Media meet at Vihokhu Camp Staff Reporter Nagaland post
Media meet at Vihokhu Camp Staff Reporter Nagaland post
Dimapur, April 1 (NPN): Senior “GPRN/NSCN” leader Kughalu Mulatonu Tuesday blamed the NSCN (I-M) for the rise in incidents of killings and abductions. He alleged the situation worsened after NSCN (I-M) General Secretary Th. Muivah held a secret meeting with State politicians prior to March 5 polls.
Briefing media persons at Vihokhu, Mulatonu condemned the act of NSCN (I-M) led by one Phamriyo, who along with Assam Rifles allegedly raided the house of Shikato Chishi, the younger brother of NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, and seized arms and ammunitions.
Singling out Muivah for his attack, Mulatonu warned the NSCN (I-M) General Secretary to stop travelling in a “bullet proof vehicle”, which he claimed, was provided by Government of India and State government.
Cautioning Muivah to immediately stop aggressions and all forms of provocative media propaganda, Mulatonu said the NSCN (I-M) General Secretary could do very little in the interest of the Nagas during the more than 60 round of talks with Government of India.
Mulatonu alleged Muivah failed to prove himself to the Nagas. “A person who has failed to solve his problem must never ever try to find the answer that belongs to millions,” Mulatonu said. He added Nagas did not undertake the struggle to revive their history but to find a solution by correcting India on its political misadventure into the Naga country in the form of militarization.
Mulatonu asserted that Nagas would in no case “whitewash” Muivah’s “hostile activities”. He asserted that Muivah need not demonstrate his “nonsense over the commonsense of the Nagas”.
Mulatonu said the unification process was widely debated and declared as a broad based Naga unification. He claimed “millions of Nagas” had come out in support of unification in response to the call of GPRN/NSCN. Those, who were maintaining neutrality, deserted Camp Hebron to highlight their visions on Naga politics to the world, Mulatonu said.
Claiming that the unification process was a step forward, he said the process required to be carried further at all costs. Further, he hit out at the Naga NGOs for leaving little impact on the Nagas and the political struggle.
Mulatonu clarified that the abduction of nine NSCN (I-M) activists by the GPRN/NSCN was in retaliation to the abduction of four of their members. He dismissed the claim of NSCN (I-M) that the nine abducted by GPRN/NSCN were killed and therefore, paraded seven of them before the media. He said two were freed earlier.
“The NSCN had not touched their hair,” Mulatonu said and declared that the abductees would be handed over to some responsible civil societies later.
Talking to the media later, the seven NSCN (I-M) activists said they were treated well. They said meals were also served on time.
Mulatonu alleged two of the four of their members abducted by NSCN (I-M) were tortured above third degree while two others “2nd Lt” Kiyeto and “Sgt” Ikavi were still missing. Others who were present at the press briefing included Azheto, and kilonser Singson. Meanwhile, the media was asked to refer the group as GPRN/NSCN.
From head hunters to soul hunters & now hate hunters- Nagaland Post
To all the Nagas and Na-tional leaders: "Some leaders bring Peace wherever they go, to some, whenever they go". So goes the saying, I really don't know if you'll ever agree with me. But long back I read that, 'it is foolish to remain silent if you are wise, but wise if you are foolish". I am talking to you our national leaders of all the factions who stand as a symbol of our Naga National identity and unity, the guardian of our past, protector of our present and hope of our future. Our people who have chosen to entrust them with their history and the preservation of our precious legacy. I know it won't be easy, you'll think its strange when I try to explain how I personally feel about our leaders of today. I will also try and see if I can penetrate into the perspectives of all the leaders and the commoners and forgive me if I don't fit into your bill.
In the long history of the world, only a few generation, and more precisely few individuals have been granted the honour and role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. Our generation and our leaders do not shrink from this responsibility and I do not think any one of us would have liked the exchange places with any other people or generation. But the problem here is that I don't know what the real disease is, but all I know is that symptoms of the disease is feeling of suffocation, suppressed freedom and expression, and immunity to love, peace and unity. And I thought its time to tell our side of the story. To stand witness as advocates of the truth, which stands buried in the consciousness and conscience of our leaders today.
Dear leaders, the new and old generation of Nagas do not stand before you as supplicants, but rather as torch bearers who know that in our world of today, ignorance can never be an excuse. We seek neither an admission of guilt after the fact, non vengeance for past iniquities, but rather an act of will that would make a just peace and unity a reality. The Nagas today speak out with full conviction of the rightness of our cause, the verity of our history and the dept of our commitment.
Nagas have scaled the walls of fear and reticence and we wish to speak out with courage that we started having a second thought about you all. I mean the leaders of all factions NSCN (IM), Unified NSCN, NNC, federal etc (sparing other politicians for now). I do not question your commitment, bravery and sincerity. But I am surely not very comfortable with your wisdom, arrogance, lack of respect for each other, immunity to love and your love for materialistic world with all its sensual assortments as bonus and fringe benefits. The "tools and materials": that were given to you by the Nagas in the form of mandate to build bridges was used by you to build walls of hatred.
