The ten-minute video message by former chief minister of Nagaland and chairman of the United Democratic Alliance, TR Zeliang, which was probably released on June 5 and widely circulated in almost all media platforms was timely and it is hoped that it will be well received by the Naga people cutting across party lines and affiliations.
It was also refreshing to see a politician releasing a video message on a subject of public importance instead of the usual press statements in print. How the viewers and the target audience receive the message is one thing but it has undeniably cleared a lot of air and demystified a lot of speculations surrounding the ongoing negotiations between the Naga nationalist groups and the Government of India.
With the ‘reemergence’ of war of words between opposing parties in recent times, including SC Jamir and NSCN (IM), followed by civil society organizations as well as political party leaders and elected representatives, there was an immanent sense of uneasiness enveloping the Naga society. There still is, but it is hoped that the video message will definitely have a strong impact in calming down a lot of anxious souls.
There is no doubt a lot of animosity and suspicion among the Nagas today which is very unfortunate, but it will prove to be a tragedy for the Nagas should they let negativity rule the roost.
In a democracy, specifically in the Naga democracy, every citizen has the right to voice one’s opinions but there are some elements who tend to take delight in stoking a controversy on every issue.
The ongoing negotiations between the various Naga groups and the government of India is a serious issue, a sensitive and complex one at that, the outcome of which will affect every Naga. It would, therefore, be more prudent to analyze than to speculate if one is given to following the developments.
TR Zeliang’s video message wields a lot of importance. It carries a lot of weight and is latent to be remembered for a long time in as far as the current scenario of the Naga issue is concerned.
His message may not be the gospel truth, or it could be, but there are a lot of things that one can decipher by reading between the lines. For those who do not have access to the video message, a transcript of his message has been reproduced (read hereAMP) for those who might be interested.