Just an Observation, Not a judgement

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Oh! Who Will Save Us Just an Observation, Not a Judgement A few stories and counting… for the N. Rongkame

Arenjungla Kichu

FORSAKEN

Keren r. Rose ‘Reconciliation’, it is a big Naga Freedom Fighters and a hope. But today, the whole New Environment which is outside Our land so green and lovely Herword. husband diedliving leaving musician very Fighters active inhave church. in other the well-meaning After forherde- ented our Naga Freedom lostUnfortheir san-I think of your small words tiny world and live withrelit. Get Lea water so fresh and clear with three small children to tunately she got pregnant out of wedlock atives meant, “Since you are still alive, you Our spring cades with a society that ity.

Their Enmity against each other is a never out of the closet sometimes, discover it, excare for. She has no income, and approached the boys family. They were owe him your services. Stay under his roof till reconciles, word powerful ending one.

Do theythen not realise theytoarehurt killingheperience and learnout how accept it. There Our breezy winds in the hills so refreshing hernever husband was inthe Police politicians so as not beats theit daylights of to you and when And God turned away Department and diedand while voting theyDo allowed herrealise to livethatyou aremuch finally deadtowe yourYour ‘ Reconciliation’ ‘uni- the their own bank, brothers? they not is so more lifewill thancry justover to live.

From the dog gnawing on duty. She has three broth- with them for the nine months duration. The body, we will beat our chest and be angry ty’ sounds like a stranger the Nagas Needs them and wants to see them community, your villagers and people of your Our forefathers toil hard At the broken tiny body er in laws who approached day after she gave birth, the mother in law at your in laws for having killed our beloved Is it after reallythe hard working in handthat so you that have we would own tribes Is then not the of your world.

OurWith forefathers simple the curledwere bloody fingershearted hertoa me. few days fu- to curtly toldhand her, “Now given getsister”.

Perhaps theend church will say the It is That might have reached out neral and this was the solution they gave her birth under our roof you may leave my not son re-unfortunate marrywith again sinceoutrestore friendly relation the desired freedom one day?

Doasthey Never that husband hard to bemay a friend people Our forefathers were down to earth To stop the hands that took grieving heart,” Do among not worry three chil- has decided thatare thethe baby not his”. needs woman take careup of your him and ouryour Own people?? alise that they onlyis hope of Nagaland? heside of ayour shell.toBroaden narrow Our forefathers were sincere and honest Her life before it began. dren will be divided amongst us three brothhusband was an alcoholic, an his children!

I always thought One can always come into PriorHerto that, we have our Naga Politicians mindsThese and overcome everything that hits you And God turned away ers, you are still young so please go ahead officer and a diabetic. Perfect recipe for disare just a few stories from the friendly unless and meIiswonder an ego mawho Well overlooks ‘ corruption’ in Nagaand welcome it.

From the whimpers behind the door and findterms another manyou to marry”. if aster. when at hethe eventually died, the in recesses of my memory.

Some I witnessed, Our land once flowed with blood And the tiny heart asking they asked her what for her- laws in to claim all his are property I heard but all is ofthe them are true.ofAnd yet niac even but i guess that’s justshe notwanted all we need. land.swooped I wonder whether they awareand of thesome‘Competition’ backbone ‘tribalism’.

What thehearts voice could no longer say self‘Nagaland, and her children, right to pull blessed apart forcibly her children well (they women bear it all, we aretribes not supposed and griped with fear a state isofitChristianity, fact thattook theyaway lack equality.

Whyas care about onlyweFirst competition among which leads Our minds To stop the Unspeakable three siblings and conveniently dispose off were all girls I heard). How did they achieve to have ‘humanitarian’ rights I am told. UnOur eyes withagain. tears withmother? beautifulCouldn’t ethnics the andthree cultures with asupvivid the yourselves, yourthey families, relatives, com-lucky to competition between then comes To let her filled be a child the brother feat? Simple, accused her of your having is the women who is districts, intelligent, indelandscape that always manage takeand people’s andand nottherefore your State? it so hardlaws to takependent towns and then colonies, thenhas among And GodBut turned port their unfortunate brothersto wife kids amunity boyfriend

by Is man-made and villages, has an opinion, our society Oh! whoaway will save Us? From the muffled screams till she could find a way to earn? that made her not fit to bring up her children creative tags for such women ranging from breathe away. It is of great misfortune that peo- the entire ‘Nagaland’ as One?? Compare and neighbours and then finally among friends.

Who will save our land?

At the blows raining on flesh She was well educated infact a first or stay under the roof she once shared with over smart, ‘will control husband’, morally ple really don’t know ‘Nagaland’ exist.

This is contrast between Dimapur, Kohima, Mon, TuThis is a tragedy but it is a trend we have been And the broken heart begging science graduate from her tribe with an envi- her late husband. I wonder why did she fall lose (Don’t ask me I also don’t know how bewhenjob.

I regret the fact that Nagaland is aexstate inensang anda all the districts of have Nagaland. following forisages.

