Former journalist walks unusual path as politician

S Henlly Phom

Dimapur, Feb. 21 (EMN): The former editor of Ao vernacular newspaper Tir Yimyim, K Temjen Jamir, has since his schooling days treasured the idea of political affairs as a form of public service. He involved in students’ politics then. Now he wishes to represent 22nd Arkakong assembly constituency in Mokokchung district in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly as he joins the electoral fray.

For more than a decade, Jamir had served as editor of the Ao vernacular and as president of the Nagaland Press Association.

When he had the choice and opportunities to take advantage of any political party’s ticket to contest, Jamir chose instead to fight the battle as an independent. He said to have liberty to express his aspirations that he has in mind for the people.

Living up with the maxim “pen is mightier than the sword,” Jamir noted that critical comments and appreciation from readers to his editorials were a source of inspiration to write and work more for the people.

‘People always encouraged me to join politics so now it is my responsibility to turn my writings and preaching into reality. Moreover, I don’t want to remain myself as mere critic and commentator on present state of affairs,’ Jamir said when queried about his shifting from journalism to politics.

Jamir’s early inclination towards political affairs led him to join politics as he observes and comments “we all become morally bankrupt and thoughtless and insensitive to the needs of the people. It’s high time to change the image and perspective of leaders in the government by making public service efficient and transparent.”

The former editor does not shy away from opinion: ‘Unfortunately our leaders become selfish, narrow minded and insensitive to the needs of their own people that led to ruin our state.’ This was in reply to a query to him about the failure of the governments and politicians in the state in whom the people no longer place their trust  whoever may become elected.

According to Jamir, leaders must apologise to the people for their mismanagement and rededicate themselves to the service of the people for the elected representatives to regain the trust of the people.

At the Town Hall forum organised by the Langpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang-Clean Election Campaign Committee (LKM-CECC) on Feb. 14 at Changtongya town for 22nd Arkakong assembly constituency Jamir had declared that he was contesting the elections to fight corruption and ‘social evils both politically and socially.’ He had also vowed to the electorate ‘to fight for a clean government.’  Committed to his declaration, he asserted that his contesting in the polls was not against any political party or individual but against corruption.

“I will proactively serve the state and her people with great care and honesty. People should not suffer any longer for want of free quality education and medical care. It’s time to create jobs by exploiting natural resources and let our youth, educated or not educated, work according to their knowledge and ability. The state must make every citizen economically productive,” the journalist-turned-politician added.