Journalism is more often about temporary realities. Kindly note both the powerful words in their own right ---
Realities and Temporary !
Our generation of journalists and other youngsters in Nagaland grew up mistaking 'threat letters' as LOVE letters.
Obviously this was part of reality and somewhat temporary.
And all that not without good reasons. Threats and killings were the order of the day.
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| Pen and Guns !! |
We lost many friends - Lelie Legisie, P P Rai, J N Chatterjee and Nazila Zafar -- all from media. All for different reasons. None were killed.
But there were people like Chalie Kevichusa (journalist-turned-a public spirited neta), L V Reddy (DC, Kohima).
They were mercilessly shot dead and perhaps with no proper explanation.
There were people like S Changsan (Director, DIPR) - who was shot at because he was a Kuki.
His Nepali driver Gurung died on the spot.
There were journalists B N Goswami and Ankur Borbora who had to quit Nagaland permanently. Ankur under mysterious circumstances went missing a few years later.
But we did not hear - apology from anyone. In Kohima, a Sikh businessman was shot dead near BoC (Imphal Road) and later it was called a case of mistaken identity. His son - Sonu - studied in Science College, Jotsoma.
There was no apology either !!
Letter:
But in 2025 -- what has happened today; what has changed? An eminent Naga leader has tendered an apology.
Rh. Raising is an important leader as a member of Collective Leadership/Special emissary with NSCN-IM.
This is refreshing and hence -- even from a distance - everyone can feel like welcoming it. There is nothing wrong being 'sorry' if the man/leader who has tendered his apology realises his folly.
Of curse, some questions may be asked.
-- Is this a new trend ? Is Nagaland on its way to attain a practical salvation?
Or is it all enough and people have started realising that - oh; we have been wrong - let us say sorry !!
In retrospect one can say - Time is the best healer drug.
The pride, prejudice and arrogance willing to bow down. Is this not the "people's power" .. we often talk about ?
Can someone or some group snub or rubbish "people's desire"?
As the news about the apology spread almost like wildfire - I called up a senior Naga leader and he was candid rather ethusiastically --
"Arrogance has given way to humility ..... It's natural justice or the mandate of the time; one day all wrongdoers will have to apologise to the entire population".
He further explained, "Fear remains and hence you do not quote me"
No individual or no group can take the entire population for granted for all time to time.
Either by default or out of some compulsions; everyone has to bide his or her time.
The days and months ahead will show how much this trend of apology really works.
Pragmatism is the way forward.
Punjabis and Bengalis in South Asia are spread across states and countries. Lahori jalebi or Bong's Hilsa and Rasogolla make people go crazy everywhere.
Yet the same people know where the boundaries are to be drawn and where 'nationality' is important so that all can live in respect of international law and in peace and harmony.
This only can help different communities make progress and achieve community development and prosperity.
To be sentimental is good; but the same goodness also has to be kept in balance.
It may not be all political. It is far above BJP's politics with smaller regional parties or anything such.
Late Vamuzo was a hardcore regionalist, but at the National Integration Council Meeting during Gulf War; as Chief Minister of Nagaland he had said in presence of PM Chandrashekhar; "we all are with the national leadership".
Thus historic and geo-strategic alignment between Delhi and north eastern states also means a lot of integration of systems.
Another protagonist of nationalism among Nagas, Hokishe Sema used to say - "No slain army officers killed in Nagaland in operation should be decorated on the Republic Day as that way we are telling the entire world on such an important day and international gaze that there is a big problem of insurgency in Nagaland".
Many public leaders especially in power in Kohima today may think why should they be subjected to criticism. Even for them this letter of apology may be a ready reference.
To say sorry, one needs guts.
Media criticism may be is unwelcome. Even ensure that R N Ravi's farewell function be boycotted.
But the key message here is criticism should be understood and hence appreciated.
They reflect people's dissatisfaction with a poor leadership, organisation or even official administration.
Should the same group of powerful and rich mighty continue to remain clueless about extortion ?
In other words, no one should take rejoice in common people's sufferings.
Tomorrow some people will have to say sorry for extortion.
The Status quo project in Nagaland looks parochial in scope and at times fanatical in content.
Wise people say we should take the words of public leaders with a pinch of salt. Some words are part of a delusion box and more harmful than lies.
The big message should not be missed. It is for all. It’s also a reminder that there are times when turning away is not an option.
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| ENPO region of Nagaland: Longwa |
ends
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