Emilo Khuvung
Morung Express News
DImapur | June 8
With the number of media houses (visual, audio and print media), and with the growing consciousness among the people, the importance of the Fundamental Right, Freedom of Speech and Expression has become a growing catchword for the people. Through ages, human beings have expressed their ideas in symbols, signals, speech, script and now even ‘computer language’. Humans’ greatest invention is language and the invention of the script has helped mankind to preserve thought and learning which has helped society in conquering both space and time.
However, the reality of practicing this Fundamental Right – Freedom of Speech – writing to newspapers or freely expressing opinions does not seem to be the case: the inherent fear among the common but conscious citizens that those in power cannot digest even constructive criticisms.
Eliciting opinions on ‘whether young Nagas feel there is Freedom of Speech and Expression in Nagaland, many agreed that the fundamental right is absent due to deep fear. A senior officer from Information & Public Relation said it depends on the situation: “One has to be expert and should have an authority to speak.” Sashi Jamir, a journalist attached with a vernacular daily, (Tiryimyim) shared his views through his experience: the narrow mindset of people greatly visible in the society. “Absolutely there is no Freedom of Expression,” he asserted adding that Nagas find hard to accept the truth.
When the truth is revealed, Sashi said, man denies it (even after providing sufficient proof) as ‘we Nagas are too emotional to accept the truth.’ He lamented that due to the lack of expression, Nagas don’t have research scholars, literature and writers where the requirement is at its peak presently for the Nagas.
Theja Therie, a social worker said Nagas are not expressive but rather a good and mute observer and which will never give any reward. “Few people run the whole show, we are timid though the people knows the whole story,” said Therie. “Meaning of democracy is not there, only few people sit and lead the Nagas,” he said. Accommodation for truth does not prevail, and to change the mindset of the people is difficult and people are responsible to view.
Kezhokhoto Savi, advocate in the Guahati High Court said fear psychosis in Nagas is the reason behind Freedom of Expression. “People does not have the idea to express the rights, freedom of expression depends so much on knowledge, we know the truth but does not open up”, said Savi.
Dr. Chumben Murry, Minister for Agriculture said “our daily newspaper has opened a wide space for people to speak, to explore their views and opinions.” Lawrence Imchen a journalist based in Mokokchung said, these days, ‘freedom of speech is coming up as compared to earlier days’. He was full of praise to writer Kaka Iralu, who is very vocal and brave in his writings, which he believed is an inspiration and an eye opener for Nagas.
Also, an Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) leader said these days ‘Nagas are catching up to express in different ways; as earlier days, the fear of being victimized by those in power and lack of knowledge happened to be the factor that has silenced us and as a result the Freedom of Speech was not seen.’
However he asserted that there should be “freedom of speech and expression” as we need in the society because “it is the only weapon that we can transform our society”.
Kohima Press Club (KPC) president K.V. Nurumi said Nagas are very fortunate in the context of Press, as because of the fact that we do not exaggerate on reports, stories and articles and Nagas are not subjugated to any pressure like situation and the young Nagas express their views through different forums and medias which is shown in a positive manner.
Father Abraham, vice principal of St. Josephs’ College Jakhama, on his part asserted that youngsters enjoy full freedom of speech through the platform of print media. He stated that they share their views and opinions through print media and even through internet.
Counting on the views and opinions of the people commenting on “Freedom of speech and Expression” information and ideas has become the major influence for growth and survival of a free and democratic society. A free and progressive society cannot be achieved unless every citizen has the fundamental right to give expression to his ideas and opinion. This came to be known as the right to give expression as this fundamental right of Freedom. Expression is one factor which cannot be ignored and with the importance of technological information and the importance to disseminate information and ideas. One cannot gag the Freedom of speech and expression of the people as the AKM official rightly pointed out it is “the only weapon that can transform our society.”
