The dreams and aspirations of every Nagas are soaring higher with the tides of time. We are already in a time where our generation are exploring new areas in the field of jobs, academics and information technology via cloud computing. In a time where technology has taken a supernatural leap, every problem is solved instantly, untraceable corners are exposed to attention and impossibilities are seen as possibilities. The arrival of MNC’S has really boosted our outlook towards the world which is dynamic and high-tech. We are a race known for possessing western outlook and lifestyle. This is a special article not only for the common citizens but also for all the politicians, political parties, and Government officials, the political head of our state followed by his Cabinet Ministers, the Legislature, citizens and every force that makes the fabric of governance possible. How about we deeply study and reflect on something very important this morning?
1. There is no place like Nagaland. The people here are one of the nicest citizens on earth. In fact, I can never forget the help rendered to me by my Naga brothers in one of my train journey. The essence of humanity and selflessness is dominantly present in every Naga’s heart. We know that our own world functions big in our state but we are invisible on the world map for many reasons. For years, Nagaland has closely survived its extinction from the country. There was nothing substantial as per se news value for the country to notice Nagaland, except for news about militancy and racial discrimination. The reason being a helpless issue, I see a light here. We need to promote the identity of our place and our ethnicity. There has never been any effective leader to put our state on the world map of importance.
The never ending peace talks for all these years have not reaped much reward. How effective have been our representatives who stood to speak for our solution? Our state needs a leader who is effective in bringing structural changes, institutional reforms and intellectual light. We need a genuine hero to struggle for a state which is still ineffectively developed. The face of the leader reflects the picture of the nation. We will become efficient in our way of promoting our culture to the world only when we become individuals who live an exemplary life. You become “Ambassadors” of Nagaland once you step outside your land. Be a good one!
2. The news- “a businesswoman was killed in an audacious shooting in Dimapur on December 14 2015. The victim, Rikita Mehta (47 years), proprietor of Apna Hotel located at Nyamo Lotha Road, was at the hotel when she was shot point blank by unidentified gunmen at around 6:20 pm. She later succumbed in the hospital to in the hospital to injury caused by a single bullet wound that entered through her jaw and extend from the neck. Just a month ago, on November 13, the victim had survived an assassination bid after which armed security was detailed for her protection. In the previous attempt, the gunman escaped after the firearm misfired.”
What is the result of this murder? My biggest doubt- where will the body be examined? Nagaland has no proper Forensic Lab! The irony of the situation is the weak presence of Forensic Science in our state. Our state needs not only expertise in this field but it needs an institution in which people can solve the highest layer of crime with smart investigation. This will not only create employment opportunities in the state but it will enhance our state in solving crime. The Government needs to sponsor students with scholarship for their studies in Forensic Science, Forensic Medicine, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Biology etc. We cannot expect Sherlock Holmes amongst the Nagas now, or see a day soon with another intelligence agency but we can surely expect a little bit of expertise not just for the sake of crime but for the sake of a State which dreams to stand on its own feet.
3. The security of our state is very important. We may not have special commando forces to parole our land for security, but we have the Nagaland Police to do its part. To enforce law, it needs to be strong. It needs to be at a professional par of being effective and powerful. March 5th 2015 incident of mob murder of a rapist showed us the level of preparedness and efficiency of our police forces. It was sad to learn that we are far behind others in terms of equipments, training and poor disaster (situational) management skills. When the law enforcing agency is ineffective, we know what will happen to law and order in our land. It is time to upgrade certain things which is much more important than the flag of “Independent Nagaland”.
4. When will that day come when we will have proper roads to enjoy the journey we undertake for pleasure and for work? Roads are the doorway to development. Without proper roads let us just forget that there is little joy in economics and more depression in depreciation (The cost related to wear and tear of vehicles). If regular citizens experience such distaste with the poor road conditions of our state, think about the impression our roads leave on our visitors? If this is an issue of cost coverage, it is a bad joke. Nagaland is not the largest state in India. It is even smaller than Assam. Our neighbouring state has much better roads. If we think about the larger part of the country, major cities have great roads even though it is ten times bigger than Nagaland. So what happened to the roads of Nagaland? It sounds stupid for us to see stories about the Government’s plan on the Four-lane Highway. First make a concrete road which is 100% smooth and travelable!