To be released from the horror able Afteratmarriage, children and an love with man…she should fallenMany in ing intelligent connected to morals), 33% Our land ravaged with war, That had become of her life. tremely husband she decided givecounup love a stone a tree or thetodoor khan, defensive etc etc. in India.busy Nagas are alienated in ourtoown Nagawith People areor suffering due lack even. of trans-reservation They say ‘’The World Today Is aPersonCompetiThe remnant remain And God still turned away to haunt her high profileour jobappearance and settle for a less match tax- Why did God communications create her with blood running ofally, not fight reservation, I am not try. Obviously, doesn’t portations, and absence tiveI do World’’ and I for agree.

But the opinion varies For when He created Man ing teaching job. Her children have all grown in her veins and a heart that was ‘unfortu- demanding equality, all I seek is justice. JusOh! Brothers killing brothers with the mainland Indians, our cultures does medical healthcare in different areas.

Some vilon how you analyse the word ‘competitive’.

To Love and done well thanks to her sacrifice. These nate’ enough to find love again? tice that man-made laws sometimes ignore, OnceThis a comrade now an not setwhen rightthey with them, it’s moresome of ‘weissues are not lages inHer districts likeisKohima and Dimapur A healthy competition is when youhumans challenge beautiful world He enemy gave. days are discussing husband an alcoholic, a goodarejustice that God gives freely and we To Valueeach other apart and she doesn’t husband tells for nothing whotown beatsofher every night Iswithhold Indians’.

To topunderstand that, so farher they have treated better thanloafer the Main some districts. yourselftightly. on something which you thought was Tearing She whom He created too her, “you don’t know that going to even I am How long till and we walk in prove the shoes us like foreigners and anything hence here weisare living for thatburnt whatcurries you would callpower ‘Equalfailure Treatment’?? hard or impossible tries to yourself Mothers arehim weeping To Share with that world on in the world today, you are so outdated”. told. Well the day he beat her till she peed of women who have been battered/abused? like aliens, lost in our own world in a country I doubt so.

It’s time to invest the money for a and to everyone who did not believed in you.

How had Hemourning not seen Did he realise that he and the children are blood, she ran home. The relatives interfered, How long before we go the second mile with Sisters that had never accepted us as theirherself own counbetter andkept a more developed Nagaland.

An unhealthy those when The mark of the Devil in Man. updated because she outdated to the church mum.

They made her go back them?

How longcompetitions before menare themselves Children unhappy And God turned away. raise them all? she made their house into a to save the family honour.

They said, “There come out openly in support of violence/injustry citizens. It is disappointing and hurtful so Apart from all, the Epic fall of Nagaland is you try to be better than someone. That is not frustrated And whoYouth will Save home while she could have been a high fly- is no smoke without fire, you must have also tice against women? i may suggest that India should give us Inde- done due to the so called ‘Tribalism’. As long as the healthy because through that sooner or later The baby,Old the folks girl, the woman ing officer in some big department. something to outrage him so. Go and How long is it to sunrise? I will keep resent pendence Already. people have irritation against different tribes, you’ll be exposed to Jealousy which will never Whom He had so wonderfully made.

She is good looking, smart and a tal- learn to be a good, humble, obedient wife”. my pen down then.

Keeping that thought, when i take a closer do not hope for unity so soon. The believes bring you closer to Unity.

Why this in our land? look at Nagaland, it depresses me more. Our like ‘my tribe is better than yours,’ ‘I hate that Naga Fore fathers were great warriors and they tribe’, or ‘I want the CM of Nagaland to be That is all I had to say.

Why do we make our land; sacrificed everything they had so that Naga- from our tribe’!! are the reason we never move A land of forsaken It’s not that hard to reconcile and land would be called as a Nation one day. Even forward. This is Eating us alive! We have to get A land of despair though they failed, they gave us our army, Our out of the nutshell we are living in, embrace unite if we want it from all our Hearts.

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Change Attitude Towards Women A land of greed

Words and Us Culture, Tradition Sincerely preserve to apportion the meat and keep women in their place.

Projects, Progress, Development,Justice, Prohibition, Reconciliation Very impressive on paper.

Unions, Nation, Independence, Sovereignty, Unification Best fund-raising themes.

Politics. Factions, NGO, Prayer-centre, Church Most lucrative investments.

Truth, Honesty, Sincerity, Transparency , Accountability Strictly applies to non-locals.

100% tax, Inflation, Corruption, Discrimination, Intimidation, Rape, Murder Our staple-diet.

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Neikehienuo Mepfhii-o

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A land of threat eyingbeni Humtsoe – NieNu A land of fear A landwhen of dictate Violence against women (VAW), for some, starts from the womb a girl child is voluntarily annihilated. If she is allowed to be born she is subjected to discrimination A land of inequality of varying kinds in varying degrees. To stop VAW, there is a need not only to enact and uphold women Aofland of battlefield sensitive legislation and culture, but requires total change attitude towards her –

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In conception and birth – Embrace her sexuality.

In infancy and childhood – Nurture her with equality.

In adolescence – Treat her with care.

In youth – Show respect.

In marriage – Honour her wishes.

In motherhood – Trust her wisdom.

In old age – Treasure her experience.

Through all stages – Value her.

Woman, without her, life is not only incomplete, but impossible. Harming her is harming one’s life itself.

Such words to remove from us Such to reclaim and redeem For us to sift and secure.

For in the beginning is the word And the word become flesh And dwell among us.

For such power be invested in the word With which He created all That surely it can heal That which is ruptured among us.

