A Legacy in Ruins: The Shameful Spectacle of Our Divisions

It is profoundly troubling and shameful to witness the festering divides between Nagas of Nagaland and those beyond its borders, spilling out onto public platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter for the world to watch. In this age of hyper-connectivity and unprecedented global awareness, our internal conflicts are laid bare, becoming fodder for onlookers who neither share our heritage nor understand our struggles. These platforms, once a means for communication and unity, have now become arenas for personal vendettas and cultural fragmentation. Non-Nagas, some reveling in our fractured state, masquerade as supporters of one side or the other, dropping incendiary comments to keep these flames alive, treating our divisions as a spectacle rather than engaging with the deep history and aspirations that underpin our struggles.

We have arrived at a tragic juncture. What was once handled with dignity, however imperfectly, is now broadcast to the world. It is a grotesque distortion of who we are. What message are we sending about ourselves, and what kind of legacy are we leaving behind for future generations? Our quarrels, some petty, others deeply rooted in history, now have a global audience, and disturbingly, it is often those who wish to see us remain divided who are the loudest voices, fanning the flames under the guise of support. The result? A portrait of a people at war with itself, splintered in every direction, and incapable of forging a united path forward.

This is the painful reality we face. As a Naga people, we have been offered an invaluable opportunity to shape our future, yet we squander it in the endless pursuit of reaffirming old grievances. I am reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” This isn’t just a saying; it’s a brutal truth staring us in the face. We Nagas are at a crossroads. We either recognise that we share a common destiny, or we allow our biases, our age-old resentments, to disfigure us and jeopardise our collective future. If we do not come together, we risk diminishing the very identity that has sustained us through generations of struggle.

Some may argue that we inherited these divisions, that they were sown by past generations and nourished by history’s wounds. But let’s be honest: if we, the so-called educated and enlightened generation, continue to harbour these divisions, who will we blame next? Are we willing to be remembered as the generation that chose to perpetuate inherited shame rather than transcend it? In this new era, with knowledge and opportunity within reach, clinging to outdated rifts makes fools of us all. It embarrasses us, weakens us, and belittles our heritage before the world and before each other. The divisions we perpetuate today will be the chains that bind the future, ensuring that we remain shackled to a past that no longer serves us.

In light of these divisions, it is essential to reflect on the importance of shifting our focus from individual figures or isolated factions to the collective unity of the Naga people. As Naga writer Markson V Luikham aptly states, “I am not here to contribute to the growing tensions within our community stemming from the divisiveness associated with Dr. SC Jamir. Nor have I ever intentionally done so, nor will I in the future. My belief is that our attention must shift away from the individual persona of SC Jamir. It is evident that his stance is unlikely to change, regardless of the discourse surrounding him. By fixating on the views of one individual, we risk magnifying their influence, inadvertently deepening the divide within our community.”

Markson’s words resonate deeply in this context. We cannot afford to continue focusing on individuals or factions that will not move us forward. “The resolution of our larger Naga political issues cannot be contingent upon the viewpoints of a single person, tribe, or faction. Instead, it must be a collective effort rooted in unity and shared purpose. Our energies should not be squandered on individual perspectives, but rather redirected towards inclusive, constructive dialogue that seeks to address the broader challenges and aspirations of the Naga people.” Through such dedicated discourse, we can lay the foundation for meaningful and enduring progress.

This is where we must focus our attention. Every opinion, whether critical or supportive, holds inherent value in a healthy and open discourse. However, Markson’s argument compellingly suggests that the way forward lies not in the perpetuation of divisive debates centred on individuals, but in focusing on ideas and initiatives that promote Naga unity. As he eloquently points out, a shift towards collective, solution-oriented dialogue is imperative at this critical juncture for the Naga people. Our energy should not be wasted on polarising narratives but rather directed toward building a collective vision for a united future.

We are unwitting pawns in an age-old game of divide and conquer, and if we, the young, the educated, the future, fail to rise above these petty divides, what hope remains for those who follow? A people’s legacy is determined not just by their triumphs but by their unity in times of trial. Our responsibility is to rise above narrow loyalties and territorial divisions, to lay down this fragmented inheritance, for the sake of a future we can be proud of and for a shared identity we must reclaim. We must redefine what it means to be Naga, moving away from the fractured identity we have inherited and embracing the power of a unified people with a singular, strong vision for the future.

In this era of global connectivity, social media is not only a mirror to our communities but also a powerful platform through which we shape our own story. As Nagas, we should recognise the profound opportunity we have to redefine our narrative by using these platforms as tools for unity, understanding, and respect. Instead of letting our digital spaces become battlefields for petty criticisms or divisive commentaries, let’s turn them into places of constructive conversation. Imagine if our interactions online, across tribes like the Sema, Lotha, Angami, Ao, Chang, etc. were filled with exchanges of ideas, cultural pride, and reflections on what binds us as one people. Imagine the strength that such positivity could bring to our collective identity.

The challenge we face is clear: when posting or commenting, let our words reflect a commitment to unity, a desire for deeper understanding, and a respect for our shared history. Instead of reacting impulsively with “likes” or agreement to posts that are critical of any individual, tribe, or faction, we can practice restraint. Even when a post may hold a grain of truth, if it is divisive or hurtful, it is better to withhold our support and, instead, offer words that encourage constructive dialogue. We should be mindful that every reaction we give online, even as simple as a “like,” contributes to a larger conversation. Let our voices amplify messages that inspire us to grow together, rather than fragment.

Imagine what we can accomplish if our posts focused on building bridges and sharing the wisdom of our ancestors, honouring the traditions that have taught us the values of respect, community, and hospitality. If we see a negative or unhelpful comment about someone’s tribe, background, or opinions, let us step forward not to silence them, but to encourage more respectful and thoughtful exchanges.

Social media should be a space where we uplift one another, celebrate each tribe’s unique contributions, and forge alliances across every division. We are each responsible for nurturing a legacy of unity, and if we fail to do so in our digital conversations, we risk misrepresenting who we truly are as a people. We have the power to reshape the future by shaping our digital landscape today.

Let us commit to using our words to promote peace, understanding, and a shared vision for a brighter future. In every post and every comment, let us ask ourselves, “Will this build us up, or break us down?” In this way, we can transform social media from a source of shame into a platform of pride, showing the world that, despite our challenges, we are a people committed to growth, unity, and an unwavering respect for one another.

Let this be the legacy we leave behind: a legacy of unity, resilience, and the ability to rise above the divisions that have long threatened to tear us apart. It is not too late to change the course of our future. But that change begins with us, today, in every word we speak and every action we take. Let us embrace the challenge, for the sake of the generations that will follow, and for the future of the Naga people.

Alex Chang Naga

anaga060195@gmail.com

Author’s Reflection:

The legacy of the Naga people is not carved by our divisions, but by the resilience of our collective spirit. In an era of unprecedented connectivity, the true measure of our strength lies in transcending past grievances to embrace unity and shared purpose. As stewards of our future, we must mold a narrative grounded in respect, understanding, and solidarity, one that honours what unites us rather than what separates us. The challenge before our generation is clear: to build a future, not fractured by history, but united in vision and resolve.

Kuknalim!