Can't the interest of the people and that of the government be mutual?
Peter Rutsa
Never in the history of Nagaland state has ordinary citizens, government employees and the media exhibited such acute interest towards the transfer and posting of a government servant. For the second time in 3 months since PDA took over from DAN ministry. Social media has got overwhelmed with vociferous expressions of objection and total indignation against removal of Rupin Sharma (IPS) as DGP of Nagaland Police citing various administrative limitations, lack of experience and inadequate qualification on his part by the government.
While the expertise of naga people and naga tribes in the field of self interest, opportunism, nepotism and tribalism is highly contested and contagious. For once nagas from various tribe, of different ages, professions and political inclinations has collectively objected to the governments determined efforts of replacing the widely popular DGP. The first attempt (no disrespect to those IPS officers proposed) with a Zeliang Naga IPS officer of Assam/Meghalaya cadre and then with a Ao Naga IPS officer of Chatisgarh cadre and now "kept on compulsory wait" by ordering an accomplished yet junior Lotha Naga IPS officer of Nagaland cadre to take charge as the new DGP. Why and what conspires between sections of politicians no longer remains secret in our state. And the primary reason for replacing the Director General is undoubtedly due to his refusal to succumb to specific illegal orders and resistance to unjustified demands of a politician(s) with questionable motives and antecedent. It is speculated that his uncompromising integrity in the discharge of his official duties has not been favourable to certain elected representatives. While transfers and postings are very much a fiefdom and prerogative of any political party in power. Never has the transfer and posting of a government servant, be it a naga or a non-naga caused so much discontentment, courted similar controversy and attracted such public attention.
The decision of the GON to remove Rupin Sharma and the continued objection put up by those desiring that he be retained needs to be settled without anymore more drama and before it turns into outright hostily or end up in the courts of law in the best interest of the police department, the government and the citizens. Common citizens who are rapidly evolving into a large, loud and determined group of classless and tribeless Nagas! Passionately pursuing good governance, confronting imbalances and taking impartial stances on issues damaging and dividing our society. A resurgent citizenry clearly eclipsing the traditional, community, tribal, civil society institutions which have expertly perfected the art of self induced dormancy for reasons that are known to all and best wiped out.
It is most urgent that a pragmatic approach to the issue is exercised, for nagaland cannot effort controversies and uprisings with such regularity. It should be accepted with humility that something must be very right based on the simple observation that Nagas have come together to publicly support a non-naga officer. Something which has never occurred.
What is most interesting is that, while many (not so convincing) reasons had earlier been provided by the government for the removal of Rupin Sharma (now added with accusations against his professional conduct). He has so far not been accused of CORRUPTION, NEPOTISM or FAVORITISM! Without any pretense, every laymen is aware that the people who could not continue to indulge in corruption and favoritism in the home department after he took over as DGP are the same people who have insisted for his removal. What is encouraging is that, no matter the outcome of this episode. Social media is here to stay and running the affairs of the state will no longer be a two-sided concern of just the ruling government and the opposition bench. Democratic public activism has finally come of age in Nagaland as in many other parts of the world. Powers that be should realize that another sordid chapter added to our states already battered image will be very costly. A state overcrowded with indifferent citizens blind to issues and failing to understand events beyond their personal lives. A Christian state overwhelmed with a alarming dishonest and selfish population who exist for the sole pursuit of wealth and power.
