Peace Must Prevail - Eastern Mirror
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Editorial

Peace Must Prevail

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By The Editorial Team Updated: Feb 21, 2023 9:51 pm

As the polling date draws near, election-related violence has started rearing its ugly head again in Nagaland. Sporadic pre-poll violent incidents have been reported from Mokokchung, Wokha, Dimapur, Noklak and Mon districts so far. Just up until a few weeks ago, there was uncertainty around the assembly polls even being held, as civil society organisations from the eastern districts stood firm on the decision to stay away from Indian electoral process and a handful of political parties joined in by demanding a solution to the Naga issue before the poll. It is unfortunate that violence continues to mar the elections in the state to this day. While it is understandable when political parties and candidates resort to hectic campaigning considering the short window available to reach out to the electorates, there is no justification for allowing supporters to go on a rampage, instigate violence and disturb peace. They should take responsibility of maintaining a peaceful environment. It is also disturbing when civilians openly carry firearms when the model code of conduct is in force. Had the respective district administrations not issued orders prohibiting carrying of arms in view of the state election? With the authorities having directed the public to deposit their licensed arms to the nearest police station before February 10, it is safe to say that firearms being used in a couple of incidents could be illegal ones. The district administrations and security agencies should check this for public safety and peaceful polling. The electorates, on their part, should not resort to any kind of violent activities. When there is no respect for rule of law, chaos is inevitable.

In the meantime, we can see some positive changes in the electioneering process over the years. The electorates are certainly more aware of their political rights and its importance than a decade ago, thanks to awareness campaigns by individuals and organisations, especially the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) which initiated the “Clean Election Movement” with the aim to curb malpractices employed during elections. The movement was scorned by many during the initial period but its impact is becoming visible today. This time, some civil society bodies have organised a few joint events, as part of the movement, to allow candidates to express their vision and aspirations before the public, to help the electorates make an informed choice. It is to be seen if such moves will turn the table and make money power ineffective in the upcoming election but it will surely make an impact on many voters. It is no more a movement just by the NBCC. It has become a people’s movement towards a free and fair election. The growing number of people who won’t trade their votes for money or succumb to threats is a testament to the impact of various awareness programmes. We can also see a drastic decline in number of organisations declaring resolutions in support of certain candidates, for which the media also played a role by not entertaining such content. The High Court, on its part, had taken a handful of organisations to task for declaring support for certain candidates, forcing them to withdraw their resolutions. The pace towards a free and fair election may be slow but it is achievable. For now, the priority should be to ensure peaceful polling on February 27.

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By The Editorial Team Updated: Feb 21, 2023 9:51:13 pm
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