Some of those who voted YES had this to say:
• Had it not been for the Naga civil society and churches, things would be a lot more worse. There is much more that they can do, but they seem to also be running out of ideas. Maybe these organizations have not identifies the priorities that they need to. The Church on the other hand can be the most organized institution, but they don’t seem to be making much use of it.
• Somehow to some extent they are putting pressure on the government to address the violence against women and children. I think their input has made the state government act more boldly on these issues.
• Yes, to some extent, but they can do much more. They should not hesitate to take bolder steps.
• In the recent elections, there would have been much more violence and unfair means, had the NBCC not launched the Clean Election Campaign. This shows that when they do take pro-active steps, they can certainly make a big impact.
• They can become very effective if they are able to provide leadership and get more younger people involved in these efforts.
Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
• No. Absolutely no. Churches are silent, and other civil and social groups sent condemnations through the media, after something happens. A rally from city tower till the DC's office is initiated, submits a memorandum. Then its a forgotten chapter.
• No, they are not. They give less importance to this issues, unlike many other issues prevailing in our Naga society (popularly known as Christian homeland)
• The NAGA Hierarchy = UGs/'National workers' > Ultra rich DAN Government > The' hungry' Church(spiritually) > the Zipped-up Civil society >The 0pen mouthed but voiceless poor masses. Our present Naga society is tangled in our own filthy web..it is too daunting a task to curb serious issues like the ones highlighted above with sincerity. There's HOPE but God only knows when....
• The churches better stop drooling at dirty politics and all the $$$ involved,. do what they are supposed to do- Cater to the genuine spiritual needs, change lives and spread the gospel. focus on downtrodden families, individuals, thats primarily a launch pad of violence and crime. As for the civil society and the likes,. i have to say STOP "Condemning" first... please. fed up!
• Well the answer to that question is NO. They are, however, taking many superficial measures to showcase they have dealt with the problem. Therein lies The Problem.
• No, because all are self minded
• No, najaney, huilebe, their action is not not noticeable.
• It's all a load of B.S. everyone's spouting from their mouths. What society or church has taken ''pro-active'' steps to educate and sensitize the people or to provide help to those being abused?
• I do not see them taking up the issues in a seriousness that it deserves. It is also disappointing that the organizations and Churches are not taking any initiative. It seems that their role is only to issue "condemnation press releases to the press." What good will this do?
• So for nothing much has been done from any quarters to protect against women and children. the existing ngos, civil societies, churches, etc, are mere spectator and try to act pro-active roles only when there is some social calamities. Prevention is better than cure. Shall we all at least from now on wake up from our sleep and work towards equality and harmony for the sake of our children and sisters.
• They don't continue to fight till the end. And most of the cases, justice is not delivered.
Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
• The impression that the public is forming of the civil society and churches is not very positive. Many people are beginning to think that these organizations and the church do nothing more than issue condemnation statements and press releases. They are letting the media to the work for them, but in reality, they are not doing any work in the ground. So just shouting from Kohima will not help the situation. They need to go down to the people.
• They should hold regular consultations with the public so that they understand the issues which are important to the public. With the public support the civil society and Naga churches can become much more pro-active.
• These NGOs and churches should not be dependent on the state government for funding. This is the root of all evil, because it makes them weaker and they are unable to criticize the government.
• The civil society organizations in Nagaland and the Churches seem to have become weaker ever since the NPF government came to power some ten years ago. I think these organizations were much stronger, efficient and proactive during the Congress regime. Does this mean that the churches and civil society organizations have sold their souls to the NPF? The civil society organizations and churches don’t seem to be having any political will to do the work they should be doing.
• They need younger people who understand the issue of violence against women and children. Since most of the churches and civil society are run by older men, they do not seem to take seriously the current issues prevailing in our state.
• All these organizations are taking up only political issues, they are not touching the issues faced by the common man. If they take up the problems of the common man, they will surely get more support from the people.
