Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing
Kohima
Half a century has gone by since the glorious declaration of the State of Nagaland. It is time that the State must compete with the neighbouring States in development of human resources and infrastructures. Failure to do so can turn the State into a primitive museum. Economic growth is equally important to raise the standard of the State. The central Government is kind enough to feed Nagas with easy money despite it failures in some aspects. Many ministers go to Delhi in search of financial assistance. They more they assist, the more we become dependent. We search for a motherly treatment from the central Government but give a step-mother’s treatment to our own people back home. This is why development of people and places do not go hand in hand.
Every Indian State is given timely financial assistance to manage its affairs so as to renew the face of India towards wholesome growth. No State is left orphan to manage its own life or to die in misery. Likewise, Nagaland has received sufficient financial assistance from the central Government. We do not deny many developmental works. But quality development is better than quantity non-lasting development. There should be sincere reality check to make sure that we do not fall ill due to mismanagement or disorder. There is always financial deficit in Nagaland because we know only how to receive. With less income from the State (within), it is far beyond the capacity to develop Nagaland into a self-sustainable State.
There are so many step-mothers in the form of politicians, public leaders and associations. We have become the cause of our own downfall. Are all districts or (political) constituencies of Nagaland getting their equal financial share to develop its area? If the answer is positive, than why do some areas of Nagaland still live like ancient world without much or any development? Who shall be blamed for such dejected life of our brothers and sisters? There are many leaders who consume the share of others and still live in glory. The illiterate, uneducated and simple minded people are taken for long ride so as to drain their (given) wealth and position. A big mansion can be built in towns and cities at the expense of a tiny thatch hut of the villagers. A vast and deep division (a type of caste system) is digging its foundation among the Nagas. This is because some people try forcefully to be more equal than others by extending their illegal tentacles far and wide. All must be given equal share and privileges to grow and develop (be it towns or villages, far or near). Every cruel unfaithful step-mother should realize that Nagaland cannot grow under them.
The recent voice of the Eastern Nagas demanding separate State aroused the feeling of uneasiness (though not expressed) in some of the Political Advisors/leaders who played the role of step-mothers. Indeed, they have played the role efficiently. Those Government officials who are hardly seen in their work places bear equal shame and guilt. They can be called ‘the new step-mothers’ to Nagas. Is the Government of Nagaland giving a step-motherly treatment to the eastern brothers and sisters (as some people claim this statement to be true)? Who is the mother or step-mother of Nagaland? It is our own people who modify themselves from mother to step-mother. If we become step-mothers to each other than the future of Nagas will have no grip.
Who divided the Nagas into eastern or western Nagas? It is the step-mother. She divides the children of the family. What is the stand of the political leaders from the so called eastern Nagaland? (as they called themselves to be). Do they feel neglected by the Government of Nagaland or are they neglecting their own people? Every cause of division starts from within.
The public forum, youth and student body have equal responsibility in bringing up their respective areas through the system of check and balance. But when associations drown themselves in the pool of money, they need not talk about development and progress. A good public speech is not enough to expose one’s personality. Hidden actions can speak more than public speeches.
How many associations in Nagaland can truly say with clean lips and hearts that they are working tirelessly for the good of the Nagas? Many people speak against corruption and other forms of evil practices only after wiping their mouth clean. Yes, after the stomach is filled, it is easy to speak of hunger and thirst. Many people hunger and thirst for development and progress after filling their own pockets and stomach. Associations can further or block the system of development. They can further development if they are true to themselves. They can block development if they stand only for selfish motives. Most financial assistance meant for particular area can be swallowed together by different associations. Today, Nagaland has numerous associations. Are they helping Nagaland to grow or decay slowly? Are they taking the place of mother or step-mother?
Let every political representative be held responsible for development or non-development of its constituency. They need not reside in Kohima or Dimapur from January to December. To return to one’s own constituency after four and half years is not enough to taste the life situation of the people. Today, Nagaland is in need of good mother who can look after the daily affairs of the Naga family. Let us not allow several wicked step-mothers to intrude our rights and privileges.
