[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he public in general have been somewhat shy of putting their signatures to the campaign initiated by Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT). There could be several reasons behind this.
One of them is that this is perhaps the first time that the people are acting on an issue which affects all of them after years of quiet acceptance without argument, for whatever reasons. Cynicism over what a signature campaign can achieve may also be an idea that some are wrestling with after all the bigger arena of participating in deciding one’s future “voting during elections” still leaves many unfulfilled desires. But a noteworthy difference of this campaign is that it is geared towards a movement to empower people to speak for their rights in a peaceful and democratic way, to express support to the organization who will then carry the ‘sacred’ voice of the people, without bloodshed, without intimidation, without selfish ends, the mission to explore for alternatives to lift ourselves ( N.B not any other people) out of a quagmire made worse by years of a heavy silence.Moreover the concept of a signature campaign is new to the Naga public and many may also wonder where this will lead to. But at least not all have been indifferent.There are some denizens who cared enough to put their support in black and white on the two flexi banners hung by the ACAUT members and volunteer supporters around the Clock Tower at Dimapur’s Duncan Basti-Khermahal-Circular Road tri-junction.is proof enough that there are people who do care about the ills affecting our society.
What is notable is that even boxing icon, Mary Kom, signed up for this campaign. Her support and those of icons like her are healthy signs that change can be round the corner if we collectively will it to be and work towards the changes we need. On a lighter vein Mary Kom’s signature can be regarded as much needed punch, or upper cut, for the victory of the fight against the scourge of unnecessary taxation—or any social ill for that matter. Over and above that, the facts that several septuagenarians and octogenarians—people in their seventies and eighties—also took the trouble to append their signatures indicate that these old-timers still hold out the light for us even in the twilight of their years.
History has time and again proved that any great change always springs from very simple, or humble, beginnings. Just like a river which traces its source to a mere spring or brook, which gradually increases in volume and then eventually becomes a river which in turn continues on its way and joins the confluence with other rivers before they finally kiss the oceans, so also the same with any movement. On the way, the rivers can also have some breaks in waterfalls which make geographers and even the public in general especially tourists, sometimes wonder at the beauty and grandeur of nature. Another point to note is that some non-Naga traders went in a group later on Monday evening (October 27) to put their names on the banner. This was understandable because they usually face the brunt of unabated taxation. That they had the concern to share their anguish with the citizens is an encouraging sign. Eastern Mirror also reported that at around 8.30 pm on Monday night, three boys while on their way back home after a table tennis practice session, stopped and also signed their names. The eldest of the three, a student of Class IX said that they knew that it was campaign against taxation!
According to the co-convener of ACAUT, Joel Nillo Kath, this signature campaign was launched to take the support of the public to another (higher) level. Therefore, it goes without saying that there are plans to launch similar campaigns in other districts of the State and for which discussions and plans are underway. News of the signature campaign in other districts is being received with hope and enquiries are being made as to when the campaign will reach their districts.
The campaign in Dimapur will be on till October 31.
It may also be mentioned here that in 1951, the Nagas refused to acknowledge being part of India and 99.9 per cent of the people appended their signatures to what is now known as The Naga Plebiscite. In any document, no matter what the seals or stamps may proclaim, signature of the official concerned is mandatory to give it authenticity.
Therefore, the ACUAT signature campaign has potential to gain momentum as the dedicated efforts continue. No matter how powerful the guns or whatever may be, it ultimately is Vox Populi Vox Dei—the Voice of the People is the Voice of God.