Oh! Who will save us?

Oh land of weeping children Where the sun rise but cannot enjoy its light Where the crystal clear water flow But cannot delight with it When life is on threat What thing on earth can satisfy?

Where is the sense of humanity?

Where is the spirit of brotherhood?

Is it the spirit of brotherhood a wild dream?

Breathe on the land to give life Send forth the revival and reconciliation neiKehienuo Mepfhű-o That can transform our Land Oh! Creator of this beautiful land It’s a paranoid world we live in,Dear father, Where we are denied Redeem its people before live in a world where even our most basic rightthe to land life? turns ugly With our sanity hanging precariously at ‘We’ the edge, we are free only in dreams.

Where we wonder hopelessly Before people consumed up with hatreds Our guilt conscience eating out the best ofbeautiful us; Each morning, what have we done terribly wrong to And annihilation is yet another story deserve this?

Unable to rise up from the graves of ourItgluttony, To You We Plea of one of us- Abused and Tortured, We turn into something we even fear to acknowledge.

Raped and Murdered.

Dear father,Our Only Hope.

My naive little sisters How long can we trudge along We change colors ever so often but falling prey to inhuman bastards. with broken bones and broken hopes?

All the more the unpleasant self we discover.

All these tragediesThink for us when you know (Dedicated tothat the And the incredulity we felt when we read Lord of the fliesprotested and forgotten. written, read, ‘they’ are parading unabashedly in the streets children of conflicts in About the darkness of human heart slowlyDear diminishes. father, with nothing to lose,

A DAUGHTER’S LETTER

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the world affected by both external and internal violence- faced in real life situation and in mental world as well)

How do we thrive in a landafter a child’s play confinementAnd it is here we take the easy way of We will unite the day Where even ‘home’ is no longer safe? where we bury our head in fear.

Resorting to blame-stormingWe can listenWhere to eachwe other the blaring feel sans threatened by guns; Make a change, father, on theprecious door? lives As I ‘am even scared About the neighbor’s dogs barking louder than ours, Where weevery stopknock negotiating Where we pray for love to turn off the lights tonight.

About others children’s attire oblivious to By fanatically holding on to our own beliefs; iLLuSTrATion by seso t. meRo but are sacrificed for lust?

The glaring motley on our own offspring; Where we control those wanton hands of ours It will be a much better placeIn grabbing more than what we can hold, opinion is a theme-based supplement published on the third Saturday everyblood month. here you are the artist, the writer, the If we would just bear others’ flaws like we hide ours, Where we realize theofenemy’s stained on our hands If we would just stop praying hypocriticalofprayers Is the same blood that runs our veins; photographer, the storyteller and the creator your own opinion.

The articles dothrough not reflect the position of the newspaper.

Confessing the sins of our brothers.

And only then…‘One’ we shall be.

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ILLUSTRATION BY ATONG ROTHRONG

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Leaders need to let go of their ego

It is a bleak atmosphere we live in where our lives are filled with fear and animosity. The politicians with their fancy cars and expensive mansions, the so called freedom fighters with their demand for freedom and of course robbing of our hard earned money and finally the civilians, the bystanders who can’t go this way or that. It’s like being stuck in a room with no windows and no light. Our future does indeed look sad. Reconciliation can indeed go a long way if the leaders would first learn to let go of their ego and step up.

Let me not count the number of factions we have up to date. It is indeed a hard blow to our moral when we see our own brethren fighting amongst themselves for money, control and limelight. If reconciliation was meant to work, it would have long time ago but so far it hasn’t either due to ego, lack of spiritual guidance, greed or other selfish reasons. Instead of

Sungjemmongba Jamir

fighting amongst themselves wouldn’t it be like a sign of God when we see all these factions becoming one?

Wouldn’t it be like a dream come true when they finally do some serious thinking and ACTUALLY fight for our freedom? It seems like a wasted dream but it’s never late to hope for such things.

I am sure it’s no surprise and it’s a face fact that our leaders both the underground and the politicians need to sit down and agree to solve the issues which has plagued us for quite some time now. Why all this seeds of division when our beloved leaders should work on a better tomorrow. Even when we have an issue with our friends of family what we do is resolve it and not leave it cold. If any of the groups are genuinely concerned for the people of Nagaland won’t they try to resolve their issues, be it small or big.

The church is a formidable organization and although their efforts are commendable I think we as public can easily see that they aren’t doing enough.

Sure, we have a lot of ongoing issues like how we should have a special service but isn’t it time that the church as a body rejuvenate our spiritual side. What

There musT be one road map

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Reconciliation a very powerful word that demands everything from us. Are all Underground factions willing to respect their differences? Just like political parties around the world. Are they willing to work together? Are they willing to reconstruct Naga political history together where credibility stand as a bedrock and future defined and goals set. Are they willing to start from the very beginning together. Where all of them stand on the same platform; equality standard is set and where process is respected and honored.

There must be one road map where all have signed to work together. This agreement must be honored from the top to the bottom of their respective group.

Every infraction must be on the table.

Their reconciliation process must not end with them. They must come down from their bully pulpits and guarded camps where people are. They must reconcile with Naga People. They have been wronged for far too long. Their voice has been silenced with fear for far too long. They have been exploited from both ends Underground demands and ransom as well as elected official whose blind greed has dwarfed development and opportunity. The people of the land must not be

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spectator but serious participants. Mere dictum will not cut. People cannot simply walk away from their years of pains and embrace what they do know. What safe guard do they have, they do not know.

