Nagaland: St. Joseph University hosts 2nd ‘Human Security Talk’

The Department of Political Science, St. Joseph University (SJU) hosted the second edition of the “Human Security Talk”, themed “Community Security in Nagaland”, on October 9.

The annual discussion analyzed challenges in Nagaland, including threats from security forces, marginalization of minority communities, and risks to local indigeneity. The event was coordinated by associate professor, Dr. Somingam Mawon.

The event provided a platform for participants to reflect on adapting policies to Nagaland’s unique socio-cultural and political context, promoting effective community security strategies.

The guest speaker, author and president of the Naga Overseas Association, Dr. Visier Meyasetsu Sanyu emphasized community security’s importance in Nagaland, highlighting its collective focus over individual frameworks.

He argued that indigenous structures, particularly clans, serve as effective agents of security, offering valuable insights to the wider world.
In his analysis, Dr. Sanyu highlighted the limitations of state-led security in Nagaland, noting the Oting incident of 2021 as an example of the state’s failure to protect communities under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

He observed that, in contemporary geopolitics, most people are often swayed by “crooked” individuals, a trend also evident in Naga society. In the prefatory note, associate professor, Dr. Shonreiphy Longvah, provided a theoretical framework for the theme. She argued that community security is fundamental to human security, fostering trust and social cohesion essential for society’s functioning.

Longvah also noted that many contemporary communities struggle due to state-centric security models that often overlook their specific needs and vulnerabilities.

During the Q&A session, the event coordinator noted that the Naga Hills, now part of Nagaland, had once been a minority district under Assam. The prevailing sense of community insecurity was a key factor in the creation of Nagaland.