The Nagaland got its statehood in 1963 with special provision as a result of the 16-point agreement of 1960. In those days no one talked about democracy, yet it was exercised in full swing in the state. But today many Naga leaders are expressing that good democracy must prevail in the state because the system of democracy is spoiled by the dictatorial activities of underground factions.
To apply and practice the democratic system in the state depends on the leaders of state government and its people. The public had elected their representatives to the Nagaland assembly to exercise democracy. On all hands they should shoulder the responsibilities and exercise democracy through regarding one’s own right and profession.
But the fact is that, the Naga people do not fully enjoy their own rights because they are suffering in the hands of our own Nagas. The villages, organizations, societies and individuals are crying and condemning the evil practices of factions. But all these fell into deaf ears of the state politicians and rulers. The people are crying and shouting for protection and help but the state government keeps mum.
The lives of the people in Afghanistan and Iraq are uncertain, because the terrorist attacks are going on in full swing. Whereas, we look back to our Nagaland, the situation of our country became the same with those terrorist activities and killing each other became daily phenomena. Therefore, our people are now thinking that, some Nagas who had well trained from Afghanistan become Naga Binladen and carrying on terrorist activities in Nagaland for their own benefit.
It is sad to say that, these terrorist activities in Nagaland are bred by state politicians, and so some Nagas are saying that the NSCN-K group is a private army of S.C. Jamir who is a veteran leader of Congress, and some other said, NSCN-IM group is a private army of present DAN government. Then, the state politicians are leading their own private soldiers to fight against each other, for what purpose or cause?
It is that the policy of state government to create the problem at first by themselves and trying to find out a solution? Why the state government does not have a policy that, prevention is better than cure?
Why Nagaland state DAN government cannot enforce to maintain ceasefire ground rule by its own private soldiers? Why the state Police and Indian Army do not exercise law and order? Why the declaration of Neiphiu Rio for Equi-closeness became close to only one faction NSCN-IM?
Dimapur is only one commercial centre of Nagaland and most populated city. But it is totally controlled by NSCN-IM. All commercial revenues and taxes are freely collected by IM group. And different cases are also handled and settled by IM group. Therefore, the Naga people can say that Neiphiu Rio is ruling Nagaland with the help of NSCN-IM group.
Vepatso Chakhesang, Kohima, Nagaland