How can you as a leader so very comfortably forget that the Nagas are one, fused by centuries of history, bounded together by a collective memory of shared sorrows and joys and sharing the unity of purpose and vision. Our songs and ballads, our folk tales and children's stories, the dialect and our jokes, and even the images of poems, art, drama and songs, that has hint of melancholy, sadness and contradictions which colors even our happiest moments, are as important as the blood ties which link our family and clan. Can't you (factional leaders) be little more reasonable, more prudent and holistic to see the larger picture? I guess its time to open your eyes, failure to which, the present Naga generations are going to tell you "we didn't start the fire" and you will be blamed for allowing to keep on burning. And what do we tell the loved ones of those killed by your bullets? How do we answer the questions and fear in our children's eyes? How do we explain the market price complexities to our innocent consumers that more than one third of the money we pay to the shopkeepers is directly going to you and your men's pocket? (Pardon me if it's used for some other purpose).
Do you know that honest and hardworking Naga today has become a pauper" In fact such Nagas started thinking that it's wrong to be honest and hardworking. Isn't that a dangerous thing in our society? What moral lessons can you give to those who are frustrated because honesty doesn't pay? (I am seriously inclined to agree with them). Or is it really true that money is for nothing and life is for free.
This is the moment of truth, a real defining moment; you must have the courage to recognize it and the will to implement it for our truth can no longer be hidden away in the dark recesses of inadvertency or neglect. The Nagas look at you with a straightforward, direct gaze, seeking to touch your heart, for you have dared to stir up our hopes that can not be abandoned. We shall stand by you through thick and thin, for you have given us the right to hope and make a stand for peace. You can not afford to let us down now, for we have lived upon the values you espouse and we have remained true to our cause by you. But if you must question and don't listen when we try to answer them, you must know who is at fault. We can not be made to bear the brunt of other people's "no". We must have reciprocity. We must have "peace" and unity in whatever form or shape, initiated by whichever individual or tribes, irrespective of the means and methodology, whether it is done by the back door policy or the front door policy.
One thing I personally failed to understand is your judgemental mindset. Let's not get embroiled in the academic arguments of any initiative's orderliness and properness, for it will only confuse us more and ultimately mistrust.
So let us begin now, remembering that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. John F. Kennedy said, "Never negotiate out of fear, but never fear to negotiate". Let all factions explore the issues and agenda that unite us rather than the problem that divide us. Suspicious and mistrust is the two greatest enemy of any reconciliation. Nation do not mistrust because they are armed, and they are armed because they mistrust each other (Ronald Reagan).
Let all the national leaders of all factions for the first time; formulate serious and precise proposals, the final roadmap, so that each generation of Nagas need not be summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. Let's not forget that the graves of young Nagas who answered the call to the nation's service surround the globe. In your hands, my dear leaders, more than in mine will rest the final success or failure of our course.
On the other hand, I want our Naga brothers and sisters to realize, understand and shoulder our responsibilities with care, commitment and a vision. If we want our fundamental rights to freedom be recognized and enforced, we cannot escape from the responsibility to actively voice to the defence of our rights first.
The less alert people react to the violation of their rights the more their dignity comes under threat. If people do not actively engaged in the battle for their empowerment, they should not be surprised to find themselves one day totally dis-empowered - J. Hamelink (1994).
Let us not be a mere sitters deriving sadistic pleasure when trumpet summons us again, not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need, not as a call to battle, though embattled we are, but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation. A struggle against common enemies of us all, i.e. tyranny, poverty, disease and the war itself. Let us ask ourselves of the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask from leaders. We feel morally ill today, because we become used to saying something different from what we thought. We've become too skeptical to the extent that we don't believe in anything and anybody, to ignore each other and to care only about our position and safety (not exempting church leaders). Concepts such as love, friendship, compassion, humility or forgiveness have lost its depth and dimensions. For many of us, they represent only psychological peculiarities, or they resembled gone astray greetings from ancient times, a little ridiculous in the era of computers and spaceships. Make no mistake that the best government in the world or the best leader in the world cannot achieve much on their own. And it would be wrong to expect all cure remedy from them only. Freedom struggle calls for mass participation and therefore responsibility from all of us. If we realize this, all the horrors of killings, divisions, factionalism, tribalism and mistrust will cease to appear in our society.
We therefore must act together as a united people, for national reconciliation and nation building, for the birth of a new era. Never again shall it be that this beautiful land again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world.
We must all pledge to enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all the Nagas will be able to walk tall, without fear as assured of our inalienable right to freedom.
The time for the healing of wounds has come.
The moment to bridge the chasms and isms that divide us has come.
The time to build is upon us.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty.
To this much we pledge… and more.
Rev. Dr. Kavito Zhimo.
‘Unification is a political process’ morungexpress
Mulatonou and Azheto Chophy addressing the local Media at ‘Unification Camp’ at Vihukho village on April 1. Azheto is convenor of the Unification Group.
DIMAPUR, APRIL 1 (MExN): The GPRN/NSCN Unification at its camp at Vihukho village today produced before the local media, NSCN (IM) cadres who were in detention, in retaliation of the abduction of NSCN Unification cadres to Hebron. This was said to be proof that the NSCN (IM) cadres were alive and “enjoying their hospitality.”