5. The news about Nagaland finally having its own high court created a positive uproar in 2007. After years of lobbying by the North-east the centre finally nodded a positive “Yes”. A decision to give Nagaland its own High Court was taken due to huge backlog of cases in the benches of Gauhati High court. But it is sad to know that these plans are not visible. We need a High Court to resolve conflict in an orderly manner; an independent state needs its own court. 6. Hello Citizens of Nagaland this is for all of us. Each one of us is responsible to make Nagaland a dream destination for others. We visit new places and tour the world and act as high class citizens and do not litter the foreign streets or pee in the corners, but once we reach Nagaland, we continue the cycle of littering our state into its oblivion state. It is not the Government who is responsible for the trash in your homes, it is you who needs to stand up and put the litters in the right place. When the state has smart citizens, the Government can be scrutinized and checked properly. We need strong Village Councils, Municipalities and the State Government to educate the masses first and implement measures to keep our beautiful state in order. We all need to be vigilant. We will have cleaner towns and cleaner homes almost close to any beautiful tourist places we dream to see.
The dream of a Greater Nagaland is never going to be real if our own state is not strong enough to stand on its own strength. We are a unique story for the world- our history, our culture and our identity; it cannot be found anywhere else in the world. How can the State Government nurture its citizen when it cannot be efficient on all the basic things which make up a great nation? Okay, we cannot expect a great nation now but a sufficient nation is the need of the hour. Are we progressing so much more that we can call ourselves as efficient? Roads, electricity, Forensic Lab, High court cannot be established by the common people. It can only be created and developed by a power which is constitutionally approved and chosen by the Republic. This is why we expect so much from the Government every day, always hoping for a better condition to come over the horizon. Our so called Naga Freedom fighters have lost the essence of our struggle; they are adding more problems into our lives by levying taxes which is not improving Nagaland in any possible way. It is easy to criticize others but difficult to work in reality? No. It is easy to criticize others but it is also possible to work out and bring concrete results if we want to achieve something. It all lies on the determination and motives which can be made into a purpose. Those who have power have no intentions to become change makers but those who do not have power have intentions to improve our world.
While many dream for bringing changes only a few has the determination and plans to bring the much desired changes through simple acts, the simple act endorsed with compassion and kind-heartedness brings a lasting and rippling effect all round., in the midst of prevalent capriciousness and lack of responsibility among many Miss. Lenti Aier had a vision to bring about changes in the Dimapur City based on Principles of Christianity. Instead of enhancing her expertise in blaming others she chose to see herself as a blessing which she was convinced to bring the much sought after changes in simple ways and act of kindness for the community and denizens of Dimapur City. Persuaded with the notion “Act of Kindness”, Lenti’s mission was to bring in likeminded people together, it was through Facebook under the banner “Smooth Ride For Dimapur” her mission gained impetus. In early June 2015 youth from various quarters endorsed her campaign. With the task much clear ahead she invited the bloggers to join this initiative. The Movement intends to work in collaboration with the various likeminded people and non-political groups through mutual respect, at the same time raise funds for undertaking various Projects which will be decided and organised by the Core Team Members of the AOK Movement as and when essential. Till date all the funds has been received only through free will donations from individuals, groups, ministries interested in the missions of AOK.
Lenti Aier is kind and warm. She shared all the details of her work and it was encouraging to know that Nagaland has such bright mind to change the course of our state. She said “The AOK movement started its first phase of our project, "Smooth Ride For Dimapur" with approximately Rs. 50,000 (Fifty thousand) in hand which we raised through free-will donations. The 1st phase of our project which started on 1st July was successfully completed on 4th July 2015. Initially we covered Potholes in Delux Point (Bata Chariali), New fly over, Near Women cell, East Police Station, SP Office, Nagarjan Junction, Walford road (Near Burma Camp Junction, and Old fly over near Tragopan Hotel. Also upon request from the DCP traffic we also repaired the potholes at Dhobinala Police point too. During our first phase of Project, considering the heavy traffic during day time the movement starts their work from 8:00 pm and continued till 4:00-5:00 am in the morning. The 2nd phase of our project was for 2 consecutive nights i.e., 16th & 17th of July. The phase is Burma Camp Junction till Zion Hospital Diversion.”
If an individual can stir and bring changes in the society how much more can the Government do for us? What has been done by this simple lady should have been done by our politicians, our Naga freedom fighters and many other individuals in power. But the irony here is they preach heavy dialogues for a ‘Supreme Nagalim’ without considering other factors which are larger than life and more important. It is a proven testimony that people with strong integrity, honesty and those few chosen individuals who dream for a better world still exist in reality! They want to be instrumental for the society because they want a better society. Many protest and complain about the corrupt system of Governance but when an offer of bribery comes their way they become one with them. When a citizen takes an initiative to improve the society, they are being efficient. When the Government functions to provide the best (in Nagaland it should be basic) amenities to its citizens we will all understand the meaning of being efficient. Very true, there is sufficiency in efficiency and this is how we understand that we are still deficient in many areas.
Allan Aley Blogger at Mr. Evocative
