Strikes, agitations, bandhs etc. have become an integral feature of the mundane life of the Naga people. Today the Nagas have grasped this tool (Bandhs) to justify or to express various resentments against the failure of the state Government. Because all section of the Naga people have started to believe that bandhs are strong measures for civil revolution, but quite unmindful of its tremendous negative influence that fall upon the daily life of the common people. Recent bandh on fuel adulteration brought many business establishments and schools to a standstill because there were unexpected sporadic incidents of violence which erupted in some parts of the town despite the supposedly peaceful and non violent protest against the government. Who was responsible, the protestors?? The law enforcers?? The adamant attitude or incapability of the state government to make timely and rightful decision???
The Government is a body formed and represented by the representatives of the people. If the Govt. is concerned about her subjects, she should take control of the situation before the bandhs actually took place, so that eventuality may be averted. Taking stock of the situation after damage of properties, untoward incidents have happened and done is not at all a commendable justification on the part of the Govt.
If the Govt. is formed by the people and for the people, it is the bounden duty of the Govt. that a normal man’s everyday life is not unnecessarily affected. Should the Naga people always come down to the streets to express their discontentment over the Govt. at the expense of their dear lives and properties?? Bandhs are always thoroughly disruptive but people are compelled to resort to bandhs to express their long pending anger and discontentment with the Govt. The impact of the bandh of course always affect the ordinary people. However, the Govt. as far as they are concerned are largely unaffected, is that why the Govt. is least bothered??
In many aspects Nagaland state is still far lagging behind other states in India so, be it organization, groups, political parties, NGOs Etc. Before actually starting their agitation, strikes, protest, bandhs etc. should properly study the `pros and cons’ and its consequent impact upon the ordinary citizens of the land, because a day or two bandh carry a number of ill effects detrimental to our society. It is time that we inculcate this understanding in us and see both sides of the bandh because when a bandh takes place, a district or a state has to bear huge revenue losses. At the time of bandh, the state-run transportation system comes to a standstill thus the state transport agencies and all business establishments suffer big financial losses. Vandalizing shops, shattering window glasses of houses and vehicles etc by rampant mob makes the situation even worse. The students and educational intuitions primarily get affected, because the authorities have no choice but to close down due to fear of turbulence and chaos. A bandh becomes a deterrent for daily laborers for that particular day, which is a big concern for them. Moreover at present, many Nagas have economically gone down below poverty line. The concept of `have and have nots’ is now quite visible.
Daily wage earners have resorted to robbery for their square meals. Much to the pleasure and profits of the National banks, office goers have resorted to service loans to maintain their living standards. The agriculturists have started inorganic farmings for survival. The businessmen sit the whole day in their shops and go back home without much profit.
As bandhs often turn into violent protests and clashes between the two parties, people often get injured. In certain occasions, the injuries become serious that the innocent people lose their lives. Notably, on many occasions, people are forced or coerced to be a volunteer by virtue of he/she being directly or indirectly related to the bandh organizers.
At present, India is the biggest democracy in the world and practically, Nagaland is very much a union state of India. In a democratic setup, everyone has the right to articulate their views and vocalize their problems as long as it does not lead to infringement of law. However, it is quite regrettable that the people of Nagaland abuse the democratic rights of the people by calling bandhs in such a way that it causes roadblock to the economic development of the state.
People cannot go to work, students are unable to attend schools, and exams get postponed, the backbone of the economy is affected badly. Is this the thing that we look for in independent Nagaland?? Certainly not!!! I don't see much logic the Nagas calling bandhs when so much hardship is caused to the common people. It is always the common people who bear the brunt of these so-called machinations of public welfare.
The Nagas should remember that, only sensible discussions and talks can bring us to a feasible solution and these talks should serve the interest of the common people please.
H. Akato Sekato Ikishe village Dimapur