A senior GPRN/NSCN Unification leader Mulatonou said that Th.Muivah had recently posted on his website that the arrested cadres had been killed. However, Mulatonou asserted, “We have not touched the hair of these victim”. He added that the cadres would be provided the “security to life” and will be released to some responsible civil societies at a time acceptable and conducive for it”.
Over the issue of “unification,” Mulatonou set records straight that unification was not the formation of a government but that it is a political process. “We don’t gather people here to form the government but to talk of Naga political issue” he said. In response to this very call, he explained, “Nagas” had come out in support of unification. Mulatonou added that a political movement shaped through broad-based unification cannot be ‘delimited by mere thoughts or suppositions.’
Mulatonou also raised questions on the silence from the ‘NGOs’ toward “unification.” He said that Naga NGOs should “revisit their co-efforts” so that they will not remain indebted to the Nagas. He claimed that Nagas along with all sections of “Naga nationalists,” endorsed with NGOs the issue of unification and added that the failure credited to the Nagas by these NGOs had little impact on the Naga political struggle. However, Mulatonou said that the declaration of this broad-based unification on November 23, 2007 at Hovishe village has provided the Nagas a step forward. “A mileage has to be undertaken at all cost of risk with vision of positivism…” Mulatonou said adding that ‘NGOs’ should now stop murmuring hearsay and come out in the light to face the challenges of the broad-based Naga unification.
Over their claimed humane treatment of the boys from the NSCN (IM), Mulatonou lamented that two of the four Unification cadres who are under the custody of Hebron were being extremely tortured “above the third degree to the limit where the occupational Indian and Myanmarese armed forces have not done to the Nagas during the past seven decades”.
He said that the NSCN (IM) boys had only been abducted to prove the strength of its existence and produced to seven detained national workers before the media persons for verification of them being alive and unharmed.
Mulatonou seriously condemned the raiding of the residence of Deputy Kilonsor Shikato Chishi Swu, the brother of Isak Chishi Swu, allegedly with the Assam Rifles and led by Lieutenant Phamriyao of the NSCN (IM). Giving details of the various instances of abductions and killings throughout the state, Mulatonou said that all these developments have been taking place after a secret meeting of the NSCN (IM) with a State politician, prior to and after the general elections.
Mulatonou criticized the NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Muivah for spreading such media propaganda asking him to stop “gossiping from his cell” and declare his failures to the Nagas. “He has beat around the bush for more than a decade and the continuous media attack on the NSCN and Nagas will in no case whitewash or revive his political misadventure”, he lashed out. Saying that even after more than 60 rounds of talks with the GOI during his years of misadventure, Muivah has failed to provide even a single example of solution, thus failing to prove himself and added that a person who has failed to solve his own problems must not ever try to find the answer that belongs to millions.
Mulatonou also went on to say that Nagas have not undertaken this struggle to revise the history of the Nagas but to find a solution by correcting India on her political misadventure into Naga country which means the random deployment of Indian armed forces into an independent Nagaland. He asked Muivah to stop traveling in bullet-proof cars provided by the Government of India through the state government and asked him to understand the Naga history and the meaning of Unification, and only then speak out on it.
‘Shadow Community’ forced to thrive amidst the society morungexpress
Kohima | April 1:Although, they want to live a normal lives ‘fear of social stigma’ seem to have forced a large section of the people today shut themselves and continue to live as ‘shadow community.’
Among them include a large section of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs), Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) and Man having Sex with Man (MSM) who by circumstances are unable to come out and face the society and live a normal live for fear of social stigma and rejection.
In the commercial hub Dimapur alone, 2725 commercial sex worker and more than 300 MSM apart from the PLHAs are living discretely as shadow community today. This was revealed in a day long Media consultation programme under the theme, “Responding to HIV/AIDS- Partnership with the Media,” organised jointly by Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), Project ORCHID and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) held at the PHQ Conference Hall here today.
Perhaps, MSM or ‘Man having Sex with Man’ is a new terminology which is never heard of in the past in the society but their discretely existence as a very highly hidden population came to light with the intervention under Project ORCHID during the last three and half years. More than 300 populations have been recorded till March this year.
This is a new area where we are trying to reach, said, Dr. Neiphi Kire, Project Director, NSACS. Similarly, NSACS is also trying to reach out to ‘Woman having Sex with Woman’ and ‘Female Sex Worker.’
Dr. Kire also revealed that the HIV/AIDS prevalence in the State continues with more than 1% and all the districts of Nagaland except for Longleng which was rated under Low or unknown vulnerability category continues to be among the 141 High Prevalence district in the country. On the other hand, he also revealed that about 78 percent HIV/AIDS transmission in the State is through sexual route.
A large number of Kohima and Dimapur based local journalists took part in the consultation, representatives of the CFAR, NNP+, Project ORCHID, Guardian Angel, Prodigals’ Home and NSACS took part in the daylong consultation which had witnessed a brain storming session covering areas related to HIV/AIDS.
