Aheli MoitraIn 2003, the action of an individual to assert his rights brought a powerful judgment from the Bombay High Court. Dhawal Chotai, born with cerebral palsy, was denied three extra hours to write his C
Nagas need a vibrant and purposeful leadership that is able to reflectively absorb constructive criticism, in addition to demonstrating the will to act justly while representing the people’s interests. Our hi
Generally, civic, social and political responsibility can only be ethically ensured when accountability is based on principles of transparency. Creating this ethical climate is essential for stabilizing conflic
Along LongkumerConsulting EditorThe debate over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and whether it should stay or be repealed has been an issue for quite some time. Whatever may be the merit of the AFSP
Along LongkumerConsulting EditorIs it possible to be a Lok Sabha MP and a State Minister at the same time?In an earlier write-up in this column it had been mentioned that if the present Lok Sabha Member of Parl
Aheli MoitraIf you ask the elders of Yangkhullen (Ze-Mnui) village, they will suggest their settlement to be 2000 years of yore. This narration of history will be countered by archaeologists. Rock weathering su
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was introduced by the Indian Parliament in 1958, as a response to what the Naga people perceived it to be their struggle for freedom. Since then, the AFSPA, has at va
In this present world order, dominant forces are seeking with all their power to shape national and international systems in accordance with their own values. Indigenous governance, leadership and JustPeace are
Along LongkumerConsulting EditorA Governor is usually appointed by the Union Government for a period of five years. As per the Indian Constitution, this term of office may be terminated earlier either through d
Aheli MoitraThe thick line between giving rights and denying them cannot be Article 371 (a). “If any development has to happen in this state, the article will have to be revoked,” retorted a state gove
Have you observed how people of power and status continue to use the title ‘Shri’ in the Naga context? Its usage in Nagaland State seems to have increased and is confined to those who hold rank in the hiera
All around the world the boundaries created and left behind by Colonial forces have perhaps had the greatest impact on future generations. The emerging news States that were decolonized unfortunately continued
Along LongkumerConsulting EditorElections are a universal experience leading to the selection of officials or leaders who act on behalf of the people. The system of election may differ but the outcome is the sa
Along LongkumerConsulting EditorDays, months and now years of speculation about a looming crisis in the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Party (NPCC) has always been out in the open, although party bosses have been de
Aheli MoitraWater is precious; we must always save water.The child next door, in class 2 now, reads this out too loud every morning. Yet, every day, he forgets to turn the tap off. His mother replicates the beh
The denial of a people’s inherent sovereign capacity to chart their own destiny has been the primary cause of many complex and violent conflicts. Such conflicts between States and Peoples are characterized by
Sovereignty is usually projected as a concept originating and revolving around the idea of the Westphalian State. It has been used by both Colonial and State powers over unrepresented peoples in negating their
Along LongkumerConsulting EditorCan DAN III be efficient and responsive?Readers may be wondering what this is all about. If you have been reading the post-poll lobbying for Ministerial berths and portfolios, yo
By Aheli Moitra Goldman was a radical feminist. 100 years since she spoke of the rights of women, we are still talking about the ‘gender agenda gaining momentum’ this International Women’s Day. And i
Along LongkumerConsulting EditorGood Economics and Good PoliticsNow that Assembly Election is over and our State returns to some normalcy—the usual traffic jams, power cuts, pothole roads, extortion and the t