Let the bloodshed end

Let the fur fly, angry words be exchanged, emotions run high. Yet, words, however hurtful or disagreeable, are better than firing bullets, laying ambushes and creating fear and tension. Let the debate begin

Sanjoy Hazarika Guwahati

There are two moving memorials in Kohima and Khonoma in Nagaland that evoke a history of defiance and bravery. The first is well-known and lies at the foot of the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the state capital Kohima, built along the tennis courts of the deputy commissioner's bungalow where the Japanese forces in World War II were slowed, stalled and then pushed back by a band of determined British and Indian troops. The words on the high marble slab over the busy intersection in Kohima are a strong reminder of the lives lost in this and countless other battles, on many fronts across the world:

“When you go home Tell all of us and say For your tomorrow We gave our today”

An hour's run from Kohima is the village of Khonoma, flanked by dappled, forested hillsides and terraced rice fields. A great stone church dominates the village, clinging onto one hilltop while other houses are built in a sprawl of wood, stone and cement, and run up and down the other slopes.  Khonoma is about 400 years old and is a major symbol of power and resistance for the Nagas — both against the British and the Indian Army.

It is the home of the late Angami Zapu Phizo, who mobilised the Naga National Council and led the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), in its bitter armed campaign against New Delhi, asserting that the Nagas were not and would never be 'Indians'.  And it was a Khonoma resident who is said to have walked to a telegraph office on August 14, 1947 in Kohima and sent a message out to the fledgling United Nations that the Nagas had declared Independence. This story, whether partly or wholly true, has found itself into Naga lore.

It is a village that suffered at the hands of the British and the Indian army: both destroyed it at least once for its defiance. In the square, as one enters, is a simple stone block, painted in the blue and white 'national' colours of the Naga National Council (this flag of Naga independence is accepted by other rival armed groups) with the names of 56 men who died fighting Indian troops. It praises the “heroes who died so that we may be free”.

This is an extraordinary monument simply because it still exists. Where else can one find a greater tribute to co-existence and democracy — where the larger group accepts the right of the smaller to pledge defiance?

The negotiations that the government of India has been conducting for over 10 years with the main Naga militant group, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) of Isak Swu and Th Muivah (I-M), needs to be seen in this spirit of mutual acceptance. India has a ceasefire but no negotiations with the other major Naga group led by SS Khaplang.

There is another aspect to Khonoma that needs to be taken note of: A reconciliation has taken place between two major clans, divided for decades over a killing. This division lasted over 40 years but finally, after years of dialogue and discussions, one elder took responsibility for the tragedy, apologised to the other family and called for healing. The apology was accepted and an old bitterness was finally buried.

It is this kind of reconciliation — at the individual, community, tribal and political level — that is crucial if political agreements at a higher level are to take place and bear fruit. Such a healing touch can cement the foundation of good politics and strong negotiations, although it cannot replace the latter.