There is an immeasurable volume of talks about corruption and nepotism among the Nagas. Many are of the opinion that corruption and nepotism have grown to its zenith and had formed a full-fledged department of uncontrollable and non-punishable gun culture. Now, sitting on the standing sharp nails, everyone, be it a layman, a bureaucrat, an elected member, a social worker or a national worker, is trying hard to justify his or her stand without realizing that all the unclean deeds and actions committed are being recorded for the Judgment Day. However, the more the justification without maintaining purity in deed and action is practiced; the nest of haughtiness is established in every individual’s heart and refuses to climb down the ladder of self justification.
On the other side, the clean ‘ones’, be it elected members, bureaucrats or the selfless leaders, are being mocked at, looked down upon and often regarded to be foolish for non possession of palatial buildings, luxurious cars and a comfortable bank balance. Most of the times forgetting the beam in one’s own eyes and pointing at the tiny fleck in the other’s eyes has become a regular practice in our Naga society. Allegations and counter-allegations have become daily market exhibition through the media. The talk of peace has set an all time record with nothing but oval proclamation. Justice has no place to rest upon in its divine mission. The dignity and the pride of the Nagas are often tossed to and fro by the force of the unwanted foreign elements.
In the midst of this situation of confusion, corruption has conveniently found its way into individuals, families, villages, societies, offices and even to the extent of churches. Greed is at large to hunt the heart of many the righteous with a promise of milk and honey. The love of money has become a tremendous force, which has driven many into the bottomless pit of greed and lies. The gun culture has become like movies and often silences the dearest ones. The voices of the people are just echoes in the wilderness and cries of the widows are always shut inside the dark rooms. There is no regard for ownership’s rights and sentiments but takes pride in using the force of ‘might is right’. The colour of tribalism creates daily battle among the Nagas and the feeling of tribalism bounces as a passing ball. The feeling of oneness among the Nagas has become unreachable on account of the prevailing uncompromising spirit among the Nagas. Thereby, the Christian eyes of the Nagas are blinded and the love of God is pushed to the corners of the tribalistic barrels.
Now a call is with every individual to “Repent and be a light to the others”. The words of God tell us to “Love thy neighbour as thyself” and also graciously mention that the pure in heart shall see God.
Keviswedel Kin
D.B. Lane, Kitsubozou, Kohima.