The session began with a six minute documentary presentation on the response of the people on the role of media in the State on programme HIV/AIDS. This was followed by presentation on the State programme by Dr. Neiphi Kire, brief presentation on various programmes under Project ORCHID by Dr. Rose Chakhesang, presentation on partnership with the Church by Fr. Chacko and Media Response by Geoffrey Yaden, Editor and Publisher of Nagaland Post.
Later, there was sharing from a recovering addict on his experience on Oral Substitution Therapy (OST), a pilot initiative under Project ORCHID, presentation on fighting stigma to access services by women in difficult circumstances by Guardian Angel and Prodigals’ Home and also on addressing emerging vulnerable population on concern of people living with HIV/AIDS by NNP+ president Naomi.
A shadow visual presentation of a Commercial Sex Worker during the programme also attracted the attention of the participants resulting in a hot debate. The consultation winded up with a panelists of five journalists led by Assistant Editor of Nagaland Page, Dilip Sharma responding to the various discussions during the daylong consultation.
‘Rat-hole mining’ destroying environment Longrangty Longchar morungexpress
(Left) Seen here is a mineral waste site located in the immediate vicinity of a village. The sulphur-rich rock debris can acidify the soil as well as both surface and ground water. (Right) An open pit oozing reddish-colored water, accumulated at the base
Dimapur | April 1 : Coal-mining has become quite a profitable business in many parts of Nagaland. However, the mining activities in the state apparently will have long-term effects on the environment due to unscientific methods of mining and the helplessness of the department of Geology & Mining in the face of land ownership issues.
A senior Geologist in Nagaland said that coal in Nagaland have high sulphur content, which is an aspect of negative implication on both health and the environment. An Additional Director with the Directorate of Geology and Mining, is also of this view adding that due to high sulphur content in the coal, water bodies near coal mines get acidified rendering it unfit for drinking and even destroying aquatic life in the rivers. Even paddy and other plants are affected by the contaminated water, he added. It may be noted here that a river in Anaki Village (C), in Mokokchung district, does not have any fish due to contamination of the water by mineral waste discharged from coal mines in the area. Besides, the Additional Director informed that the landscape and other areas can also be affected by unscientific method of coal mining. Another high official in the Geology & Mining department lamented that unscientific methods of coal mining also cause economic loss, ‘since the people cannot go deep inside the earth for fear of being buried alive inside the coal mines.’ He said that people usually practice the “Rat-hole mining” method. This is, where a miner simply goes on digging into the earth without putting up beams and support structure inside the caves. The result is that only half of the total coal deposit can be extracted from the mines. Also, if the miners go too deep inside, they face a greater danger because they would encounter dangerous gases which could cause mine explosions due to the naked light the miners in Nagaland use while digging.
It is learnt that only the Tiru Coal Project has a proper mining lease, while two other prospecting companies, the Nagaland Coal Project and Northeast Resource Limited (NRL) are also applying for the license. These two prospecting companies have not transferred a single coal as per records with the department, said an official.
However, it is the private small firms extracting the coal that is posing the problem. On the question of action by the Geology department, officials lamented that land ownership issues hinder the department from effectively implementing norms and guidelines set by the government. An official said that even when the department conduct surveys, villagers would follow along and start extracting coal, through the “Rat-hole mining” method, which is not only unscientific and dangerous but also economically unproductive, since the whole coal deposit cannot be extracted through this method.
An Additional Director asserted that unless and until the land ownership issue is defined by the government and a bill passed by the State Legislative Assembly to that effect, the department would still be helpless to intervene and implement the mining guidelines. “Until and unless the ownership of land is defined by the government then it won’t help,” he said.
Compounded with the landownership problem, the Geology & Mining department, officials lamented that the department do not have enough human resources and infrastructure to monitor coal deposits and extraction in the state. Besides, the department has been rendered helpless for a long time since the Forest department was monitoring coal extraction and its supply and collecting taxes from trucks carrying coal out of Nagaland.
“Our job is to monitor the coal fields and its extractions, let the Forest department collect the revenue…” said an official. He lamented that the department has been given charge of coal only a few years back and said that the department is trying its best to streamline coal extraction, by sending out geologists, setting up gates etc, which would take some time.
The official said that the main concern of the department is to render technical expertise to the private coal firms so that minerals can be extracted profitably without causing much environmental impact.
A Geologist asserted that the Geology & Mining Department has been neglected by the government for a long time. He said the work of survey is a very long process, which has to go through a process of surveys, evaluations, testing and extraction which take about twenty years, and by that time a politician is no more the minister of the state government.
Nonetheless, an environmentalist who visited Mon recently, reported that the mining areas in Tiru, Mon district is headed for a similar fate like the environmental disaster caused by unplanned and unsustainable coal mining in Ladrymbai, in Jaintia Hills, an area which is believed to be one of the most toxic areas in the Northeast region.
The words of the Assamese geologist might ring true, since it is reported that most of the pits are dug in agricultural areas and the waste are dumped on agricultural lands; the sulphurous coal dust will be swept away by the water to the valley below, which will acidify the soil and water. It will take some time for the Geology and Mining Department to streamline its workforce and take on the environmental challenges posed by the unscientific coal mining. However, in the case of Nagaland, the only thing to be said now is that-time is running out.
