For Both Indian & Naga Leadership, The Time To Act Is Now
– Yangmi Ruivah
Addressing the press media at Senapati/ Tahamzam on 29 October last the NSCN Collective Leadership member Qr. R. H. Raising said “The Naga movement is not Muivah’s movement or the NSCN’s movement, it is the People’s Movement inspired by God.” His interaction with the press was very brief yet profoundly insightful and timely message. The veteran Naga leader, Qr. R. H. Raising, an esteemed Member of the Collective Leadership is widely regarded as the voice of the NSCN/GPRN during moments of volatility. Whether we are entering a new phase in the history of the Naga struggle is a million-dollar question. This reflection gains significant weightage in the wake of the recent change of leadership within the Naga Army, with the more militarily oriented Lieutenant General Honreishang Shadang, MSM, MC, set to assume office as the new Commander-in-Chief on the 29th of November.
We, the Naga people, strongly and collectively believe that if the Government of India is truly sincere about recognising and honouring the unique history, identity, and aspirations of the Naga people and Naga nation, then now is the time to bring the long-drawn Naga political issue to a just and honourable conclusion.
A durable and inclusive settlement has been evading the Nagas due to India’s piecemeal arrangement in the form of the present Nagaland state and/or repeated betrayal of official commitments. A durable and inclusive deal would have stabilised the region and also strengthen the moral foundation of India’s democracy.
INDIA IS SOON BECOMING A GLOBAL POWER
The unresolved Naga issue continues to cast a shadow over stability and progress. Without peace, India’s ambitious Act East Policy, aimed at fostering economic integration and connectivity with ASEAN nations, will remain incomplete. The North East, being India’s natural gateway to Southeast Asia, cannot serve as a bridge of prosperity while it remains mired in political uncertainty.
India today stands at the threshold of global prominence, fast emerging as one of the leading powers of the 21st century – next only to China. Yet true greatness cannot be measured by military strength or economic power alone. It must rest upon justice, mutual respect, and the fulfilment of political commitments. If India truly seeks to rise as a responsible and respected superpower, it must first demonstrate moral leadership within its own borders. India’s forceful occupation of Nagalim is immoral – period!
A CALL FOR HONOURING COMMITMENTS
History bears witness to India’s repeated betrayals of political commitments to the Naga people – the most recent being the Framework Agreement of 3rd August 2015. Such unfulfilled promises will strengthen the resolve of younger generations of Naga patriots to continue the resistance movement in more vigorous forms which will be bad for both India and Nagalim. It shouldn’t be an option but a must do for both the leadership of India and Nagalim to ensure that ultra-nationalist forces or vested interests do not derail the hard-earned peace and understanding achieved through decades of dialogue.
THE NEED FOR ACTION
For decades, the Naga people have participated in dialogue after dialogue. The naga people are weary of empty assurances. For once and for all, we appeal to India to act with courage and restore faith through action. In this regard, we appeal to the Indian leadership to act boldly on what is moral, to rise as a true leading nation among the global community of the 21st century, and to abandon the mindset that cheating, deception, or outwitting others is a sign of strength. We appeal to the leadership of both India and Nagalim not to let this moment of peace slip away and allow violence to take hold once again.
THE PATH FORWARD
To begin with, considering the unique nature of the Naga situation – which stems from the fact that the Nagas neither joined the Indian nor the Burmese Union by will or agreement but were instead occupied by force and therefore, the Naga political issue be resolved first as a matter of historical and political priority. This can be an honourable approach. Thereafter, other genuine cases across the region may be considered on their own merit, paving the way for India to move forward – beyond the North East, North and even the South – with renewed confidence and unity.
A FINAL APPEAL
For the BJP-led Government of India, the time to act is now – for peace, for progress with a sense of shared ownership. India’s global leadership will become unstoppable only when there is justice and collective ownership at home.
