Peter Rutsa
Kohima
Demand for good roads and others can be placed before each constituency representative. The Local MLAs can then pursue the case with the government irrespective of whether they happen to be in the opposition or ruling bench (Now that there is no 'opposition party' it is even more appropriate and convenient to do so).
Every MLA is constitutionally in his chair to be the voice of the constituents. Is it not hypocrisy to always make demands and put conditions before the Chief Minister of Nagaland (Notwithstanding that he is the head of state). Aggrieved members of a constituency, area or district should opt to communicate directly with the concerned departmental head or the Minister/Advisor in-charge of the specific department from which they require results and justice. Only when all options are exhausted, the HoS should be approached and that too preferably through the elected representative. And if ultimatums are to be served it should include the signature of the concerned representative.
For it should be noted that Nagas are not known for blaming their own MLAs and fellow tribesmen sitting in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for their misery. Neither are they known for demanding the resignation of their non performing representatives.
Nagas need to stop the unpleasant habit of 'standing down' when a Chief Minister, Minister/Advisor at a certain point of time happens to be from their own tribe. Only to rise up vociferously another day with their dormant demands and threats when the CM, Minister, Advisor, HoD get replaced by members of other tribe. Tribal and traditional institutions and CSOs with mischievous officials need to shed anything that is shameful to be adorned and attributed with. For we are a people known for our integrity (with Christianity too added now).
The GoI may provide us fresh packages with the hope of solving our 'political issues', but if we do not shed our 'social hypocrisy' and 'tribalistic tendencies,' we will not be moving anywhere forward even if all our collective desires and divided demands are granted at the same time.