Good Governance for the welfare of the people Thsakhongse Akam | Kolkata morungexpress
In its simple dictionary meaning, good governance refers to the well being of the people, or the benefit of the society by making authoritative decision and development process in all fields. Good governance as for me is to focus and bring happiness and welfare to the people. It is also associated with efficient and effective administration in the democratic framework. As such administration should be development oriented and committed to the people. In short, good governance simply means “Welfare and happiness of the people through government administration”.
Good Governance has existed since ancient times. It has practiced by many great kings all around the world. Kautilya mentions the following imperatives of good governance for a king:
1. Merge his individuality with his duties
2. Guide administration
3. Maintain law and order
4. Carry out preventive measures against corrupt officials
5. Pay fixed salaries and allowance at right time.
6. lead a disciplined life with a code of conduct
7. Inculcate administrative qualities etc.
Here is my few interpretation of good governance. To give the better idea of the picture, it is divided in to three as, political, economic and civil, even though divided, they are under one umbrella of good governance. They are given below:
Political Governance:
• Rule of law
• Free and fair multi-party election
• Protection of human rights.
• Fulfillment of pre-election promises.
• Maintain law and order
• People’s participation
• Review of law, regulation and
procedure in regard to tribalism issue.
• Providing people’s security by
increasing Para military forces
• Insulate police from politics
• Modernize police in every field withingenuity and within the resources
• Security, endangering safe, harmonious and conducive living
• Justice in time to the people
• Eradication and strict vigilance over illegal drugs and liquor.
• Dry state
Economics Governance:
• Promote economic growth with social justice
• Securing economic equality
• Investments in people and basic
infrastructure
• Protection of natural environment
• Protection of wild life animals
• Development of public properties like,
road, street light, parks, bridges toilet, fly over. etc.
• Substitution of unemployment
problem through employment
opportunities.
• Bringing up of IT Companies and
industry.
• Empowering people with skills
through various international organizations.
• Right to free of education to every child less than 14 years of age.
• Establishment of hospitals and clinic providing more specialized doctors in every district.
• Abolition of child labors
• Bringing up of more private and
central varsities.
• More projects and seminars of
awareness on illegal drugs and
HIV/Aids in collaboration with UNO
Civil governance:
• Securing fundamental political rights;
• Empowering and protecting women, the poor,
• Redressal of public grievances
• Freedom and right to information
• Opening of computerized information and facilitation counters.
• Accountable and citizen friendly government
• Guaranteeing of human rights to the citizens.
• Needs of future generation should be taken into account in current policies.
• Fair representation from all tribes in performing public administration.
E-governance: E-governance is good governance and every government organization is supposed to provide good governance to its citizens’ E-governance is concerned with the relationship between citizens and government. The role and processes of governance need to be redefined and redesigned with reference to citizen’s needs and aspiration. Citizen want excellence in governance-high quality of governmental services delivered on time and at minimum costs. They want government to be citizen-centric. The focus must change from speak-orientation to action-orientation. The object of E-g0vernance in reference to civil governance is to ensure that the interest of citizens is safeguards’ will necessitate a complete redesign of governmental processes. Thus, e-governance should facilitate the lives of the citizens. In fact, a major part of corruption in public life would be eliminated if personal contact between the citizens and government officials is reduced. The characteristic of e-governance are:
• Publishing government laws, regulations and legislation on the internet so that they are available at anyplace and at anytime to the people.
• Publishing information about the performance of the government on the internet.
• Publishing information related to various welfare and development schemes and activities which are already finished and undergoing.
• Publishing corruption related information.
• Publishing on the report of humans rights violations by the government and its agencies
• Fostering public debate and discussion on issues of larger concerns.
• Grievance redressal, feedback and reporting system so on and so forth.
• Information about the eligibility for loans, prices of fertilizers and seeds, price of agriculture, power-cut schedule, and other equipment. The rural masses should provide with adequate information at their doorstep.
• A government effort to remove illiteracy has not lead to satisfactory results. E-governance can be used to overcome this problem. Mass literacy programmed at village council hall in the form of interactive session filled with whole different kind of activities every week end.
E-policing: A common citizen feels harassed and awkward if required to visit a police station to lodge a complaint or a FIR against violation of law. Things would be different if such complaints can be filled online through e-policing. The acknowledgement and action taken can also be communicated online. Traffic violations and the alleged attendant corruption/payoffs represent some of the most glaring examples of bad governance. Tamper proof electronic fare meters installed on taxis and autos would save the citizens from harassment at the hand of the unscrupulous operators. There should be police help centre open 24x7.Increase in branches of police station will much help and protect the people’s security. Non -interference of government in the administration of policing except home minister. The dial 100 or 101 should be provided for fast and easy policing in regard to public safety and security. There is no denying that a criminal justice system is one of the basic prerequisites of good governance. Making of law, maintenance of law and order, internal and external security of the state, protection of human rights administration of justice, and reformation of convicts are the primary duties and responsibility of government. No government can hope to survive if it fails to perform this function. The image of criminal justice and socio-economic development process determines to a large extent the image of a government. Thus, an efficient, effective, and responsive criminal justice system is necessary to ensure good governance
Press and media: The role of media in the 21st century is one of the snap shot communication channels between the people-government. In fact, the cheapest t source of letting once grievance known. It can be of personal or public grievance. The media has lot to offer to the people and the government for the development and awareness in every field. The government should put a foremost effort to bring in various news channels and newspapers for the better coverage in and around our state. As far as news channels and national papers are concern, it is sad that there isn’t a single news channel coverings the stories .People from outside are kept completely aloof from knowing the situation in the states. Whereby, they become ignorant and less concern about socio- political and economic issues. Simultaneously, our own people are kept out of participation in expressing their ideas and notion in administration process due to lack of all communication which should’ve been made easy if there was any coverage of local channel or media in every district and letting the government know the needs and grievance .With public notions and ideas, government can best implement their policies in reference to public concern. So the national press and media are need of an hour.