Nagas have been on this reconciliation road for far too long without any tangible outcome. They do not know what has been ironed out. What do they agree and what do they not agree; What is on the table and what is off the table?

Political destiny is not paved with gold but human blood. The blood of the innocent cry out to God for redemption. Their lament will stifle our road to freedom because justice has not been served. In recent human history we have witnessed dictum and authority figures who ruled ruthlessly killing multiple generations to silence and eventual revenge. They are no longer with us; their countries in turmoil; their citizens fleeing for refuge. Is this what we want?

My prayer is this that our Underground leadership will stop their blame game; truth is somewhere near them. History have multiple narratives; scholars both local and international will investigate write about Naga people from their perspective. I also pray that people will demand justice and destiny. My love for my people will not waver; my hope is in the people.

Naga Reconciliation and Unity The Challenge of Transforming a Dream into Reality

N George, Maj Gen (Retd), Former Chairman CFMG/CFSB

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The message of love and brotherhood, of forgiveness and sacrifice for the sake of others, should find natural acceptance in a predominantly Christian society. Reconciliation to achieve this dream of Unity should therefore be an easily attainable goal in Nagaland. Where then are we faltering in our inability to achieve this long cherished dream? Reconciliation is undoubtedly a process, with no tangible measure of its achievement or otherwise. Reality is that Naga society as a whole is pining for reconciliation and unity. In its essence, the process imposes demands on the inner self, an act of contrition that would lie in the philosophical realm. It is a subject that can be theorized no end.

Need for genuine progress would however dictate that it is prudent to consider realities, that if recognized, could hasten the process of reconciliation.

Reconciliation in Naga society needs to be viewed at two levels, at the level of the people at large where tribes need to unite and at the level of UG Groups where Factions need to come together. Reconciliation, even within these two segments, is constrained by their respective perceptions of its long term goal.

On one hand is the desire to progress and be part of a larger national and global society and on the other is the concern for self propagation. Can the twain meet?

Yes they can.

Any long term goal must concern future generations. Their involvement in the process is mandatory because it is about their future anyway. Neglect of the youth places the entire process in jeopardy in times to come. Most importantly they are not burdened with baggage of the past, the greatest impediment to progress. It is time to pass on the mantle to the next generation, at each level. This is particularly relevant to UG Groups. The leadership presumably already recognizes the environment that prevails today. A viewing of the Naga Blog is adequate evidence. It is statesmanship and genuine concern for the people that needs

to be brought to the fore. The majority recognize that there was once an honorable cause. It was arguably a justifiable fight. It is now time to realize that future generations should not be held hostage to a chimera.

Depriving the individual, especially the youth to prosper, is depriving Naga society of its rightful place in the sun. Honorable retirement of this leadership of the past should lead to passing on the mantle to the next generation that hopefully will be able to look ahead rather remain glued to the past. Tribal Hohos must similarly involve the educated and competent youth, to be able to take the lead in a process of coming together. UG leadership that remains isolated from the wider public will have a greater challenge at reconciliation. It is therefore imperative that Tribal organizations take the lead. Reconciliation amongst society at large will compel reconciliation amongst UG Groups.

UG Groups today are thriving on the tribal divide.

Transparency and openness is an essential ingredient of any reconciliation process. What exists in Nagaland however is a siege mentality where nobody can utter in public what he feels or says in private.

Talks with Government of India for an Agreement are secret, just as talks amongst Factions to reconcile are secret. Voice of the people is throttled. Let therefore the first step be to speak our hearts and minds. Fear of retribution in the present circumstance is real but should remain a fear only when singled out. Communities as a whole, with leadership to justify the cause, need to voice their opinion. University, Colleges and Church bodies need to publically debate issues that affect the future of Nagaland. Let every voice be heard, it will help achieve a degree of unity. Naga society needs to heed the example of the rest of the Country and the world in this regard. It is utterly naïve for people to imagine that a document signed with Government of India would bring peace to a troubled land.

People make the change and a Government only aids the process. Let us not absolve ourselves of responsibility to contribute, in however small a fashion, to

create an environment of greater, if not perfect harmony, to make a future Agreement a success. Without harmony in Naga society the Agreement will not be worth the paper on which it is signed.

No society on earth can ever hope to progress in the absence of the rule of law. Local Government and the Administration function under an all pervasive atmosphere of fear. Communities on the other hand hold special place and significance in Naga society.

They must fill the void caused by “controlled governance”. This is not to replace Institutions of State but to aid and support them.

It is always wise to look beyond our immediate confines to seek a lead. The process of reconciliation in South Africa and Sierra Leone, however imperfect, provided a path to progress. A common and essential feature is the need for quality leadership. Nelson Mandela and Ellen Johnson, through their strength of character and selflessness, provided the glue for their nations to unite for a common cause. Who will it be in Nagaland? It is not that such a leader does not exist. It is that the cult of the gun has stifled such leadership. The process of reconciliation will bring forth such a leader. It is important that the process begin. Nagaland, a blessed land, is compromising its future with the large numbers of youth who leave for greener (read more peaceful) pastures. The challenge is to draw them back and to invite the best talent from anywhere in the world, to make Nagaland the Promised Land. It is worth remembering that the United States of America is not where it is in the world solely because of the efforts of its indigenous people. Mumbai and Bangalore are similarly where they are because of the coming together of great talent from all over. Naga society needs to reach out, selectively.

