Talimoa Jamir
In the intricate fabric of the Naga society, identity is not merely a matter of personal choice or preference; it is deeply intertwined with ancestral ties, communal bonds, and a profound connection to the land. Like many tribal communities across the world, the Naga people derive their sense of self from elements such as name, clan, village, tribe, and most importantly, land. These components are not just labels; they form the very essence of Naga identity, serving as the bedrock upon which their cultural heritage and traditions are built.
Central to the Naga way of life is their relationship with the land they inhabit. The land in Naga society is communally owned and managed by clans or villages. This collective stewardship extends to decisions regarding land use. Such practices underscore the communal ethos that permeates Naga life, where the welfare of the community takes precedence over individual interests.
Moreover, within the framework of Naga society lies a patriarchal structure, wherein inheritance follows a patrilineal lineage, ensuring the continuity of family lineage and clan identity. This aspect of Naga culture reflects the importance placed on familial ties and ancestral heritage.
However, a concerning trend has emerged within Naga society, where individuals not of Naga descent are bestowed with Naga names. This practice, whether out of convenience or ignorance, threatens the integrity of Naga identity. It not only blurs the lines of inheritance but also in representation within village councils or council of village elders (Putu Menden in Ao-Naga), potentially paving the way for non-Naga individuals to lay claim to rights and privileges reserved for indigenous members.
While integration and inclusivity are commendable virtues, preserving the integrity of Naga identity must remain a priority. Non-Naga individuals, including adopted persons, household helpers, spouses or those of mixed parentage, should respect the sanctity of Naga names and refrain from appropriating them or asserting rights to inheritance exclusively for indigenous members. Instead, they should honour their paternal lineage and recognize the communal ownership of ancestral land and properties. In cases of adoption, while the use of a Naga name may be acceptable, the inheritance of ancestral properties should be restricted to biological descendants, as these assets belong to the community rather than the adoptive parents. Likewise, it is essential to delineate between acquired and ancestral properties: the former are privately owned and inheritable by anyone, while the latter are community-owned and can solely be inherited by indigenous members, clans, or villages.
Safeguarding Naga identity encompasses more than just preserving names and clan affiliations; it encompasses the protection of communal land rights, adherence to traditional inheritance practices, and the preservation of cultural heritage. While the world may be shrinking and cultures intermingling, the preservation of identity remains paramount. The Naga people must remain vigilant in protecting their cultural heritage and ancestral legacy against the tide of assimilation. By upholding the significance of land, name, and clan, the Naga community can ensure that future generations inherit not just a sense of belonging, but a proud and unyielding identity rooted in tradition and history.