Tribalism: Tribalism in Nagaland since ages has been haunting people and has killed more than enough among various tribes. And I feel shame that even today, tribalism has more important to the people than one being recognize as Naga .I jus can’t understand what tribe has got to do with our identity when you are hardly identified as Ao’s ,sumi’s, Angami’s etc when out of Nagaland. Indeed, People tend to identified us Naga’s rather than knowing the tribes. Then why we have to categorize among ourselves in the name of tribalism. We are creating an issue in a very large scale. The tribalism has become one of the greatest barriers in development in socio-economic field and in unification among Naga’s. It is a great set back for the people to work together as a team. Sooner, we are going to see lot of bloodshed, if tribalism is not stopped immediately. Let us make tribalism a less issue and make it secondary and embraced Naga as our foremost tribe. Where we can live, work, and eat together as one tribe called Naga. It’s high time for the government to take up the matter quickly and Implement a carrot and stick policy of law in reference to tribalism. Everybody from every tribe should treat as equal and common participation in the administration. Where, justice and rights are not denied regardless of tribes. If tribalism issue is not stopped, I can see Nagaland heading towards the path of Africa where millions has died and still killing just because of tribalism issue. (Read Tribalism in Africa)
Illegal drugs flow and dry state: Nagaland has the highest percent of Christians among the 27 states, where church organization plays a vital role in shaping up one’s individual life. But it has miserably failed in stopping the youths, getting addicted to drug substances and alcohol. The reason is that, the police along with government officials are easily bribe by those businessman. The government is least bothered about it. Due to this ignorance, the youth today in Nagaland are almost all addicted to something or other. It is not the youth to be blame at first place. The blame goes to those police and government officials for accepting bribe and making entry a truck load of illegal drugs and substances which goes on to kill the youths. The one reason why I can see the weakness in government is that, they are not able keep strict vigilance over the implementation of law. Because, Nagaland is being declared as dry state (as per law), and has not been able to stop the (river) flow of alcohol. This is the first significant sign of seeing the weak government at first place not to forget the church organization. By now government as well as church organization has to apply carrot and stick policy over illegal flow of drugs and alcohol if at all they want youth to be the back bone of today’s society.
Tourism: What oil is to Arab, tourism is for Sikkim, Goa, and Pondicherry? The smallest of small state are earning a state revenue profit of millions every year through tourism. They have the same natural resources like us, the same mountains, rivers and valleys. In fact, we are much better in comparison to these states in terms of natural gifts... The only thing we are missing is that we failed to realize and analyze how tourism can change the people’s life by promoting in the state. It is life second heaven. We have all the natural beauties gifted by God, but we failed to appreciate and foresee the used of natural beauties. As far as tourism survey is concern, it helps in to get 20-30 % employment and makes place developed rapidly through central and state funds. And the income of the states goes skyscraper. What better, people can ask from the government when it’s going to change the face of Nagaland forever. Infact, where government has failed to fill the gaps since 5 decades ago .And what better to spread and let people know of our culture without moving a step forward. What are you thinking of government?
Electricity and Roads: It is said that the first thing to notice how the government is progressing or to know the strength and weakness, is to see how the condition of the roads and electricity are provided in the sates. I, supposed I have analyze the scenario long ago. It’s high time for the government to stop consuming the road and electricity fund and start doing something good for the people in developing the condition of roads and electricity. Least people will remember the government for good that has been done rather than cursing even after the downfall of the government. They are many alternate options to make the best road for all weathers condition and increase the megawatts and providing least 20 hours of electricity a day. It all depends on how the fund is best use by the government and its bureaucrats. Because the misuse of money can be best judge by the non-development of roads, electricity, public toilets, bridges, streetlights so and so forth.
Human Rights Protection: Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are considered entitled: the right to life, liberty, freedom of thought and expression, and equal treatment before the law, among others. Such rights are ascribed "naturally," which means that they are not earned and cannot be denied on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity or gender. It’s a legal right and protected by the rule of law. But as far as Nagaland is concerned, there is nothing such as human rights. It is hardly enjoyed by the people, considering the fact that there are killing of many innocents civilians now and than. Weather we have our own political problem is different stories. But the rights of the people come first not the political problem. The government has to take everything into account to protect human rights to a full extent regardless of any socio-political economic problems of the states. Nothing is more precious than human life. It can be best protected by merging with the service of international organizations through central government. And government is held responsible for the violation of human rights which cannot be taken into granted at any cost.
