How can the youth carry the weight of the past if we do not understand its roots?
This question lingers in my mind every time I think about writing my views on Naga political issues. There’s a quiet struggle within me, a war between the heart that urges me to speak out and the mind that holds me back, whispering doubts that I’m too young, too inexperienced, that my voice might not make a difference. But today, I realize that these doubts are less important than my desire to share what’s on my mind, no matter how small my voice may seem.
When I scroll through social media or read the news, I hardly ever come across voices from students my age, especially girls, sharing thoughts on Naga issues. There’s an invisible boundary, an unspoken rule we’re almost afraid to cross. Many of us hesitate, fearing our views might be misinterpreted, seen as uninformed, or dismissed. Another fear that holds us back could be, perhaps, our own Naga society; shaped by traditional customs, where women often find fewer spaces or feel uncomfortable speaking openly or taking part in community discussions and decisions. But my inner heart believes that our voices matter, even if they don’t carry years of experience or in-depth knowledge. If we want a future where every Naga voice is heard, shouldn’t we begin by speaking up now? I’ve felt that fear too, but something inside has been urging me to break that silence and step forward.
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The Moment My Inner Voice Found Courage
Recently, this inner push grew even stronger through a deeply meaningful experience. On November 6, 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a quiz competition for higher secondary students, organized by the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), a Tangkhul student body dedicated to the welfare and development of Tangkhul students. They organized the inter-school quiz competition to raise awareness about Naga political issues. For me, this wasn’t just any quiz; it felt like an awakening, a moment that stirred something deep within me. I am deeply grateful to TKS for creating this space to learn and reflect, and to the teachers and elders whose guidance made it possible.
For the first time, I felt like I had been given a platform to connect with the Naga cause on a more personal level, bridging my own understanding with the larger narrative of our people. This experience felt like the opportunity I’d been waiting for, and it finally gave me the courage to write and be part of a conversation I believe my generation must not shy away from.
The Day the Naga Cause Became Personal
The seeds of my understanding of the Naga political struggle were planted two years ago, when I was in 10th standard. On May 18, 2022, I attended a “Consultative Meeting on the Role of Youths in Nation Building” at Ukhrul Townhall, organized by the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), a youth council. I remember the awe I felt, hearing respected leaders from civil society and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), including Sir Anthony Shimray, the Chief of the Naga Army. Listening to them made the struggles of our forefathers, once distant, feel immediate and real.
Until that day, I had known bits and pieces about the Naga movement, mostly from elders’ stories or occasional news reports, but nothing had ever made me feel a personal connection. Sir Anthony Shimray’s words resonated with me deeply when he said, “We may have a lot of weaknesses and shortcomings, and may not deserve the support, but let us all support our cause.” In that one sentence, I felt the weight of generations, their hopes, their failures, their resilience. I understood that this cause was worth supporting, not just out of loyalty but out of a belief in the dreams our ancestors fought for.
One of the most transformative experiences I’ve had was from November 18-20, 2023, when we embarked on an educational tour to Hebron Camp, the General Headquarters of NSCN-IM, led by Sorinthan Haorei. Witnessing the life and discipline of the Naga Army firsthand was a rare and powerful experience, deepening my appreciation for the sacrifices they make. The organizers and supporters behind this initiative deserve high praise for their foresight, as these experiences are invaluable in connecting young minds to our history. Such efforts should continue, as they help bridge the gap between our generation and the generations before us.
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Why My Generation’s Voice Matters
Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve come to realize that young people like me must actively engage with Naga issues. It’s easy to focus only on our studies, thinking that “big” political matters are for the adults to handle. But our silence does not protect us from the impacts of these issues. If we don’t understand our history and the struggle for self-determination, we risk losing our identity and our sense of purpose as Nagas.
I feel a sense of sadness when I see many of my peers hesitant to speak up about these topics. Some even avoid discussing Naga politics altogether, fearing stigma or misunderstandings. We owe it to the sacrifices of our forefathers to carry the torch of freedom, peace, and unity they handed down to us. If we remain passive, we risk letting their legacy fade. It’s time we overcome our fears, not just for ourselves but for the future of the Naga movement itself.
A Plea to Our Leaders for Resources and Guidance
To our Naga leaders: we, the youth, look to you for guidance and for platforms that help us connect with our heritage and the Naga cause. Initiatives like the TKS Quiz Competition, TMNL meetings, and other educational events are invaluable. These programs are more than just events; they are spaces where we can grow in knowledge and find inspiration.
Imagine a future where every young Naga has access to resources that educate us on our cultural roots and political journey. This could start simply by a series of booklets, documentaries, comics, and magazines for different age groups, each level building on the last. Younger children could start with stories about our culture, while older students like me could explore the deeper political dimensions of our struggle. This approach would gradually equip us with the understanding and skills to contribute meaningfully to the movement in our own ways.
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Why We Must Act Now
The lack of interest among my peers to discuss our political journey is concerning, not just for me but for the future of the Naga movement itself. If we ignore the call of our ancestors, we risk prolonging the struggle for autonomy and may even lose the essence of our identity. This is not a risk we can afford to take. Our forefathers gave their lives for a cause they believed in, one they passed down to us in the hope that we would carry it forward.
To my fellow students: I urge each of you to step beyond your comfort zones and take an active interest in our political landscape. This doesn’t mean neglecting our studies; rather, it’s about balancing academic goals with an understanding of the realities around us. By dedicating time to learning about our cause, we ensure it stays alive, preserving the sacrifices of our ancestors and honoring their vision for our future.
A Call to Build Resources and Platforms
In conclusion, I call upon both my peers and our leaders to recognize the importance of youth involvement in Naga issues. We need resources crafted specifically for us, spaces where we can discuss, ask questions, and learn from each other. We need guidance from our leaders, as well as the courage to start conversations and share our thoughts. Let us not be afraid to ask questions, to make mistakes, and to grow. In doing so, we honor our history preserve our identity, and strengthen our commitment to a just and peaceful future.
Together, let us walk this path as one Naga people; proud, resilient, and ready to take on the responsibility of finishing the journey our ancestors started. Let us be the generation that not only inherits the Naga struggle but shapes it, lives it, and carries it forward to its rightful conclusion.
The author Shirinmi Athary may be reached at shimrayhuimila@gmail.com
Writer’s Note: I am Shirinmi Athary, from Ukhrul district, currently in the 12th standard. With a deep respect for my heritage, I write not as an expert but as a young Naga seeking to understand and honor the journey of my people. My hope is that, through my words, other young Nagas will find the courage to connect with our history and share their own voices in the ongoing story of our struggle and aspirations.
(This is not a Ukhrul Times publication. UT is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any reports or views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of Ukhrul Times.)
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