As Government of India (GOI) engages with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) in a dialogue to solve the six decades long political imbrolio I am hoping that something concrete would emerge out of this meeting. I have seen and heard so many lives being lost in this political fight as Naga freedom fighters waged a battle against Indian Union. So much of resources being diverted towards killing the political opponent instead of being used to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Many Indians are simply illiterate about the history and never bother to read the issue seriously. However, as one whose life is affected in various ways I have oftentimes get frustrated with the GOI and also the Naga freedom fighters.
Present India was formed out of many princely states. Some joined the union voluntarily; others were more or less arm-twisted. A section of Nagas still did not want to join the union, and they have been fighting since then. History is complex and it is not black and white. If one's reading of Nagas' history ends up as "India being all right" or "Nagas being all right" I would say the reading is flawed.
At present I want that India shows more sincerity and seriousness. Dragging the matter and waiting for the present Naga freedom fighters to die will not really solve the problem. If this dragging continues I don't see the problem being solved even for the next 50 years. Unfortunately, India seems to be using this tactic. I also wish that Naga leaders would be more realistic and tone down some of the demands. We are not living in the 1950s or 60s. We have entered 21st century and so political and economic game must be played differently.
Nagas have come a long way. Fighting a giant like India for sixty years say that the matter is complex and serious. If Nagas should tone down its demand India must seize the opportunity. Dragging the matter will only result in more bleeding. For many Naga freedom fighters if "integration of naga areas under Indian union" is not going to be feasible they would prefer to wage a bloody battle even onto next generation. They would argue that they have been fighting for sovereignty for 40-50-60 years and if even "integration" is not possible why on earth have they been fighting for. For India to resist such a "compromise" would be politically insensitive to the wishes and aspiration of the Nagas.
I want to see both parties toning down its stand. I don't want bloodshed anymore. I want to live peacefully. After all isn't my "fathers" fighting so that his children can live peacefully!
Present India was formed out of many princely states. Some joined the union voluntarily; others were more or less arm-twisted. A section of Nagas still did not want to join the union, and they have been fighting since then. History is complex and it is not black and white. If one's reading of Nagas' history ends up as "India being all right" or "Nagas being all right" I would say the reading is flawed.
At present I want that India shows more sincerity and seriousness. Dragging the matter and waiting for the present Naga freedom fighters to die will not really solve the problem. If this dragging continues I don't see the problem being solved even for the next 50 years. Unfortunately, India seems to be using this tactic. I also wish that Naga leaders would be more realistic and tone down some of the demands. We are not living in the 1950s or 60s. We have entered 21st century and so political and economic game must be played differently.
Nagas have come a long way. Fighting a giant like India for sixty years say that the matter is complex and serious. If Nagas should tone down its demand India must seize the opportunity. Dragging the matter will only result in more bleeding. For many Naga freedom fighters if "integration of naga areas under Indian union" is not going to be feasible they would prefer to wage a bloody battle even onto next generation. They would argue that they have been fighting for sovereignty for 40-50-60 years and if even "integration" is not possible why on earth have they been fighting for. For India to resist such a "compromise" would be politically insensitive to the wishes and aspiration of the Nagas.
I want to see both parties toning down its stand. I don't want bloodshed anymore. I want to live peacefully. After all isn't my "fathers" fighting so that his children can live peacefully!
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