Dimapur, June 11 (MExN): The entrenched criminality, corruption and confusion in the Naga people’s political and social existence today are a reality and challenge the churches in Nagaland cannot walk from if their ‘prayers are to be answered,’ a senior political leader today reminded. Alluding to the dictum of practicing what is preached, former Finance Minister K Therie today said that the Churches must wake from the slumber and walk according to what the seek in their prayers to God.
Therie echoed common sentiments by pointing to the reality in Nagaland today where the search for political solution continues but mingled with the confusing divisions amongst the “Naga U/Gs”, deepening corruption, extortion, threats and assassinations by both lawful and “unlawful multi-govts” against the poor citizens. Everyone knows who is responsible for all these, Therie reminded, but due to ‘fear of death’, one silently continues to let things happens its own way.
“With all the confusions Nagaland has today in search of political solution and with all the divisions amongst the Naga U/Gs; with all the corruption and extortion by lawful and unlawful multi-govts and legal and illegal organizations upon its own people and with all the kidnapping and assassinations, I believe God has taken away the wisdom of Naga Leaders for the repeated sins we have committed…”
Some of these transgressions, Therie said, include ‘dishonesty in the census, electoral roll, VDB house numbering and false billings, corruption of public funds or fixing commissions to be deducted at source. More of such are the ‘enlargement of MGNREGA job card lists sharing the benefit of unfaithful and dishonest money, black marketing PDS materials, extortion, assassination and killing of Nagas by Nagas in the name of demanding sovereignty from India.’
Another point Therie raised was Nagaland’s deeply corrupt electoral process. “Votes are sold openly. Political bargainers claim that they have certain number of votes and demand money, vehicles and future from candidates,” he reiterated.
“May not be to the taste of people but we all know the truth as to who are responsible for the conduct of the present situation and have silently co-operated for fear of death. Unless Nagaland people accept the truth, nothing can set us free.”
The Congress leader expressed sadness that the church’s so-called disciplinary stances are limited only to “eloping and pregnancy.” The church is aware of dishonest politicians and government employees who are acquiring properties and wealth from unknown sources of income but they are given more importance in the church activities, thereby indirectly encouraging them, Therie reminded.
The former NPF minister citied the instance of Mizoram where church members do not vote for candidates whose integrity is doubtful. “Election expenses are less than 10 lakh average whereas in Nagaland, it is in terms of few crores. Even secular states like Tamil Nadu did not spare corruption. Other nations in the world are against corruption and terrorism,” Therie said.
The leader advised – “It is time Nagaland churches wake up to reality. We are all praying for peace, unity, solution and future. Peace, unity, solution and future can be provided by the state government with the blessing of God but if the state government is against your prayer, God has nowhere to bless. If this is our sincere prayer, then let us also act accordingly and let the Living God find a place to bless in our works.”
If the church is sincere in its prayer, Therie stated, the church should direct its members ‘prohibiting them with the forbidden laws of God from indulging in corruption and dishonest behavior in the conduct of government and private business.’
“As long as the church has soldiers like Achan I am sure the curse of God shall continue. If Nagaland churches really want God to answer the prayers stone the corrupt and dishonest leaders by rejecting them in the election,” Therie challenged.
“I wish the church Members to elect, leaders of high moral integrity and those members who are close to the church. Only God-fearing government can provide peace, unity, solution and future. Do not shy away from the responsibility. Change must come or else expect a Tsunami soon.”
Therie echoed common sentiments by pointing to the reality in Nagaland today where the search for political solution continues but mingled with the confusing divisions amongst the “Naga U/Gs”, deepening corruption, extortion, threats and assassinations by both lawful and “unlawful multi-govts” against the poor citizens. Everyone knows who is responsible for all these, Therie reminded, but due to ‘fear of death’, one silently continues to let things happens its own way.
“With all the confusions Nagaland has today in search of political solution and with all the divisions amongst the Naga U/Gs; with all the corruption and extortion by lawful and unlawful multi-govts and legal and illegal organizations upon its own people and with all the kidnapping and assassinations, I believe God has taken away the wisdom of Naga Leaders for the repeated sins we have committed…”
Some of these transgressions, Therie said, include ‘dishonesty in the census, electoral roll, VDB house numbering and false billings, corruption of public funds or fixing commissions to be deducted at source. More of such are the ‘enlargement of MGNREGA job card lists sharing the benefit of unfaithful and dishonest money, black marketing PDS materials, extortion, assassination and killing of Nagas by Nagas in the name of demanding sovereignty from India.’
Another point Therie raised was Nagaland’s deeply corrupt electoral process. “Votes are sold openly. Political bargainers claim that they have certain number of votes and demand money, vehicles and future from candidates,” he reiterated.
“May not be to the taste of people but we all know the truth as to who are responsible for the conduct of the present situation and have silently co-operated for fear of death. Unless Nagaland people accept the truth, nothing can set us free.”
The Congress leader expressed sadness that the church’s so-called disciplinary stances are limited only to “eloping and pregnancy.” The church is aware of dishonest politicians and government employees who are acquiring properties and wealth from unknown sources of income but they are given more importance in the church activities, thereby indirectly encouraging them, Therie reminded.
The former NPF minister citied the instance of Mizoram where church members do not vote for candidates whose integrity is doubtful. “Election expenses are less than 10 lakh average whereas in Nagaland, it is in terms of few crores. Even secular states like Tamil Nadu did not spare corruption. Other nations in the world are against corruption and terrorism,” Therie said.
The leader advised – “It is time Nagaland churches wake up to reality. We are all praying for peace, unity, solution and future. Peace, unity, solution and future can be provided by the state government with the blessing of God but if the state government is against your prayer, God has nowhere to bless. If this is our sincere prayer, then let us also act accordingly and let the Living God find a place to bless in our works.”
If the church is sincere in its prayer, Therie stated, the church should direct its members ‘prohibiting them with the forbidden laws of God from indulging in corruption and dishonest behavior in the conduct of government and private business.’
“As long as the church has soldiers like Achan I am sure the curse of God shall continue. If Nagaland churches really want God to answer the prayers stone the corrupt and dishonest leaders by rejecting them in the election,” Therie challenged.
“I wish the church Members to elect, leaders of high moral integrity and those members who are close to the church. Only God-fearing government can provide peace, unity, solution and future. Do not shy away from the responsibility. Change must come or else expect a Tsunami soon.”