Naga society is at a critical juncture in the course of its history. The first tentative steps towards wider involvement of the public in charting this course are visible. The challenge is to stay the course, with a prayer in the heart and a commitment to “love thy neighbor as thy self ”

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good is a healthy body if its mind is controlled by unhealthy influences. What we need right now is a spiritual awakening and although prayer is an integral and important ingredient, the church leaders should take hold of our leader’s hearts and mind and convince them to merge as one. If a soft pat on their shoulders doesn’t seem to work then I am sure, we the public, would be really grateful if you take hold of them and shake them hard till they wake up. It’s about God darn time they woke up from their lost dreams and dealt with reality.

It is amazing how much power we have as public, of course, most of the time we don’t realise it simply because we think of things as an individual. We are lying dormant when we should have enough stamina by now to shout ENOUGH. Aren’t we tired of being robbed of our money, time and peace of mind over and over? The protests and changing our profile picture to black is admirable but that shouldn’t be the end but a beginning. If our so called leaders are being arrogant, egoistic, and narcissistic then shouldn’t we have the power to overthrow them? Why not help them follow the path to righteousness? Isn’t it time we did something about this?

Reconciliation should be based on truth, justice, honesty and sincerity Nokhuo

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The absence of hostility, estrangement and making an agreement to begin a new peaceful living for the future. Past hatred, fear. envy. jealousy and lurking to take revenge etc. must be cease permanently for the good of the parties involve. They should work for the common purposes, objectives and goals. The principles of reconciliation should be based on truth, justice, honesty and sincerity.

We all are concerned out truth reconciliation to build better nation, better people and better future.

Confidence building measure should be created in the forms of working together, sharing their views and ideas and give space to accommodate each other.

Help them to dream their causes together and any differences arise should be mutually resolve. While realizing our past wrongs, mistakes and faultiness.

Our sense urges us to reconcile it.

In our daily observation, we have seen that the birds are flying together, the fishes are swimming together, the ants are working together and the animals are flocking together even the river’s confluence before it flows into the mighty ocean. As a rational human beings, shall we not learn from these? What make us too stiff our neck?

We need to learn from the past what we have seen and heard and save the future. To mend our future we should accept our past. Many lives have been lost due to internal infighting. There is a saying in Mao Naga “Any injuries within the family take time to heal”. When we looked our land every nook and corner has been stained with the red blood. So many of our warriors were died into the unknown jungle, foreign land and some were swept away by mighty rivers. They were nameless and faceless. Shall we not heal the mourning mothers who lost their son’s? We need to heal the wound which we have inflicted them.

We need to heal our land which we have destroyed.

It is true; it’s not an easy road to travel in this path.

Many obstacles and hindrance may come on the way.

But we have to overcome with patience and tolerance. A lot of preparation and unceasing prayers is needed to do before approaching to the victims.

Truth telling and truth confession to the victims by us is the prerequisite things, which leads to forgiveness to the perpetrators and healing to the victims.

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Some humble suggestions and views are given here: 1. Assist them to discuss thread barely the differences.

2. Regular physical contact to talk openly.

3. Any draft modalities should present to all the parties involve.

4. For healthy environment a common office must be set up, so that all parties should work together there.

5. For lasting reconciliation, it must be flank with certain solution.

Long live the Lim.

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hat you do will be huge impact to the society!

Kuknalim As a youngster the present political scenario in Nagaland is confusing. When we talk about reconciliation, the first thing that comes to our mind is the Undergrounds. We Nagas like to have a scapegoat to whom we can put the blame for our errors. The common majority of the people are lukewarm. We need to seriously ponder upon the facts that we have a divided family, divided clans, divided tribes and a divided society.

And if we don’t act now there may come a time when the future generations wake up and blame our present policies for the widespread disunity and inter- tribal fighting. For reconciliation, we need to identify the roots where it starts and put an end to petty discriminations and prejudices prevalent in our society. When it comes to political reconciliation between the factions, I would dare to say that it is secondary if the common majority of the people are not united without which Nagas would never be truly reconciled.

We need to realize that if we do not accept each others’ differences, forget the past that

haunts us and learn to live as a family, we once was. Our future is far from being bright, we will continue to witness killings among our own brothers and fall prey to the divisive forces that control Us, Nagas. I wished that we Nagas would realize who the real enemy is! Is it other tribes?

The Factions? The State Government? Will we go on blaming the Indians and their policies? These are some thoughts we need to ponder upon! If we learn to accept each others’ differences, forgive and forget the hurts others’ had inflicted to us and at least try to accept each other as brothers and sisters. We would see a vibrant and a new society tomorrow. Every single action, how small of yours can made a huge impact to our society!

Kuknalim.

