Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 3
As Nagaland steps into the New Year, the public poll conducted by this newspaper, surveying citizens on a single defining word for the state’s future path has thrown spotlight on the urgent public demand for integrity, with “Incorruptible” emerging as the decisive choice.
The poll, which invited citizens to vote and justify their selection, saw “Incorruptible” secure 39%, significantly ahead of other contenders like “Justice” (22%) and “Creativity” (14%). 22% were categorised under “Others”.
A participant expressed concern that transcends mere financial dishonesty. The respondents articulated, “In 2026, we need to keep repeating incorruptible as a defining goal for Nagas. Incorruptible is not only about finance, it is about our social, cultural, and political incorruptness.”
One respondent noted, “A glance across the state shows how deep the corruption has crept in all spaces - Physical, moral, spiritual, religious and governance.”
A recurring theme in the feedback is the normalisation of corrupt practices within Naga society.
“Nagaland is a leading state in corruption. However, it is so difficult to address this because corruption in Nagaland is not just systemic and political,” one respondent remarked.
“Corruption in Nagaland has become socially acceptable in the name of doing something for your clan, village or tribe,” stated the participant, adding that even institutions like the church have largely remained silent on this “social disease.”
“We need honest and sincere people standing up. This is why I vote for incorruptible as the main word to define Nagaland’s path forward,” the participant asserted.
While acknowledging, “Nagaland needs peace, good governance, development, employment, and many other adjectives,” the respondent argued that “Incorruptible” must be the foundational step. “As a first step it needs incorruptible leaders, incorruptible civil society, incorruptible church, and incorruptible public. This is why I feel incorruptible should be the defining word for the way forward,” the respondent justified.
The lesser votes for “Creativity” pointed towards an aspirational economic vision. The participant highlighted the state’s unique cultural heritage and biodiversity, advocating for a creative economy driven by tourism, handicrafts, textiles and music to foster sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance.
It was noted that with its unique cultural traditions and biodiversity, Nagaland possesses substantial potential for growth in tourism, handicrafts, textiles, culinary arts and music. The initiative aims to channel creativity into sustainable livelihoods and enterprises, fostering greater self-reliance and reducing dependency on external sources.
“We can become a self-reliant state from dependency only and when we apply our creativity in more economy-driven ideas,” the participant added.
The push for “Justice” and “Others” category suggests a parallel desire for equity and fairness, though these were overshadowed by the overwhelming emphasis on integrity.
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