|
|
Assault on Peaceful Co-existence (Nagaland, India)
an article by Along Longkumer, Consulting Editor, Morung Express (abridged)
We need to speak out against the culture of violence
and intolerance that has come to grip us. Reports of
physical violence and assault meted out to innocent
civilians from time to time by gun toting elements
in our society is disturbing and must be condemned. 
click on photo to enlarge
A few weeks back, a former student leader from
Eastern Nagaland was abused and assaulted by armed
cadres allegedly belonging to one of the Naga
political group. Now there are reports of similar
assault being meted out to a young Naga
entrepreneur in another incident. What is a matter
of deep concern is that on both occasion, there
was a resort to draw distinction along tribal
lines. We are faced with several ailments and
tribalism, which is destroying the very fabric of
the Naga society, is one of them. Let none of us
forget what happened in the aftermath of the
August 31, 2012 incident at Kohima and the
subsequent tribal violence that spread to Dimapur
and its surroundings on September 1, 2012. The
Naga Hoho had described it as “one of the darkest
moments in the annals of Naga history”. That is
how bad tribalism can manifest itself in if Nagas
are not careful.
The question is, have we learned our lesson from
what happened on August 31 or September 1, 2012?
How serious are we to protect the harmony and
peaceful coexistence of the diverse Naga family?
Interestingly, the State government has never told
us anything about the report submitted by the fact
finding committee while the public also seem
uninterested. At least we should know what the
suggestions put forward are on “How such incidence
can be avoided in future”. . .
Coming back to the culture of violence, this has
unfortunately come to symbolize Naga society. To
begin with, the frontline civil societies led by
the Naga Hoho must do more. Concern groups like
the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR)
should also not merely sit and watch the
deterioration of human rights from within. We have
to go beyond ceasefires, peace processes and
political dialogue. The recent high handedness of
the Assam Rifles in Kiphire has been rightly
condemned. Even the Naga Blog, consisting of young
Nagas, have taken to the street and also demanded
repealing of the Armed Forces Specials Powers Act
(AFSPA). The point is, equal attention needs to be
given to other ills plaguing Naga society. We seem
to be okay to pass off assaults by Naga armed
cadres on civilians as just fine. But this is so
wrong. If Nagas expect others to honour our human
rights, democracy and rule of law then we must
also practice the same including amongst us. How
do we build a culture of peace and human rights
among the Nagas? These are vital issues that will
require a meaningful intervention by all concerned
—from the tribal bodies to human rights group to
mothers, tribal hohos, church, political parties
and national workers.
|
|
DISCUSSION
Question(s) related to this article:
How important is community development for a culture of peace?,
* * * * *
Latest reader comment:
Community plays a important role in developing culture peace. We should promote our cultural values by interacting with each other and making these values part of our daily lives. A good example of this would be raising our children according to beliefs and values which are important for us and our cultural peace. We can also promote cultural peace by making small commuinties within big community and share different ideas and bring new ones in.
|
|
by program area
Become a CPNN Reporter
