Jonas Yanthan
Leaving aside all the differences prevalent in the ULB elections for a second let us try to understand the primary essence of what form of government we have. We all know that our system of Government is Democracy. The definition of Democracy states that “It is a Government of the people, by the people and for the people.” In this form of Government, in whom does power lay; the elected members or the people? Power is always with the people.
Elected members of such a Government, as we know, are known as “representatives” of the people. Their prime duty is to listen to the voice and concerns of the people and deliver goods to the people and not to push in their personal interests and agendas. They are also to enact good laws based on the aspirations of the people and, in particular, in Nagaland since the people have a special provision in regard to customary practices and land holding system any enactment must be based on this system. The ongoing standoff between the State Government and the tribal bodies is a result of the Elected Members turning into arbitrators of the people’s issues instead of implementing the wish of the people.
The use of the word “so-called” is unwise however, the contention of the elected members that the Tribal Hohos cannot take action against a Minister on the ground that they have taken an oath under the Constitution, even though they are at fault, is a faulty reasoning because in the strength of democratic principle, the constitution of the country, in itself, is to protect the interest of the people at all times and not the Ministers or MLAs. For elected members, respect and concern will depend on their behaviors and actions.
Another contention that Political Party’s interest is greater than Hoho’s interest is also wrong because, when a Minister is not above the people; political parties can in no way be above the Tribal Bodies. Political Parties, Ministers and MLAs must always be subservient to the people they pledge to serve or be phased out.
Due to often occurrence of misbehaviors and arrogance exhibited by some MPs, Ministers and MLAs it is being mooted by the Election Commission of India to bring about a rule, in the interest of the people, by which an elected member can be recalled any time during the tenure on the demand of the Electorates. Hope this will come into effect soon for the sanctity of Democracy.
In conclusion, in the best interest and desire of the people of Nagaland, it will only be wise for the Government of the day to listen to the people, as they have all taken a tough stand, and postpone the scheduled ULB elections to avoid unnecessary conflict and untoward incidents. Then call for a people’s threadbare deliberation on the Municipal Act and the Women issue within a time frame so that the much needed elections to the Municipal and Town Councils could be held at the earliest. And let this exercise be the model for all future enactments and projects as well. After all there is no human society where there is no problem and there is no problem or issue that cannot be solved. The only requirement is wisdom, humility and selflessness. Arrogance, pride and greed will take us no where except destined losers and confirmed irrationals.
