Dr Asangba Tzüdir
Facta non Verba, a latin for “Deed not words” is the motto of the latest political party in Nagaland – Democratic Progressive Party, a party which was formed, as reported in their press release, in response to the “feelings of the masses, who strongly desire for formation of a new political organization.” Though the new party seeks to stand on deeds and not words, a lot has been said during their first general meeting. As such, the question remains whether their ‘objective’ rhetoric can get translated into action.
Considering the currency of issue, it seems to have been their unanimous decision to “strengthen the peace process and contribute towards realization of early, honorable and wholesome resolution of the Naga Political Problem." Yet, the objective message fails to heighten and generate the desired interest on this issue that is plagued by trust deficit and one that is in need of transparency. Nagas need something concrete and talk of a solution without having a roadmap or a process of real peace will be like just another ritualistic message and one that fails to create a genuine appeal.
Also, highlighting on the need for strengthening democratic principles, the DPP stated that it will “stand for transparency, strive for respect of human rights and dignity, protect freedom of speech and expression, work for upliftment of weaker and marginalized sections of society, uphold gender equality and endeavor to protect our rich cultural heritage.” These are the most challenging issues that are not only close to the heart but also appeals to the conscience of the masses, yet these issues have not been deliberated to its merit nor applied in context simply because of the existing corrupt system that has fashioned a vicious cycle. Herein lies the real test because it concerns the question of the ‘will’ and the will to be ‘moral.’
Lastly, the party has pledged to “continuously strive for emergence of the people’s voice, the realization of the people’s aspirations and to reflect the desire and will of the masses.” The problem with our society is that we have failed to create a platform where people can come together as a people with intent and purpose. In the pursuit of bringing together people’s voices, the only way is through inclusion and make the masses a part of the change process from the very beginning. This calls for a change from the culture of delivering rhetorics to a culture that seeks the ‘will’ and ‘aspirations’ of the masses towards finding common good. It cannot get simpler than creating an all inclusive democratic process by reaching out to the people and asking what they need as well as seek their opinions on the various issues, and thereby take the confidence of the people on board and work towards achieving the ‘will’ and ‘aspirations’ together.
DPP has highlighted so many integral needs of the Nagas today but the most challenging aspect of it is yet to be touched. The task at hand is how to go about doing it. Therein lies their credibility. If DPP wants to be true to their motto, then their actions should speak louder than their high sounding ‘patriotic’ words in such a way that it gets the confidence of the masses. The current ‘opposition-less’ government has created such a mess in their pursuit of ‘power’ that one can only hope that we are not looking at the birth of another such ‘offspring.’
(Dr. Asangba Tzüdir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
