Nagaland government is under a complete paralysis since the start of the month. A coup de’ etat like situation by the tribal organizations of Nagaland has clipped the wings of the government. However the tribal organisations must understand that Nagaland is still a part and parcel of India and therefore the Constitution of India has to be respected.
1. CM of Nagaland cannot simply step down because we the people of Nagaland say so. We the people of Nagaland are sovereign as far as our elected representatives are concerned but we all have our own MLAs who represent us. Therefore until and unless they resign (not under duress) the CM cannot step down. Constitution of India has laid down certain procedures such as “floor test” in the assembly to determine the dismissal of the Government. 95 % of the protestors do not even know the ABC of the Indian Constitution and are simply following the bandwagon under the influence of money, alcohol and entertainment. The educated leaders of the tribal hohos should exercise their wisdom and try to resolve things as per the laid rules of the constitution of India. If your wisdom still fails you to resolve things through amicable means and you still insist for “an eye for an eye” then arrest all your volunteers who were engaged in looting public money, alcohol, narcotics, etc on the infamous arson night and hand over to the government for trial. Tribal bodies also own a moral responsibility for going against the Fundamental duties of the Indian Constitution of protecting public property and assets.
2. Tribal hohos cannot lock the offices as per their whims and fancies. Why lock few and allow others to function? A rule for one is a rule for all should be followed. Kindly do not exempt medical, power, PHE, post offices, schools & colleges, banks, NPSC, etc. Why are the govt. offices in some districts still functioning? Paralysing govt. offices is only a loss to the people of the state. It affects you as well as me. The lives of the people living on salaries and wages should be taken care. The well to do govt. Employees (majority of whom are least bothered about attending offices even in normal times) are having a vacation plying in their private cars. Apply the same yardstick for all the offices and districts and let it be a painful challenge for all of us if the ultimate goal of this gruesome month is “Art 371(A) under threat”.
3. The ULB election had to go because of High Court directive. Why was the High Court not vandalised and why were the other offices vandalised which has nothing to do with ULB elections?
4. The whole episode began with 33 % women reservation in ULB election but now it has lost direction. Why is the NMA so silent? We are all your children starting from the CM to the protestors. Your motherly role is the need of the hour in this time of crisis.
5. The NBCC should not be a mute spectator. Your prayers for forgiveness and reconciliation should cross the ceilings of your office and homes. Your sense of betrayal by the government should not keep you voiceless for the Lord says “Love your enemy as you love yourself”.
6. The CM should come out and speak from his heart rather than live in his mansion under threat. So should all the Ministers/Parl Secys and MLAs. Your voice should be heard in the good of times as well as bad of times. Good or bad, your voices coming from your true inner conscience are what may transform our state for its future.
7. The public-You and me are to be blamed at the end of the day because it is we who sell ourselves in the elections and elect this bunch of corrupted leaders. Let us not repeat the same mistake in the 2018 elections. Let us exercise our individual conscience of whom to vote for and not be under the duress of our clan/tribe/village/etc. The democratic culture needs to mature. Our state is more than 50 years old. “God Bless my Nagaland”
Vinoto Chishi Chandmari, Kohima
