Naga-lim is very appropriately chosen name for expansion -ism of territories tagging along to Naga Hills (once a Hills District of greater Assam with a population of 3.5 lakhs).

After Independence of India, NHs were expanded to NHTA (Naga Hills & Tuensang Area) i.e., TA slicing from erstwhile NEFA (now Arunachal Pardesh), followed by adding Dimapur (erstwhile capital of Dimasa - Cacharis) to facilitate creation of a full fledged State on 1st Dec 1963 under Sixteen Point Agreement between NPC & GoI. It was then considered to be a final shape to meet the aspirations of that time hopefuls.

'Land' and 'Lim' are synonymous in letter & spirit. Conversely, Lim suffix has taken place after fourth year of cease-fire for peace was completed between NSCN (IM) and GoI since 1997. NSCN (K) at that time was either ignored on the analogy of 'not of much importance' because of its origin from Myanmar (North) or that whatever IM will settle with GOI will be acceptable to K and left over NFG/NNC both.

But passage of time, proved it 'what it is today'. This 'Lim' demand has current second stage currently affecting Manipur, Assam & Arunachal. And finally it is to contend with annexation of large chunks of northern Myanmar's areas to complete Nagalim which may be a long drawn struggle of unpredicted misery & pains' torment.

Thus the common man is caught between the might of the Indian security forces and the guns of the Naga 'freedom fighter' suffering the worst consequences of the socio- armed conflicts. He lost the voice and in most instances he became a tool used by both sides against each other.

The armed struggle of some of the Naga leaders for independence from India only gave the common Naga untold misery, hopelessness, confusion, suppression of his basic rights and excluded him from the benefits of the globalization world wide & technological revolution. In other words, the idea of sovereignty rules and freedom eludes.

The first casualty of the freedom struggle turned out to, be freedom itself. Examine the post ceasefire hallucinations; for the first time the innocent civilians tasted 'Freedom' albeit in highly adulterated form.

They are acutely conscious that no political 'solution' has so far been found and the reversion to 'Gun' still remain a possibility however much despised by the majority population.

For one, the public has in clear and loud voice rejected any ideas of return to the 'Gun' for a solution, thanks to the fine democratic and free structure of the Naga social traditions. The people's representative organizations under apex body, Naga Hoho such as various tribe Hohos, NPO, NWUM, ANSAM etc., are created precisely for articulating the common man's voice and opinion and they are mandated to work for the welfare.

Since then much water has flown through the bridge but new culverts of holding unmatching quantum of water flow are finding obstructions & diversions due NSCN (K) entered into negotiations talks though yet to start syndrome.

Political analysts unable to foresee what will be the final demand once Eastern Lims across IB and the Lims form peripheries of Indian states are left out if not completely tagged. And last year under unification plank, even Naga Hoho the apex body of Nagas socio cultural wing became casualty to the style of functioning of collective leadership, when some moderate members from reconciliation committees were chucked out summarily.

These organizations were revered for protecting people's interests during the brutal armed violence before the CF. Cut off from the outside world, the common Naga followed every diktats in good faith as directed by them quite willingly (isn't ignorance a bliss?).

However, the 10 years of CF have kind of awakened the masses from deep slumber, the spirit of questioning has come alive and the idea of individual rights has taken firm roots.

The dark ghostly images of security forces of yester years are being steadily replaced with a 'people friendly' progress and development oriented force worthy of a profession that majority of the Naga youth now aspire to join. People do realize that the soldiers are not decision makers and they simply follow orders and that they too are simple human beings with ordinary family lives.

Role played by brave valiant patriotic Nagas in the Indian Armed Force proudly known as Naga Regt have proved their mettle in war at Kargil. Their sacrifice at par with other Indian soldiers speaks volumes on this issue which proved Naga & Indian blood is the same traditionally of valour & sacrifice.

Today, the real monster which is threatening to undermine the very core ideal of traditional society needs to be analyzed. It is rather strange that the very social organizations that strived to protect their people's human rights against the arbitrary actions of state law enforcing machinery have themselves become autocratic, 'directing' with threats of dire consequences to the people, to do or not to do certain things.

The recent UNC declaration which many intending Naga candidates (9th State LA Election) were made to sign, symbolizes the rot that has set in the erstwhile 'Democratic Naga Society'. The direct political involvement of these predominately social 'welfare' organizations itself demonstrates that they have become the 'tool' to 'control' the very society that they seek to protect. One need not dwell any further on this unfortunate development and its likely negative socio-political consequences for the future of the Naga which urgently need to further discussion? One must pause & think!!

The modern Naga society in essence is still 'Democratic', but it has now at its helm of affairs two 'armed' and decision making 'authorities' - NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) (and of course their alliance with some smaller players). Ironically in this 'Democratic' Naga society, instead of the decision flowing from people to the leaders, the reverse is the norm.

The top leaders make a decision then call handful of frontal organizations, give them a mock hearing, appreciate their concerns, then 'tell' them what to do and unleash these 'Faithful's to go and do their bidding with the common man being asked to sacrifice 'everything' for the good of the Naga society.

It is the favourite slogan for all dictators and autocrats of the world that people have to sacrifice their basic rights and freedom to achieve development and progress which will lead to the ultimate freedom! The common Naga too is being given the bait and is 'directed' to take it.

Many educated Nagas clearly see the futility of the struggle for the unification of Naga inhabited areas for they know that while Nagalim may be created 'Freedom' will still elude the common masses. If the top leadership claims to be the people's representatives who are guided by the people's wishes, shouldn't the people then have the freedom to ask for their removal/ replacement with more competent ones, if they feel?

The self - righteous world view of a handful of leaders who claim to best understand the 'Nagas' interests is typical of any autocracy. In the long term, however, such endeavours only leave in their wake denial of Human rights and all evils associated with such denials.

The truth is that creation of Nagalim will only mean change of masters and beneficiaries of this new political arrangement. There will definitely be some gainers and more losers. Those who will not benefit from Nagalim will wage armed or violent struggle, albeit this time against their own brothers, for share of the booty.

After all, the one commodity that will still be freely available in Nagalim is the gun. The society has, for too long lived with and by the gun and it remains even today, the 'force' behind the directions flowing from the top.

As for the common man; once again the struggle will continue for his basic rights and freedom. Under the circumstance when no one else is there may God be with them! It is a guess, thus unification will act a wild chase or draw a wedge??

Changes of acting as a wedge appears to be more seen from the experience people of Tuensang & Mon indicate since joining Nagaland.