Allen Imsong
No system is devoid of defects and when something somewhere goes wrong, opinion flows. As such, we share talks as to whether democracy is relevant to Naga Society. But I think the problem lies in our attitude and behaviour. We fail to realize that it all depends on us – what kind of place we want to create for us to live in. Every problem has a root cause and it is high time we face the truth. Perhaps the gravest concern in the socio front which needs immediate redress towards healing our society is the mode of constituting our government. We should stop indulging in any kind of act that demeans human dignity both during and after election. Unless one is free of guilt, he cannot check corruption effectively and exert influence over the mass. Leaders should also realize that a bigger responsibility rests upon them to make the system they live in – a heaven or hell; and that the fate of populace rest upon their greatness, not of status but of character.
Democracy, in modern times, which was ushered in with much hope and expectation, has been experiencing ups and downs. However, its interpretation and impact on society varies. Pardon me, but in Nagaland context, it has failed miserably. It has become more or less ‘Demo-Crazy’. Almost every one acts crazy; crazy for power and all sorts of opportunity available for selfish gains. Discipline and integrity are rare qualities among our people. Everything is let loose and free style. Swindling of public funds and grabbing of maximum opportunities in the public sector by the power-people tops the list of achievements. Willingly or reluctantly, the law makers become Law Breakers. Thus, the meaning of law is rendered futile many a time.
There are instances of abuse of power in government offices even by the public servants in the lowest stratum. ‘Civic Sense’ is kind of a never-heard-before phrase. The long gone and dead maxim ‘might is right’ still exists. While the high and the mighty reigns, the common people’s cry grows fainter and continues to remain voiceless. People are like gladiators – surviving on another man’s doom. To put the matter straight, the peoples’ government has failed the expectations of the common man miserably and instead, seems to work to the advantage of a few elite groups alone to a great extent. What is democracy then that holds people in such cry and pain? Why should all these talks of equality, liberty and justice end in slogans and appeals alone with no answer and the culprit left scot-free?
To cut the story short, the prevailing state of affairs is beyond tangible – we have put Abe Lincon and his democracy to shame! Every form of government exists because of the people and therefore, should exist for the people. This is irrefutable. But the big question is – does a peoples’ friendly government exist as such? Except for certain rights and liberty, I find democracy no different from other systems. In fact, the provision of liberty has somewhat robbed the people of one of human’s noblest qualities – discipline - and has given way to the birth of certain social menace. Abuse of power in the wrong hands often is another major factor that ails the system. But whatsoever, I believe that democracy can still deliver ‘good’ if WE, the People, are willing and ready.
