Morung Express News
Changtongya | January 18
The biggest problem of the Nagas today is corruption, SI Jamir, Advisor, Urban Development, Nagaland and a former President of AKM said here today.
He was speaking as the opening guest of Ao Kaketshir Mundang (AKM)’s 67th general conference being held at Changtongya Village.
In this regard, he said the current state of affairs is inflicted with this ill from which “we find no cure.”
Citing the example of contractual work in Nagaland, he said, for a contract work in the State, 10% is taken by the Ministers; 5% by Secretaries, 5% by directors and so on. The percentages trickle down even to the peons and everyone has a share. As a result, for an estimated work of 1 crores, nearly 50 percent is spent on percentages and the rest for the actual work, Jamir maintained.
“I don’t find fault with the contractors. They are not social worker,” he added.
Jamir in a candid admittance said that all those in government working are working in such system, led by the Ministers. “Without a revolution, Nagas cannot fight corruption and change the system,” he stated.
He further said challenge for the Naga youth today is ‘electoral malpractice’, adding it results in no progress and lead us to nowhere. “Fight electoral malpractice with peace,” Jamir urged.
In this context, Jamir exhorted the gathering to fight against the system and make this current conference a stepping stone to fight against these menaces.
Earlier, he said that the AKM was started by the pioneers under difficult circumstances and obstacles and encouraged the gathering to take lesson from them and incorporate their stories in their lives.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel (IAS) said that he felt really happy for this “collectiveness existing in our society, especially among the youth.”
“This collectiveness of youth is of upmost importance,” he said, adding that the world today is turning into an “individualistic and introvert” society. Maybe it’s because of the proliferation of social media, he reasoned.
He also lauded the AKM as a most professional organization engaged in various activities for the welfare of the students, besides being involved in many works for the benefit of the district. The DC later maintained that students going for strikes or agitations, which is quite prevalent in recent times, is not a good sign for the society.
If youth are not able to engage themselves in productive work, then they may become a liability to the states, he reasoned. “We need comprehensive planning to optimize the skills of youth in the development of our society.”
He also questioned whether the perception of Nagaland outside has changed for good, though the State has made tremendous progress in law and order situation in 53 years of statehood.
“Why do we have one of highest literacy rate but most are unemployed, and why are we rich in natural resources but most remain untapped,” he further questioned. In this regard, he expressed his strong belief that “the citizens must have right to know the logic and rational behind any decision.”
At the end of the day, it is the upto the people to decide what future should be, and it is best if their decisions are informed based on logic and rationality, he pointed out.
Don’t’ go empty handed
This is not a Hornbill Festival but a gathering of the best in the society, therefore make strong resolution for its benefits, Rev. I Wati Jamir, Pastor, Changtongya Baptist Arogo challenged the gathering.
When such gathering occurred last time in the form of Christian Endeavor Convention in 1958, the slogan “Nagaland for Christ” was adopted which later spread to whole Naga area, he further informed.
In this context, Rev. Jamir asked the gathering not to go empty handed but make a resolution in Christ for the benefit of the society.
A resolution for ‘Clean Election’ which the Langpangkong citizens have adopted, the AKM must carry forward, he concluded.
AKM opens with pomp and solemnity at Changtongya
With around 2000 students delegates, the 67th general conference of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), the apex students’ body of Ao Nagas, started on a high note here today at Changtongya village with pomp and gaiety.
The event started with the unfurling of the ranges’ flags in the evening, where the AKM President led the six ranges comprising the Ao Union in hoisting the flags.
Later the conference was officially opened by SI Jamir, Advisor, Urban Development, Nagaland by cutting the ribbon to the conference hall. A powerful opening act by Changtongya Students’ Union consisting dance, dramatic performances as well as songs followed drawing much appreciation from the crowd.
The message of the act was a call for unity in a society (Ao) inflicted with vices like jealousy, selfishness, corruption, one-upmanship, and unforgiving character.
AKM President Jemti Longchar later welcomed the gathering while the Changtongya Village Council Chairman Inmakumzuk Longkumer welcomed the gathering on behalf of the host village.
The three-day conference, which concludes on January 11, will have deliberation on many students’ issues, besides workshop and presentation by various resource persons.
