Relevance of Gandhi's non-violence in Naga society stressed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 09 2013 : Naga Solidarity Group (NSG) and concerned citizens of Ukhrul organized a people's dialogue program on the "Relevance of Gandhi's Non-Violent Approach in Naga Society" in Commemoration of the United Nations' 7th International Day of Non-Violence - October 2,2013 at Oasis hall, Hamleikhong,Ukhrul,Manipur.

Great respect and honour to the Father of the Nation, M.K.Gandhi, was paid by the participants as they remember his love and contribution to world peace and non-violence (Ahimsa) .

Ukhrul A/C MLA Qr.

Samuel Risom, who was the Chief Host of the function, lit the candle that symbolizes the power of the Gospel of Christ coupled with education that brought transformation from darkness to light, hatred into love, division into unity & oneness, violence into peace and condemnation into eternal life.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Risom reminded the audience that "Nagas practised head hunting only during war with their enemies.

'Ignorance' had made them see even their own brothers as enemies and, thence, headhunting occurred frequently among the Nagas themselves.

This had brought the Nagas destruction and defeat.

However, the advent of Christianity & education in the early part of the 19th century has brought a great change in Naga society.

Nagas have since been rapidly growing in all aspects of life.

Nagas will continue to shine if we continue to walk and live in the light of God".

There is nothing more dangerous than ignorance of ourselves, ignorance of facts and ignorance of the truth.

Justice W.A.Shishak, Rtd, High Court Chief Justice dwelt on the theme and said, "As Gandhiji had shown truth based Non-Violence as effective means to achieve one's goal, Nagas should persistently pursue our goal by abiding the truth" .

He further articulated that there was no political contact between India and Nagas prior to 1947.Nagas rejected the invitation to join the union of India.

A Naga delegate met Gandhi in Bhangi Colony, Delhi on 19th July, 1947, to formally appraise him the position of the Nagas as independent people (Nation) and insisted him to let India recognise this position.

Gandhiji who made a strong political commitment in this regard assured the Nagas that there cannot be forced union between India and the Nagas.

Nagas have every right to be free if they think so.

India still owes to fulfil this political commitment of the Father of the Nation in this most crucial stage of Indo-Naga history.

We must stop practice of fratricide in Naga society for this is abominable in the side of God.

Let God's love, peace & harmony be abound in us, remarked the rtd.

Chief Justice.

Daniel Ramsan, Senior High Court Advocate strongly stressed, "There is a need to do away with the old practice of fratricide in Naga society and rather promote peace, love, and non-violence as taught by Jesus Christ" .

He said, with reference, killing of a person means killing of conscience and killing of future.

The overwhelming love of God experienced by mankind must be shared to other living things of His creation.

Any act of fratricide is illegal as well as immoral.

He noted that non-violent approach of Gandhi has great relevance to Naga way of life.

R.S.Reisang, High Court Senior Govt.Advocate also President of Tangkhul Naga Gazetted Officers Welfare Association made his point very clear when he says , " It is not a wise thing for a Naga to kill his fellow Naga .

Any difference or discord can be addressed in a peaceful & non- violent manner" .

Dr.Vareso Ningshen (Associate Prof.in Law) analytically asserts, "Act of fratricide is alien to Naga culture.

Nagas are peace loving people who aspire to forgive and be forgiven.

Fratricide has made every Naga a victim of it.

It brings destruction and defeat in our own society while it virtually is a victory for the enemies".

He appeals that it is high time to stop this long-drawn policy of fratricide in Naga society.

It stands counter-productive and irrelevant in this contemporary society where ignorance has no space.

.CNgaraipam, rtd.

DSO & also Secretary of Tangkhul people's Organization, Imphal (TPOI) strongly emphasized, "There is great responsibility of the Nagas to manifest and witness the Love of God within and without the Naga society by living exemplary Christian lives.

Gandhi who significantly contributed to world peace derived his basic principles of peace & non-violence from the Bible".

He further said that there will always be differences and disagreements on this earth.

The important issue is how to address such crisis in a just, peaceful and democratic way without exhausting to violent means.

Dr.Sina Khayi Lamlang, Asst.

Prof.dwelt in dept the principles of Gandhi's Non-Violence and its relevancy in Naga society.

She asserted that at this critical stage of Nagas' struggle, more realistic, democratic and peaceful means may be exhausted in Naga society.

R.Rungsung a senior citizen exhorted the House, "Nagas will certainly harvest the fruit of hard work done in honesty, righteousness, sincerity, just and faithfulness to God" .

The participants of different background had a brainstorming dialogue on the aforesaid theme with special reference to the long-drawn policy of fratricide that has done more harm than good to the Nagas.

The power of darkness and ignorance has been the root causes of enmity and fratricide in Naga society.

A consensus for abolition of the long-drawn policy of fratricide was voiced.

The commemoration stressed the need to relook the horizon of love, peace and fraternity not only within the Naga society but beyond the border of our walls.

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