Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 22
NBCC Youth Secretary, Vikuo Rhi on Saturday defended the Church’s stance on Elections - based on moral grounds - as opposed to the perceived general apprehension that it is meddling in matters considered wholly socio-political. Speaking at a ‘Seminar on Social Issues’ organised by the Youth Department, Chakhesang Baptist Church Dimapur, Rhi said Elections has become as “spiritual issue.” While admitting the Church should mind its own, Rhi however held that, it does not imply it shy away from the social issues facing the present.
With its roots at the NBCC’s 36th annual session in 1972, the Clean Election campaign was born out of a necessity to rid undesirable practices that had crept into the election process in Nagaland. The objective has been to engage in a spiritual fight with the Church having no hidden agenda, he maintained. Pointing out the many malpractices, he stated that the “tribal mindset” of taking community decisions has usurped the individual’s freedom of choice and further discouraged the practice of prayer groups and church workers visiting candidates’ house.
While suggesting measures to counter the malpractices, he said that the youth has a great role to play. “Youth should stand firm on integrity and not be allowed to be used as tools in the hands of candidates,” Rhi said. Change, he asserted must start from “oneself – you and I must be the first”, while adding that the Church should be loud enough “to voice out right is right and wrong is wrong.”
Khekiye K. Sema speaking on ‘Addressing the current Naga Political Scenario’, articulated on the progression of the Naga movement, and pointed out that it is today at a crossroad. Stating that the pioneers of the movement gave their lives, he said that their sacrifices would be in vain until Nagas unite as one people and give credence to the Plebiscite of 1951.
Mentioning in particular the ‘Framework Agreement’ between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, he questioned as to how the people will accept an outcome when majority of the Naga populace are unaware of the contents of the Agreement. “Are we only good for realising tax from, and not fit enough to be consulted on issues that concerns us all?” he questioned.
While acknowledging the NPGs as instrumental in making the GoI realise the uniqueness of the Nagas as a people, he questioned the direction the movement is taking today. The question, besides others, he said pertains to what kind of government the envisioned Naga nation would embrace.