Azo Wetsah

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hen we talk about Reconciliation and Naga unity our mind goes back to the year 2008 when the Forum for Naga Reconciliation was formally endorsed by 29 Naga organizations at Hotel Japfu, Kohima. I believe it was about a journey of common hope and to bridge the gap between the factional groups. I remember the fateful day when a Mega reconciliation meeting was convened

by Forum for Naga Reconciliation on 29 Feb 2013 where Naga’s from Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and elsewhere were present. It gave a sense of hope and expectation deep down that situation would change and after a long maybe this is the start of peaceful co existence among the factions and Naga’s in general and hopefully no more extortions, killings and even bring an end to tribalism but unfortunately nothing much has changed and hope has now become hopeless and I ask myself what has gone so wrong that we cannot attain unity and reconciliation? Why can’t we be hopeful?

Why is our hope always crashing down? Who is responsible for our state of affairs in shambles? Have we consulted or have we neglected the author of Peace and reconciliation?

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any conflicts (within factions and or with the state government and or with the central government and or with the public) in our 60 + years of Naga National struggle could have spelled disastrous but were averted due to the application of mind of one or the other person(s). The so called unsung hero(s), the natural born negotiator(s), the God gifted specialist. Such SELFLESS person(s) should be identified by all means and be included in the dialogue to bring about Naga Reconciliation and Unity. My humble prayer for the success of the mission of the FNR and Peace & Unity for the Naga people, God bless. Amen.

Avika. V. Jimo

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s a layman, I think the only way forward for Naga reconciliation and unity is that all the factions should come together shedding their past differences and form a united Naga political body. Besides, they must put an end to fratricidal killing in the name of Naga sovereignty. If for the cause of Naga nation, one can selflessly lay down one’s life, it stands to reason that for the same noble cause it should not be impossible to end fratricidal killings.

Kimusu Kips

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ver since the inception of Nagaland, there have been numerous talks and struggles for reconciliation. The dreams of our visionaries of a greater Nagalim were shattered and they felt that the central government had done them great injustice in the division of the boundaries. There are many Naga tribes in different parts of the North-eastern states and this only aggravates the situation. The main purpose of talks about reconciliation and

Susan Lotha aka Su Lot

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n our Naga society fratricidal killings is being witnessed so very often, which is shameful. It destroys the good that we all are trying to bring about – a peaceful resolution and settlement of our cultural, social and political aspirations. It dashes down our hope for peace and progress.

Naga freedom fighters who were once motivated to fight for the political freedom are creating a sense of confusion and despair among fellow Nagas everywhere as they fight over petty things such as territorial supremacy, ignoring the bigger vision and the lasting good that everyone is dreaming about. They make themselves cheap and far removed from being patriotic.

Due to the constant fighting and condemnation of each other with groupism in the fore, a feeling of hatred started to grip the minds of common people. A general apathy to the cause is perceivable. The Naga society is so fragmented and confused today. The effects of this factional division and clashes have become so severe in the present society that the public have become wary and worn out.

There is no reason as to why the Nagas will not achieve their goal if all work in unity with purpose and with the larger vision to guide every step. But unfortunately everyone has been misled and misguided in their approaches. Their end goal seems to be something else. A soul searching and building of the value system would perhaps re-orient ourselves and gear us for successful settlement. “United effort” alone can bring us

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to the goal, and Nagas must accept the fact that the very word ‘Kuknalim’ which means ‘Victory for the Land’ is for all the Nagas, irrespective of all factions, organizations and tribes.

Therefore it is time that we must shun all kinds of violence and killings and come together.

We need to realize and admit the past mistakes and face the issues to bring peace and early political settlement through the means of reconciliation. Confessing the truth and admitting one’s mistakes can move the society beyond the horror of violence. The revengeful attitude needs to be replaced with a we-feeling and be truly reconciled in the name of the larger vision of a political settlement that will bring justice and focus on the healing of relationship between the peoples.

As people living in a land called by His name ‘Nagaland for Christ’, we can choose to forgive, forget and be reconciled with those who have offended or hurt us. Reconciling with one another and living together in unity will help to achieve the goal and bring peace and progress.

Kahuli Swu.

he ceasefire signed between the Naga political groups and the Govt. of India has put the Naga political issue on a very important stage towards bringing a lasting solution once for all. At a time such as this where solution to the vexed Naga political issue is at sight, it is a matter of grave concern to see factional killings taking place unabated among the Naga political groups. For the fruition of concerted efforts invested by the Naga civil societies and the churches under the banner of Forum for Naga Reconciliation - a journey of common hope, it is imperative that all the Naga political groups join the bandwagon of Naga reconciliation process and continue building peace and unity. The absence of even a single group could derail the whole process and so reconciliation needs to be inclusive. One thing Naga political groups can do in building Naga reconciliation and unity at this juncture is to heed to the yearning of the Naga people for peace and stop factional killings. Either we keep killing and perish OR reconcile with one another and live in peace and unity is the choice before us.

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unity is to bring together all the Nagas within one common boundary. Struggle for reconciliation has been going on for more than 50 years now, but to no avail because as Dr. R.B. Thohe Pou puts it, there are three school of thoughts – 1. Pro-reconciliation (those who support reconciliation) 2. Anti-reconciliation (those who against reconciliation) 3. Unconcern about Reconciliation (those who are unconcern about reconciliation) “Reconciliation and unity” is what we hear or come across almost every day in almost all the local newspapers. But is it really possible? The way I see it, from a rational point of view, I really don’t think it’s possible. The reason? The points cited above, those of the three schools of thoughts, serve as a big hindrance. The only way to achieve reconciliation and unity is if all the people come together with a common goal. Herein the problem lies.

