The universal truth in democracy is that it is of, for and by the people. Nothing more, nothing less. In other words, the ‘people’ is the government through elected representatives who are burdened with the aspirations of the people as a whole.
Sadly however, the austere fact that ‘voice of the people’ reigns supreme in any democracy has, in the preceding days been taken for a roller-coaster ride of the worst kind ever witnessed by Nagas. If the truth be told, it happened between material wants of some select few against the Nagas. The ugly turn of events may now be established and identified down the annals of our political history but, not without its due punishment of the severest order to the guilty by our chief deity.
Democracy being crystal clear to everyone, Article 371A too does not and will never need any further interpretation to any Naga (so long one can understand English!). It empower Nagas to accept or reject any made-by-India laws. The point in contention therefore, is that there should never be any room for baseless arguments and excuses when the majority of Nagas have rejected an alien law. So also, it is the bounden duty of our elected leaders in the NLA to abandon all egotistical ideas and commit unanimous, wholehearted support to the demand of the people. That, in reality, will be a government of, by and for the Nagas.
Likewise, the fanciful Nagaland Municipal Act is but a farcical piece by plagiarists, out rightly unacceptable to us at anytime unless it is brought out from the Amendment table. The same fate go hand-in-hand more or less, with that Reservation for Women issue which is purely a Indianised motive for some vested interests. It is astounding indeed, that we have opted to be guinea pigs when almost all other Indian states are unable to implement it en toto. In a land where the purest form of democracy is practiced in all spheres, anyone can take to the dais or contest political elections whichever, so long he or she is qualified, capable and willing voluntarily. The aftermath, out of seat reservations, may however usher in drastic, detrimental affects in the long run.
To cut short, the church too has already been duped beyond any respectable consideration by those in the highest echelons of political power but rest assured, mortal rewards too will materialize, come what may. In the same vein, the necessity to conduct any consultative meet on these burning issues and thereby, to weaken Article 371A will totally be against the wishes of the people. It will only sow more seeds of curse among Nagas.
As for now, let us not bow down to our corrupt, selfish beings but rather, steadfastly unite and strive together never to barter off Article 371A under the guise of our endless worldly ‘wants’. Just as our basic rights are never for sale, may our truest spirit of Naganess demolish and trample all ego evils for a better tomorrow!
Thejangukho Yalietsu
Medziphema