Illegal Migrants: The threat to the unemployment problem in Nagaland is mainly due to more illegal immigrants pouring in from various states and countries. The best example can be seen in present day America. The illegal migrants have taken half the job which was supposed to be reserve for locals. The same goes to recent clashes in Mumbai, which was mainly due to employment factor already reserved by migrants from various stats and countries. Not only this, but there is hardly any circulation of money within the state due to huge amount of money taken out from state by those labors, businessman etc. This is a big threat to state economy. To save the youth from indulging into illegal activities, the governments have to find a way out of employing the youths. Strict law has to be implemented to stop illegal immigrants and to make a space for employment for our skilled and educated youths.
Naga Political instability: More often leaders and different organization emphasize on saying for the all round development of the state, keeping in mind with the interest of youths. I must confess that, so long the political issue which is amounting to hatred, violence, killing, extortion, chaos, so and so forth, the scope for all round development seems to be very bleak. It is the blockage for the welfare state in terms of socio-economic development. Without a peaceful atmosphere we can’t expect people to get exposure for development in every field. So long people are kept under threat of possible violence, killing, extortion, every new day, how can one expect the people to work with their peace of mind and focus on their daily work for development. And how can today’s youth take an initiative in creating of implementing their ideas in such a chaotic and disturbance environment. It is pretty logical and simple, unless we give our environment a space of peace, century to come, there is no way that we can expect a development of welfare state nor can we bank upon the youth for future generation. Since 60 years, many have gone and several are yet come, nothing has change but the killing is still going. Still we are hungry for blood. As if peace has nothing to do with development and bringing up the younger generation to become the back bone of the society. Resolved or dissolved, all we need is something called” PEACE”.
Companies (MNC’S) and industry: The youths of today have even though educated and well qualified failed to get employed. The make the matter worst, they are drag in to the system of illegal world which they don’t deserve at first place. And there comes a group of association called “Unemployed educated youths”. This is the story which is to be reveal from the very first formation of the state. This was to happen, because the educated youths‘ve very less opportunity to expose their valuable skills and have left unexplored and abandon by the government itself. Nagaland having vast natural resources and countless skilled and educated youths is still untapped. The company and industry are interested in establishing their own organization within the state since ages. It’s about time for government to take an initiative to propose for more companies and industries to help wipe out the educated unemployed youths and skilled labourers sooner than later. And making the saying, “Youths are the back bone of the society” come true.
People ignorance: By now one should understand that, there hasn’t been any fruitful outcome of the government since gaining our statehood. The situation has pop up from bad to worst. There is no stopping of the worst outcome in future. Who is going to stop the disaster? Who is going to lead from the front? It is a million dollar question for all the Naga’s in concern. Are we again ready to accept the ignorance from all corners? Will we let the same thing happen again and again, without raising our single voice? We can’t allow the government or bureaucrats to make fool and ignore of our rights, because the government are people’s servant and they are to serve and look after for the welfare of the people. We have every right to ask of what we deserve, and the government can’t deny our share of rights. It’s a people’s government and so long the government keeps ignoring the peoples rights and welfare, there is no way that we are going to keep our mouth zip .after all it’s the people who has chosen the representative to look after the people. We will make the government realize and make them to do the best in terms of our socio-economic, political development and respect our fundamental rights. Together we can make things come true and along side with the government we will achieve the target of government policies and promises. All we need to do is come together as one and start doing.
Conclusion: Enough have been listed and still the list is endless. When it comes to good governance in Nagaland, There is nothing much to say about. The list of good governance goes on and on and on. I only pray, that government, bureaucrats, NGO”S organizations, will sincerely commit to their work and execute their course of action one after another without saying much. I again wish and pray that the all government officials will follow this saying of kautilya “in the happiness of his subject, lies His happiness; in their welfare, his welfare; whatever pleases himself, he does not consider as good, but whatever pleases his subject he consider as good”. I rest my piece of advice with the simplest of saying, “I have nothing to offer but, blood, toil, tears and sweat.”
“Government for the people”
NDFB threat to end truce over attacks By A Staff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, March 31 – The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) has strongly criticised the recent attacks on its members in different parts of the State and warned Chief minister Tarun Gogoi and the Chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council Hagrama Mohilary not to force the outfit to come out of the ceasefire agreement. In a statement here today, the chairman of the NDFB, DR Nabla warned that if the members of the NDFB are not allowed to live freely, “we will have no other option but to reconsider the ceasefire”. He asserted that if required, the NDFB is ready to pick up arms again to fight for its rights for another 20 years.
The NDFB chief said that the outfit had come out to resolve the conflict peacefully and democratically but certain forces within the Bodo society along with the police were trying to crush the outfit and pollute the atmosphere required for peaceful political dialogues between the Government of India and NDFB. He said that since its formation in 1986, the NDFB was fighting for liberating the Bodo people from Indian colonialism and the BTC chief, Hagrama Mohilary, who once fought for creation of a separate State, has now joined hands with the party in power in Assam and he, along with the Assam Police, was instrumental in attacks on members of the NDFB and other innocent people. The attacks will not lead Mohilary and his men nowhere and such incidents cannot be tolerated for an unlimited period, he asserted.
