial spirit—the very soul of our
existence. It is an inherent right, grounded in history and identity, and must
be practised by the Nagas.
This may be the missing dimension in our quest for
sovereignty. Since sovereignty is ours let us practise it. Recognition of
declared Naga sovereignty is not a discretionary choice; it is an obligation
under the moral and political principles that govern all communities striving
for autonomy and self-determination.
The Naga
people’s stand has never been an act of defiance against India or any other
entity, but rather a testament to keeping our history and identity clear and
unambiguous. The struggle for sovereignty is not an isolated event in history;
it is a continuous process shaped by past experiences and evolving realities.
This
historical foundation must also be understood in a broader context.
The Naga
movement is not only about political recognition but also about reclaiming
dignity, asserting identity, and establishing a future free from political
conflicts both within and without. Sovereignty, in its truest form, is the
ability of a people to shape their destiny without compromising their essence.
It is this understanding that must permeate every discourse surrounding the Naga
political future.
Sovereignty
does not exist in isolation. It requires a bridge—a political mechanism
enabling the Naga people to move forward without compromising their historical
and political rights. A people cannot progress if they are trapped in a cycle
of resistance without strategic pathways for realising their aspirations.
The Government
of India must recognise that this bridge is not an extension of conflict nor a
tactic for delay. Rather, it is a necessary and strategic structure for shaping
the future in a way that honours the aspirations of the Naga people.
For Nagas who
hold firmly to sovereignty, realism must be seen as an ally rather than an
adversary. Sovereignty, while non-negotiable in its essence, must be pursued
with a pragmatic approach that acknowledges present political complexities.
Idealism fuels vision, but realism ensures its actualisation.
The Naga
people must engage in constructive political discourse that focuses on defining
this bridge—one that ensures sovereignty is not confined to ideological
rhetoric but becomes an actionable framework. Without such mechanisms, even the
most passionate movements risk being reduced to historical memories rather than
transformative realities.
The government
of India and the Naga people must work collaboratively to establish this
bridge—not as a concession, but as an acknowledgment of the need for a
structured path forward. This process should not be mistaken as an indefinite
prolongation of political discourse but rather as a critical step toward a
lasting, dignified resolution.
The future
demands wisdom, patience, and strategic foresight. Sovereignty, while immovable
in principle, requires thoughtful pathways to ensure its fulfilment. In this
pursuit, Nagas must harness every available resource—including those “perceived
outsiders” or previously over looked ones who can be more objective and
strategically positioned—to strengthen our journey toward self-determination.
A movement
cannot be sustained solely on the ideals of history; it must be actively
constructed to meet contemporary challenges while preserving its foundational
truths. Nagas must not allow sovereignty to remain trapped in the past.
We must
rise immediately to protect it, to shape it into a functional framework that
can withstand political tests and emerge with the clarity of our national
consciousness intact.
The call to
action for the Naga people is clear: progress cannot occur if we remain
confined by an ideology that inhibits forward momentum. Nagas must neither
weaken nor fall into self-defeat by stagnation. Political methods that have
failed must not be repeated. Instead, a transformed approach must be embraced.
The discourse
of sovereignty must be infused with new strategies that recognize modern
political mappings while safeguarding historical legitimacy. The failure to
adapt leads not only to stagnation but to the erosion of core principles.
In this
pursuit, David Graeber the Anthropologist has an insight:"The human
imagination stubbornly refuses to die. And the moment any significant number of
people simultaneously shake off the shackles placed on that collective
imagination, even our most deeply inculcated assumptions about what is and is
not politically possible have been known to crumble overnight."
This
underscores the power of collective imagination in shaping political realities.
We must recognise that sovereignty is not merely a legal claim—it is a lived
experience, shaped by governance, economic strength, cultural preservation, and
political foresight.
The moment
demands clarity of purpose—of who we are and what we aim to become. We must
recognise that sovereignty is not a relic of the past but a responsibility that
requires immediate protection and strategic implementation.
Nagas must
reason together—not about who is right or wrong, but about the power of change.
Let us ensure that sovereignty remains vibrant in our present and future,
rather than merely residing in history. If the past has shown us what does not
work, then let us transform our approach accordingly.
The urgency
of this moment cannot be overstated. The Naga political movement stands at a
decisive juncture, where actions taken today will determine the trajectory of
our sovereignty. Every failed method, every miscalculated political move, must
be reevaluated and replaced with a dynamic strategy rooted in wisdom and
foresight.
Curtailing
any progress will result in self-defeat. The hesitation to innovate politically
will only weaken the movement, allowing influences and pressures to dictate the
narrative. Nagas must rise to the occasion—imaginative, strategic, and unified
in purpose.
Sovereignty
does not belong to history per se; it belongs to action. It must be realized
with collective determination, where political wisdom replaces fragmentation
and national vision overrides short-term political interests.
Finally, as
an elder, with humble submission, may I appeal to all our conscientious and
able women and men in fields of academia, enthusiasts and patriots alike to
come together, before clearing one’s throat for the war-chant, to sit around
the common Naga table for sharing and contributing to our forward move. I hope
for this to take place soon. Can we begin now? Your response is important!
