Imkongnungsang Jamir
Apropos the open letter dated 22nd June by Imtajenba GB and Temjenmeren of Changki village to the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung and Press statement of Mr. Chopi ADC (J) on 21st June issue of Eastern Mirror, I would like to share a few thoughts on the controversy in the most education village in the state. It was really shocking to read the plight of group of people in Changki village who are purportedly going through a very difficult phase and harrowing time over the action of Changki Senso Mungdang.
We are made to understand that Changki Village is one of most educated, advanced Village in Nagaland with a good number of top bureaucrats, Missionaries, Politicians, Technocrats and well known personalities who had immensely contributed to the development of the state. It is also a well-known fact that many Reverends and Church workers and evangelists from Changki were instrumental in evangelization of the naked Nagas and helped in the Church planting across the State. When the entire Nagas were groping in the dark, it was the Changki people who played a Key role, as pathfinder and became the torchbearers among the Nagas. But to the dismay of the entire Nagas, the steps taken by the CAASM is a clear indication of backtracking in this fast changing world.
It is important to mention that many Naga tribes are indebted to Changki Village and look upon them as a role model. However, it is extremely shocking to read the open letter of the two Village elders wherein they have highlighted certain grievances: debarring their clan to:
1.Cultivate their field, 2. Undertake any contract works, 3. Undertake Commercial ventures. 4. Avails benefit from the government such as subsidized Kerosene oil, VDB scheme 5. Deprivation to the children, mothers and the aged from availing facilities offered by the government. 6. Restriction of House visitation to the ostracized group violation of which entails a fine of one pig.
All this undemocratic action were executed in the name of culture and traditional practices of Ao Naga. This is a clear violation of fundamental right. Our culture and traditional practices is not above the constitution. It should be made clear that culture, which is not in consistent with the law can be declared as null and void. But the big question here is-Do such culture exists in Nagaland? Having read the letter between the lines, it was found that these order were executed on the recommendations of the 11 Member action committee of the most advanced village, Changki that includes the name of Mr. Imchalemba a seasoned politician, who had served as Cabinat Minister and two-time MP, Mr. E.T Sunup who retired as additional Chief Secretary and Mr. Metongmeren, Vigilance Commissioner of Nagaland.
If at all the allegation of inclusion of these well know personalities are party to the execution of the said order, every pertinent question arises; which calls for the intervention of the Governor and Chief Minister.
1.Can an important and a top Government functionary and vital as vigilance Commissioner recommend to the Village assembly to prohibit a clan in village to earn their livelihood and deny right to benefits from government such as subsidized Kerosene and VDB scheme?
2. Is he not violating Government Service Conduct Rules?
3. What motivated the former cabinet Minister and former MP indulged in such discernible and undemocratic act?
4. Is the former Additional secretary who is also a born against Christian endorsed such a decision that might lead a group of people to starvation? Or the open letter was written by a fictitious one to malign and bring disrepute to the concerned retire officer?
5. How about the remaining government servants who are members of the action committee that took the retrograde and anti-people steps while they are still serving the government?
6. The primary function of the government of the day is to uplift the social and economic status of the people without discriminations. But how dare these government servants take away by the left hand what is given by their right hand?
7. If all the contents in the open letter are true is it not a shame to the entire Changki Village that has a reputation of the most educated and advanced Village in Nagaland?
8. If an educated and enlightened people as Changki Village can take such savage action against their own people, how can we rein in the rampaging extortionist and terrorists?
If the open letter, which was address to the Deputy Commissioner, is true; the action taken against one particular Clan by the entire village is nothing but legitimization of barbarism.
.JPG)
