Dimapur, January 21 (MExN): With a strong reminder to politicians and voters alike, the Naga Mothers’ Association warns against gambling with the future of the people and children in the name of politics. The mothers refer to the vicious cycle of money, muscle and greed that has taken hold of the modern voter and the ambitious politician.
“Ostensibly, the attitude of both the electorate and the (political) candidate are not far from each other as both claims that they are playing politics, but in the actual sense when we look the things happening in the ground, it is not election but gambling,” a disappointed NMA observed in a statement issued through its chief, Kheshili Chishi. The association queried whether or not those in concern realize that the future of the people and the children are being gambled with. “Can’t we change our attitude and do away with wastefulness method of electioneering?” the mothers queried, adding sardonically that the reality of elections in Nagaland is almost like a “festival.” Political candidates have to open camps in every colony and village to feed voters and this is, NMA observed, “in fact wastage of our common resources and a foundation of corruption and moral degradation.”
The NMA also lamented over the vicious cycle of corruption by both electorate and politicians or ministers. This needs to be curtailed if the society has to prosper and progress like any other. The association observed that elections are also a major factor for bringing the local economy to its knees. The NMA also reminded of a vile trend, intimidation. The trend of intimidation has griped all electoral events which has often led to tension in the society, NMA reminded. ‘Both candidates and ardent supporters have to be equally blamed on this count. Whatever may be the circumstances, each and every candidate should control and prevent each others’ supporters to refrain from doing undesirable and destructive activities during elections’ it stated. “All sensible people need to give concerted effort to ensure violent-free election or else even the coming election is going to cost us very heavily in all respect” the association stated. The mothers also made an appeal to all, that no matter what, elections will come and go but the people still have to live as one people, one family.