Johny and Dad

J Peeper

Date: 15 August.

Place: Nagaland

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It was at 7:00 a.m, the paper boy delivered the daily paper to the house of Johny. He took it and began read. Little Johny got startled when he saw the independent day speech of different political organisations.

He took the paper and went to his father to clarify his doubts.

Johny: Dad, what is this?

Dad: Hi Johny , you got any problem?

Johny(show him the speeches ): Look this.

Dad: Oh Johny, you are interested in politics?

Johny: Nope! I just got quite confused on seeing the speech. I want to know why there are so many political parties in our state.

Dad: They are fighting for our nation.

Johny: we have only one state and there should be only one party. Read the speeches . They all claim to be working for the people.

Dad: Yes, they are fighting for us.

Johny: Then why does they collect taxes from the common people?

Dad: They need resources to fight for our freedom. That tax is nothing once we we get our sovereignty. It is just like depositing money in banks.

We would get the double of those money.

Johny: ..mmmm still confused. Please make it clear and simple. Why do we have so many political parties when we have only one state? They are not fighting for us. They are dividing our state.

Isn’t it?

Dad: Listen, I’ll tell you. Before you were born , our forefathers knowing our unique identity decided to form a separate nation but they were denied that right by the Indian government. Instead of granting freedom, they suppressed the Nagas. And because of that, we had lost many good leaders and civilians. Those leaders, if they are still alive, there would be less problem now. Those leaders, who had conceived the idea of Nagaland had perished long time ago. Their dreams unfulfilled. Our present state was created against the will of the Nagas. We are now living in a state of confusion (begin sob...)

Johny interrupts...

Johny: OK, OK..I got it.

Dad(regain his composure): You are lucky Johny.

In our state we have many organisations willing to work for the betterment of our state. Five months ago, we have witnessed unarmed politicians fighting neck and neck to work for our welfare. I could not imagine how much those people have a heart for the common people. You might have seen up to what extent those people took steps to work for our welfare. (Johny nodded) Good, I said we are fortunate people. Like them, we have many political parties with arms working for us.

Johny(excitedly): oh yes, we are very lucky.

But their views are different. Why? Dad(with raising brow): Can you prepare curry with only water?

Johny: No! Dad: Then different views are important in order to have a good state.

Johny(face brightens.): But who is going to cook those views?

Dad(smiling): That is it. The problem is that, we need an expert Chef. Their ideologies are different but they are one in this “Nagaland for Christ”.

We are going to need our Lord Jesus Christ.

Johny: That is it. But..my Sunday school teacher told me that Jesus is the Prince of peace.

How could they have different opinions if they professed to be christian?

Dad: Yes,Jesus is the Prince of Peace, our Redeemer and our Saviour. The thing is that...have you ever read a Bible passage saying faith without action is dead?

Johny: Yes, many times. Then their faith is dead?

Dad: No.no. Don’t be so sure on that. No one knows the depth of others faith. Faith cannot be measured. The Bible says that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. And yes, we sinned. We need to repent and seek the grace of our Lord.

Johny: Lord Jesus Christ, I have sinned. Forgive me for the wrongs I have done. Let your grace and love reign in my thoughts and actions.

Dad: Aha.! Smart boy. Yes, our society needs people like you. OK boy, I have some assignment to do. Go and get ready for school. We shall talk later.

EXIT

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RECONCILIATION is: “the ending of conflict or renewing of a friendly relationship between disputing people or groups” [Encarta World English Dictionary]

VS Ngathingvao, Khuilung, Hungpung, Ukhrul – 795142

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Going by the parameters of ‘reconciliation’ (cited above), Naga Reconciliation, ever since its initiation by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, (FNR) till date, at its best, remains in a quandary.

The Journey of Common Hope, greeted by milestones of hiccups has been arduous.

The long cherished dream of ‘reconciled and unified’ Nagas still eludes us. Though the Naga issue is political, at least for once, to usher in peace and hammer out a consensus among the Naga factions, change of approach from political to apolitical is suggested to be made an attempt.

In my humble opinion, to make peace it’s always necessary to talk to the enemy.

In Nagas tortuous march to free Nagalim, the contagious trend of compatriots turned dissidents turned renegades turned arch enemies has impeded Naga’s unification.

Whenever any internal problems/crises surfaces (among group members), despite of diffusing the impasse via constructive criticism, resorting to destructive criticism by defecting from one’s parent body and there upon forming and heading a new group has become the rule rather than exception, Nagas’ political maneuvers and its theme NAGALAND FOR CHRIST are seen in total contrast. The Christian tenets, “forgive and love one’s enemies,” the very basis foundation of Naga Nationalism for Christ seemed to be ignored or forgotten.

No doubt, the wrongs committed by ‘the other’ was so grave that it’s ‘unforgivable.’

The wounds inflicted by ‘the other’ was so injurious that it wouldn’t ‘heal.’ The accord signed by ‘the other’ was a total ‘sellout’ that brought but disgrace to the Naga Nation. Once, twice, thrice and umpteenth, Nagas has been trying mending these political fissures politically but miserably failed.

