Transcending boundaries and differences

April 20, 2022 34 Views No Comment

4th CNSA general conference concludes on a high-note

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 20

The two-day general conference of the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) concluded here at the Agri Expo, Chümoukedima on April 19.

A host of government dignitaries, unions and organisations, along with student delegates from the three federating tribes participated in the entire event. For the second day, the programme was divided into three segments namely, the inaugural session, theme session and the valedictory session.

At the theme session, Nikheto Jimomi, President of Sumi Hoho stressed on the need to make CNSA play a more decisive role for the interests of the Nagas. In accordance to the significance that it holds, he hoped that the association would be able to unite the Nagas under one umbrella in the days to come.

Special invitee and the sole female guest speaker, Dr Anungla Aier, Retd Director of Higher Education, spoke about the current state of the world which is highly polarised and confusing to live in. In this context, she said that Nagas are no less polarised and fragmented when it comes to personal interests and territorial boundaries within clans, villages, tribes and regions.

Dr Anungla mentioned that in the matter of territorial interests for the Nagas it encapsulates not just geographical factors but others such as, “The different languages that we speak, the different attires we wear; along with the different customs and traditions of each tribe.” Most importantly she said that the Naga mindset and worldviews are also moulded in that manner, “Due to which we first think and act within the confines of our tribal boundaries.”

She noted that, “In most instances, even though issues can be pragmatically solved, it fails to do so because it gets interpreted with ‘tribal colours.’ So, even today, we are haunted by the narrative of tribalism.” This, she said, creates more polarisation and confusion among the people.

Dr Anungla therefore, asked the CNSA, “Do you want to continue to live as defined by others or do you want to define who you are?”

Delving briefly into Naga history, she remarked that boundaries and borders were not as rigid as it is today. “Our ancestors had a healthy respect for each other, due to which they were able to coexist with one another despite the harsh realities that they lived in.”

However, she stated that as modernity came to the hills and “Our lives became more complicated, and as we became more materialistic,” the people’s definitions of boundaries also became more rigid as well.

In her concluding remarks, Dr Anungla challenged the members and the youngsters to redefine the boundaries and divisions that have been created within the Naga society while standing for the truth above all else.

Resolutions adopted by the CNSA
As part of the general conference, four key resolutions were adopted by the student body. The CNSA strongly reaffirmed its stand to cohesively and assertively work towards uplifting the Naga society in all manners confronting the interests of the student community. It also reiterated its stand to demand for timely completion of the ongoing Foothills Road (Trans-Nagaland Expressway) without compromising on the quality of workmanship.

The CNSA also unanimously resolved to appeal the state government to maintain ‘status quo’ on the issue pertaining to the demand of Nagaland In-service Doctor’s Association (NIDA) for superannuation.

In regard to the applications received from various indigenous tribal student bodies of Nagaland for affiliation to the office of CNSA, it was resolved that a proper committee would be constituted to explore the ‘pros and cons.’

New team of office bearers selected
During the last session of the CNSA’s general conference, a new team of office bearers were also announced as well. R Sunep Pongen was nominated as its new President for the term of 2022 to 2025.

Earlier in the day, Y Patton, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Home and R&B during the inaugural session unfurled the flag of the CNSA.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/transcending-boundaries-and-differences