Even as the country awaits, the verdict on Ayodhaya; a tiny group of people, Nagas and Bangaloreans, dare to think of peace. On the 2nd of October, as the nation remembers the prophet of peace, the Naga Students Union in Bangalore in collaboration with civil society organizations in Bangalore are organizing a day long festival, a festival to highlight the diverse and distinct cultures of the Naga peoples and their yearning for peace.
In recent times, the media have focused on Manipur and the blockade caused by Naga peoples. This is certainly one side of the story and reflective of the current ’analysis deficiency’ in the electronic media. The ‘Naga Story’ must be presented in its historical and cultural context. A study of the history of the protracted’ peace processes between the government of India and the Naga peoples over the last 13 years may be revealing, something that the event on the 2nd of October will showcase through exhibitions, films, panel discussions and cultural expressions.
Living in Bangalore, I am culturally, politically and geographically alienated from Naga land and the Naga peoples. Incidentally this is not quite the same. So, though it will mean missing out on much needed sleep and TV time, I would go to the Naga event not simply because I want to know about my neighbours. That, yes, but more! Based on the little I know, the Naga peoples issue is one of diversity, living with insecurity caused by militarization, a development model that I had no say in. And suddenly this is true for many other parts of India and in part this affects me. I would go to the event on the 2nd October. Peace is important for development. Peace is rooted in Justice. I need to learn more!
David Selvaraj
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