The unsteady/inconsistent relationship between the Naga public and Naga Nationalists (the beacon of Nagas hope to be free) imperatively needs rejuvenation. Naga Na-

tionalist Leaders (NNLs); Naga over-ground Politicians; Naga Bureaucrats; Naga Social Organization leaders et al should let introretrospection dawn in their hearts. And the noxiously opinionated Naga public must come to one’s rational self. These, I hope, would consequently bring realization in ‘us’ that the disparities of income, unequal living standards, etc of the Naga populace and NNLs, MLAs, Ministers, Bureaucrats … is intriguing.

It’s doubted that some ‘leaders’ are consistently dipping their hands in the platters of murky fund. Until and unless the ‘hard cash hardened hearts’ of Naga leaders (over-underground) infuses themselves (in their hearts) the zeal to recall to which economic strata they once belong and look back where your fellow citizens are, you’d surely know that we’re still ‘there’: economically crippled/stagnated. Swapping Naga Nation’s dream/aspiration for a few lakh (Rupees) makes you a Naga Judas.

Post 1997 ceasefire between IM & GOI, it’s baffling to see mushrooming of nouveau riche ‘leaders’ owning ultra-modern-expensive bungalows, multi storey buildings … at a very fast pace. But those massive, no chance of scaling concrete walls and iron gates ((around your buildings) are a Berlin Wall. (For the uninitiated: a fortified Wall surrounding West Berlin, built in 1961 to prevent East German citizens travelling to the West. This Wall separated the East and West Germans for dammed 28 years: 19611969). The same ‘race’ (Germans) were a ‘different race’ until the Wall’s dismantled.

Naga public leaders’ (over ground-underground) inaccessibility strains our relationship physically and mentally to the detriment of common Naga dream. It’d be worth to realize that: “A house divided will not stand for we can’t make a home in a divided house.

To really effectuate the process of reconciliation and unity, first among the warring Naga groups/factions and, second between the Naga populace and all the Nationalist groups - the persistent consistent ‘holier

than thou’ press communiqué's churned out by all the factions MIPs should be kept strictly in check by each factions. Those excessively colored diatribes against each other appearing in the press are but a wedge keeping more apart and straining relationship among the factions; which also tantamount to feeding canards to the Naga populace. What we want, if you must do press releases’, is to read your Naga national agendum/agenda which warrants public debate. Or simply enlighten us by stating where you’re headed thereby garnering mass support (of the public) for the charted endeavors. Please, let MIPs be not for muckraking but for excellent PRs. Change of the MIPs function from canard feeding tool to a public enlightening Ministry would surely smoothen the process of reconciliation and unity more than what we can perceive.

For the betterment, advancement of the Naga Army, the backbone of Nagas defense against its adversaries, wherein the Naga populace placed its unwavering support and faith that we’re being protected needs a careful scrutiny. A report captioned appeared in the weekly journal The Week, 17 June 2012 captioned “Everyday Combat” – an insightful read quoted verbatim: “An orderly (Sahayaks in Indian parlance) is often seen as a glorified domestic help, rather than an Officer’s assistant or a trained soldier… From chopping vegetables to taking the dog far a walk, there is no task which an orderly is not expected to perform.” 30,000 trained soldiers consisted these orderlies cited in report.

I wonder whether practise of the Indian Army exists in our own Naga Army. We don’t quite know the answer but every thoughtful Naga could discern that we’re in want of dedicated men power for propelling our cause to further heights. Nagas can’t afford to waste our priceless men power for every single Naga Army personnel’s not recruited on payrolls but on the will to sacrifice one’s all for Naga Nation. A strong Army’s a great unifying agent for any country instilling in every citizen’s heart that people remain uni-

fied via faith in the prowess of its Army.

Of late, imposition of ‘Tax’ by Naga Factions have touched dizzying heights taxing the Naga populace. Despite of the ‘wind speed’ increase in taxes and collection, ridiculously, Naga National purse remains always almost empty. We’re flustered.

Change of every Naga Factions tax collectors from “true blue Naga taxmen” to Biblical “Naga Zacchaeus” would surely replenish Naga nation’s coffer. This’d help regain confidence of Naga populace and much more monetary contributions would pour in from Naga philanthropists and benevolent Naga people (even if tax isn’t imposed) making every step and endeavor lighter, easier for “money” would become one part of a unifying agent of the Nagas.

Scrapping each and every indulgences of any underground personnel post 1997’s ceasefire (between IM & GOI) and re-introducing, re-adapting the high values practised in the backdrop of pre-ceasefire by all faction leaders and cadres should bring back the long lost confidence and support of the public. When the mass - The Naga populace – backs you up, no matter how many groups have the Naga Nationalists’ been divided and when the Christian tenets: “forgive and love one’s enemies,” works in the hearts of each and every faction leaders, cadres and populace of “Nagalim” which is for “Christ” – “reconciliation and unification” of all the splintered groups would become a reality – Unified Nagas which ‘India fear most’; and a reality every soul of Nagalim longed.

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Tailpiece: Looking at problems from swanky cars/sturdy SUVs wouldn’t help. One must alight and ‘face the problems’ with feet firmly planted on the ground.

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September :

Nagas and their love for Music September 14, 2013

September 21, 2013

"Nagas and their love for Music"

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