Nabla alleged that there was a conspiracy by the State Government to derail the peace process between the Government of India and NDFB.
The NDFB chief further said that the outfit was not against resolution of the problems through peaceful talks. “We talked to Hagrama Mahilary in 1999 and are ready to talk to him to save the lives of innocent people,” he added.
Commenting on the allegation of the Government that the peace talks with the NDFB were delayed because of the failure of the outfit to submit its charter of demands, the NDFB chief said that the outfit, in its national council meeting held from November 12 to 15 last year, had decided to place the proposed agenda for talks to the Government. But at the same time, he said that the outfit would place the agenda as per its own convenience.
BTC admn urged to probe corruption charges at Hatidhura block From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
GOSSAIGAON, March 31 – Rampant corruption and anomalies have been alleged pertaining to the execution of various developmental schemes meant for uplift of the rural masses at Hatidhura development block under Kokrajhar DRDA. The villagers have urged the BTC administrators to set up an inquiry in this connection.
To protest and resist the ongoing malpractices and irregularities in implementation of the various schemes, the rural people under the patronage of the local conscious citizens and organisations earlier had registered a series of protests including a sit-in demonstration in front of the block office, sending of memorandum to the Chief Minister and even filing PIL cases in the High Court against the corrupt activities of the GP presidents, AP members, VCDC, TCLC and the concerned BDO of the said block, but all efforts were in vain due to lackadaisical attitude of the State government to pay heed to the grievances of the villagers.
It may be mentioned that under the able guidance of the SDO (Civil), Gossaigaon an enquiry was initiated by the Circle Officer Naren Das. Although, the report finding a series of discrepancies and misappropriation of funds in respect of NREG, SJRY, IAY and other construction related schemes was send to the P&RD. Dispur but no efforts were taken by the government, alleged the people here. While talking to the media persons, the villagers frankly said that corruption has reached new heights especially in Srirampur-Shimultapu, Rangsapur, Dingdinga, Kamandanga, Tamarhat and Chotoguma GPs in Kokrajhar district.
Serious allegations have also been brought against the TCLC, User Committee and the GP presidents of the said villages for non-execution of works sanctioned under NFFW in the financial year 2005-2006 to construct 1.5 kilometers blacktopping village road from Pakalagi Chariali to Kacharigaon PWD road wherein partial works were implemented under this head as alleged by the villagers of the said area.
It has been officially reported that about 3,136 quintals rice at the rate of Rs 550 per quintal which is 50 per cent of the allocated fund was drawn and allegedly sold in the open market at the rate of Rs 1,100 per quintal dividing the profit among the officials, activists of the TCLC and VCDC of the said block. It may be mentioned that a case was also been registered at the Gauhati High Court by the villagers in this connection.
The villagers have pointed out non-implementation of several other schemes like construction of 1.5 kilometer length road starting from zero point of Dipdinga-Baghdogra PWD road to Garopara LP School under NREGS amounting Rs 4,00,000 in the financial year 2005-2006. It has been found that the concerned block authority neither set up and user committee nor assigned the elected GP activists to construct the same. Although the matter was repeated to the DC and PD, Kokrajhar but no fruitful result has come.
The people have also expressed deep anguish, resentment and serious concern over the a little bit of work that, too, with the low quality materials as initiated and managed by the TCLC headed user committees and the concerned GP presidents under the said block. Added to the woes of the villagers is 27 per cent usual deduction of the allocated amount meant for rural development allegedly retained by the concerned TCLC, VCDC, GP and AP activists including block officials, joint. Hence several programmes initiated by the DRDA, Kokrajhar like IAY, JGSY, NREGS, NFFW. JGRY etc have utterly failed to misutilisation of funds by a section of corrupt public representatives as well as the unscrupulous officials. These programmes have neither brought any major socio-economic impact nor have generated any employment opportunity to the rural youths over the past few years.
Mention may be made that discrepancies are seen in the schemes whereas maximum amount has been granted for minimum works while less amount has been allocated for major works. Such discrepancies would undoubtedly provide indulgence to the corrupt and unscrupulous persons engaged to execute the works. Secondly, non formation of vigilance cell and lack of monitoring for the supevision of the execution of works is also considered a serious setback.
Currently to rectify the situation and re-construct the self-employment opportunity, the government has launched a series of new programmes aimed at bringing the affected families above the poverty line by providing income generating assets through a mix of bank credit and government subsidy. But these funds do not reach the projects to which they are meant, due to the vested sections. It is to be said that most of the villagers are not even aware of the project plan. They even do not know how many schemes are to be initiated in their village and how much money has been allocated for the concerned works. They are allegedly kept in dark so that the corrupt GP representatives and the officials can easily misuse the funds meant for rural development.
Keeping this in view, the villagers under Hatidhura development block have urged the State government as well as the BTC government to initiate efforts to resolve the cope of corruption attached to the execution of the schemes. Further, the villagers have also appealed to the BTC administration to set up a high-level inquiry into the allegation.
Frans on 04.02.08 @ 06:03 AM CST [link]
