Dr. Aniruddha Babar
“Through the ashes of past failures, the seeds of a new beginning are sown. As we tread the path towards a united and inclusive Frontier Naga Territory, let us remember that our strength lies not in our differences, but in our collective resolve to rise above the challenges of the past. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of our land, where empathy triumphs over excommunication, and compassion reigns supreme. This journey demands courage, compassion, and unwavering determination. Let us walk hand in hand, for in unity, we shall find the light that guides us to a brighter, more harmonious future.”
– Anonymous, an Eastern Naga Elder from ‘Noklak’
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With the imminent formation of the Frontier Naga Territory, a new chapter awaits the region, brimming with possibilities and opportunities. As the first government of this nascent entity will prepare to take charge, it is crucial to recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Drawing lessons from the fractured and failed governance in Nagaland becomes imperative to pave the way for a more effective and responsive administration. Equally important is the steadfast commitment to respecting the rights of the people, fostering a society built on trust, inclusivity, and progress.
In the past, Nagaland faced a plethora of challenges, including corruption, nepotism, and a lack of transparency that eroded public trust and hindered the region’s development. The first government of the Frontier Naga Territory must heed these lessons to forge a new path forward, one that prioritizes good governance, quality education, peace and equity-building, equitable development, and the preservation of cultural heritage. By learning from the past, the upcoming government can lay a robust foundation for a prosperous and harmonious Frontier Naga Territory.
As the formation of the Frontier Naga Territory draws closer, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the challenges that the first government of this new entity is likely to face. Learning valuable lessons from the failed governance in Nagaland is essential to ensure a more effective and responsive administration. Moreover, it is of utmost importance to respect the rights of the people in order to establish a harmonious and inclusive society.
The failed governance in Nagaland serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the pitfalls that the first government of the Frontier Naga Territory must avoid.
One of the primary challenges before the first government of the Frontier Naga Territory will be to clearly identify and examine all those critical issues which have had a detrimental impact on the social fabric and economic development of the region. The incoming government must prioritize peace & equity-building efforts, engage in dialogue with various communities in the region, and work towards finding constructive, concrete sustainable solutions that address the aspirations and grievances of all stakeholders.
Another significant challenge that the first government of the Frontier Naga Territory will face is the equitable distribution of resources and development across the region. Nagaland has witnessed regional imbalances, with Eastern areas of the state being neglected in terms of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. To ensure inclusive growth, the incoming ‘organic’ government of the ‘region’ must adopt a comprehensive, innovative and strategic approach that prioritizes the development needs of all regions in the Frontier Naga Territory, bridging the existing gaps and promoting balanced progress.
Furthermore, the new government must focus on improving governance and administration. Strengthening institutions, ensuring transparency, and promoting accountability will be crucial steps in establishing rule of law and regaining public trust. By establishing robust systems and processes, the government can effectively address corruption, nepotism, and other ‘cancerous’ malpractices that plagued the governance of the state of Nagaland. This will not only improve service delivery but also foster an environment conducive to investment and economic growth.
Respecting the rights of the people is a fundamental aspect of good governance. It is important to recognize and protect the civil, political, and socio-economic rights of all individuals in the upcoming Frontier Naga Territory. Upholding human rights not only contributes to the overall well-being of the population but also fosters social cohesion and inclusivity. The upcoming government must ensure that policies and laws are in line with international human rights standards as clearly reflected in the Constitution of India and that mechanisms are in place to address grievances and protect the rights of marginalized communities in the Frontier Naga Territory.
In addition to respecting constitutional rights, the government must also prioritize the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures and traditions. Eastern Nagaland is home to a rich cultural heritage, and the first government of the Frontier Naga Territory must actively work towards preserving and promoting these unique identities. Emphasizing cultural diversity and providing support for traditional art, music, dance and language will not only strengthen the cultural fabric of the region but also boost tourism and create opportunities for economic development.
The upcoming Frontier Naga Territory represents an opportunity for a fresh start, free from the pitfalls and failures of the “Kohima”. The challenges faced by the first government are numerous, but by learning from the mistakes of Nagaland’s governance, they can pave the way for a more effective and responsive administration. It is imperative to prioritize peace and equity-building efforts, equitable development, improved governance, and the preservation of human rights, constitutional rights and cultural heritage.
The success of the Frontier Naga Territory hinges on the ability of the first government to address these challenges head-on. By focusing on inclusive growth, transparent governance, and the protection of fundamental rights, they can regain the trust of the people and create an environment conducive to progress. It is crucial for the government to approach these challenges with determination, resilience, and a strong commitment to the welfare and aspirations of the entire population.
The lessons from Nagaland’s failed governance provide a valuable roadmap for the incoming government of the Frontier Naga Territory. By embracing these lessons, the first government can lay the foundation for a thriving and prosperous region. With a focus on peace, justice, development, good governance, and respect for the rights of the people, the Frontier Naga Territory has the potential to become a shining example of effective governance and inclusive growth.
The time for change is now, and it is up to the first government to rise to the occasion and fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people they serve.
In the heart of the upcoming Frontier Naga Territory lies an opportunity to break free from the shackles of the past and forge a new path towards a brighter future. The challenges that await the first government may seem daunting, but the lessons learned from Nagaland’s governance failures offer invaluable guidance. The time has come to prioritize peace and equity-building, equitable development, improved governance, and the preservation of human rights and cultural heritage.
As the formation of the Frontier Naga Territory draws closer, it is crucial to remember that the power to effect change lies within the hands of the government and its commitment to the welfare of the people. By addressing critical issues, such as regional imbalances and the equitable distribution of resources, the incoming government can bridge gaps and promote balanced progress across the region. The journey towards inclusive growth demands transparent governance, strengthened institutions, and accountability for past wrongdoings.
Respecting the rights of every individual within the Frontier Naga Territory must be at the forefront of the government’s agenda. Upholding human rights, constitutional rights are not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative that fosters social cohesion and inclusivity. It is through the protection of civil, political, and socio-economic rights that the government can create an environment where all voices are heard and valued.
As and when the first government of Frontier Naga Territory takes its first steps, it must strive to preserve and celebrate the rich indigenous cultures and traditions of the region. By investing in the promotion of these unique identities, the Frontier Naga Territory can become a beacon of cultural diversity, attracting tourism and unlocking economic opportunities. Moreover, right individuals with proven character, expertise, experience, qualities and vision for upcoming Frontier Naga Territory needs to be appointed in the right departments and decision making positions to lay the foundation and shape up the governance of the FNT. This, coupled with a commitment to good governance and sustainable development, will pave the way for a prosperous, harmonious and progressive society.
The road ahead will not be easy, but the potential for a transformative and resilient Frontier Naga Territory is within reach. It is a call to action for the government, the people, and all stakeholders to come together, to learn from the fractured governance offered by Kohima, and to build a future rooted in progress, justice, and unity of all of us- the Sons and Daughters of Frontier Naga Territory.
The painful legacy of Nagaland’s failed governance must not be forgotten but used as a stepping stone towards a new era of effective governance and inclusive growth of Frontier Naga Territory.
Let us seize this moment, united in our determination, as we embark on this journey towards a Frontier Naga Territory that upholds the values of justice, peace, development, and respect for the rights and aspirations of all its people. The time for change is now, and the success of this nascent entity lies in our collective will to create a society that we can all be proud of—a society built on trust, inclusivity, justice and progress. Together, we can shape a future that honors the past while embracing the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. (The author is an academician in the Dept of Political Science, Tetso College, Nagaland, India)
