Between Hope That was .... and the Opportunity we may envision :::: Time to make sacrifice and give up Greed : Nagaland's journey is worth "Threadbare scrutiny"

 Nasti Moolam anaushadam

Ayogyah Purusho Nasti

(No herb is without medicinal value/no man is unuseful)" 

These words of Sanskrit wisdom make a lot of sense in today's world. The same Sanskrit saying underlines on the importance of 'planner' or the organiser who can get the work done. 

Nagaland awaits fresh air, cloud and lots of good wishes

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We often say where Science ends, there Religion begins. The fact of the matter is no one really knows the beginning of religion or whether Science would ever come to an end.

When we are unable to resolve complex issues; the best option will be to opt for philosophies. One theory would always come to our rescue.

Human beings should not forget that the law of nemesis of is the ultimate reality. 

This essentially means the Fall of the mighty especially those who indulge in unrestrained use of power is actually written into their history by Destiny.  This is certainly not a blog on philosophy. 

But politics and influence of power in society is also linked to philosophy. Take a step into the legacy of human history and one can safely draw an inference that if there is any moral lesson that history teaches is that excess does not succeed for long. 

Come back to the ground reality vis-a-vis Naga peace talks. The debate would quickly lead us to talk about the civil society. In Nagaland and elsewhere in India, it is true the term civil society has become very popular in recent years.  But it may be mentioned here that in the generally accepted interpretation of the phrase/term 'civil society'; the words are actually opposed to any kind of authority - political, administration, military or even religious.  

The definition would itself sum up the story of the tragedy involved in the entire debate. The situations and the society as is seen certainly deserves a "Threadbare scrutiny".

The term refers to a very detailed and thorough examination, often with the implication that the subject being scrutinized is weak, worn out, or lacking in substance.

On this backdrop, we may relook at the Sanskrit saying referred above. 

In 1990 after Rajiv Gandhi was voted out; he was asked some senior journalists why in 1984, people of India had given him such a huge record mandate. His response must be reflected upon:

"Perhaps it was because nobody really knew me or they were able to see whatever they wanted in me".  This is a crucial and yet a critical statement. Precisely this is what happens with any leader who sells 'dreams'. 

Dream is infinite and hence every individual has the freedom to give it a shape or his or her liking. This happens with any mass and emotive movement and hence even the Nagaland's case is no exception. It's like a clean slate on which everybody can write (or wrote) whatever they wanted. 

In the case of Rajiv Gandhi, the fact of the matter remains -- nobody could have delivered all those expectations.  

Always a pro-India Naga leader Hokishe Sema and Late Rajiv Gandhi  

The same things have happened in northeast India too. In the case of Nagas also; all expectations from one underground or the other (or from all) cannot be achieved. Once this aspect is realised; going ahead on Naga peace parleys will become easier. 

The typical message is - "accept whatever is practical today".  

The story of Nagaland since 1997 when ceasefire was first announced has been full of ironies and probably therefore multiple failures even as there were two concrete milestones - the Agreed Position of 2017 and the Framework Agreement two years before that. 

Now the ball has reached the 'court of time'. Further delay will destroy everything - especially the hard work of the last 28 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands these. 

Hence, the roadmap for further forward movement should be President's Rule which will be considered politically neutral. The government of India can always set up an interim caretaker body or a panel of Naga underground leaders which can advise the administration headed by the state Governor. 

In the past, some political overtures made to reach out to one or a few underground organisations have not yielded any success. No further pampering must be encouraged.  

At the same time, the present state legislators and the state administration must step aside if necessary through an emergency session of the state assembly. They can write their names in history of self-pride and sacrifice.

They can again contest election or get themselves rehabilitated elsewhere in politics and social service. They can walk with pride as if they have some medals on their chests. The children and grand children will have a rich legacy other than money. 

Greed is never considered a good thing in Naga life. 

This suggestion may be debatable but it will change the course of history and herald a totally new era. This gesture of Naga leaders will make a real-time immense contribution to nation building. 

ends