Rev. Fr. GL Khing
Kohima
The hot waves of crime and corruption have been sweeping Nagaland for so long. Everyone talks about corruption. It has become a topic of discussion in schools and colleges. Even corrupted officers talk about corruption as though they are clean sheets of paper. There is no solution to corruption if we continue to live under the guise of VIPs or officers only to steal and loot public money for oneself.
The world we live in is imperfect, yet many people continue to contribute to this imperfection instead of setting it right by their fine presence and good works. Everyone blame everyone without much doing. This has become day to day life style in a small State, Nagaland. It is a sad reality that some Nagas have become senseless and shameless to a great extent. The Sun never shines upon the corrupt officials. No wonder why a farewell of an officer needs just few lakhs of rupees (just a small amount! They should increase the amount every year as per the age of the retired officer).
The recent report of the Comptroller of Auditor General has revealed the very system of crime and corruption in Nagaland. Some offices exist only to suck pure blood and eat raw flesh of the poor people. Did they become new species of Naga cannibals? Some officers sit in the soft chairs only to make the life of the Nagas harder than before. Should we allow these culprits to live their life at the expense of the Nagas? This is a wrong way of life. Few Naga officials who hold respectable position in the Government offices have become a bunch of robbers to make sure that Nagaland becomes a ‘Dry State’ before they retire. They efficiently dry up all the funds and schemes without any guilt and shame. A sincere servant is put to shame by the dishonest officers.
Does every signature need an accompaniment of money? Can files be signed without taking bribes? Can an officer perform his/her duty without filling up his/her personal bank account? A corrupt officer is a good thief. (The word ‘good’ does not mean that you are good. It means you are pretty bad to be called good). Many people find their happiness by being good thieves. They pretend to work for the welfare of the Nagas but inside them are full of selfishness and greed. Behind their smiles lie giant vampires. They keep their eyes wide open even when they are asleep. They are ever vigilant less any fund passes by without putting their hands in it. A general comment ‘Kam kuri ase to, khabo lage to na!’ will ultimately come out of their mouth. Yes, eat your own food and allow others to receive their share in peace.
Central funds and schemes that come to Nagaland are deducted from top to bottom. It exists from Pension to Scholarship, mid-day meal to VDB funds, MGNREGA to the Funds meant for Differently Abled Persons. This is how we skin others alive inside our esteemed offices. This is called ‘skinning Nagas alive.’ Is this the way to manage our State? Is this how we treat people? Think of how even the funds meant for Differently Abled Persons were eaten by some officers without any prick of conscience (may be they have never known the pain of differently abled persons). This is the worst social sin one could ever think of. Please stop stealing the poor man’s share. Every person wants to live a dignified life irrespective of social status.
Scholarship meant for Students are misused happily. Scholarship is a centrally sponsored scheme. (No officer in the Directorate gives from his personal pocket). Instead of helping the Students, they drink the young blood and leave them dry and speechless. Are those officers in the Directorate still pursuing their studies in class XI, XII or undergoing their B.A or B. Sc studies in the Directorate office that the Scholarship was all for themselves? No wonder why Students protest almost every year for release of Scholarship. What is meant for others must not find its home in the pockets of few tainted personals. Let the Government offices not become new Sodom and Gomorrah. Some respected elders in the offices are making Nagaland to be so. If elders and officers continue likewise, what shall your children say about you? And what shall you teach your children – corruption or sincere living? Choose for yourselves before you commit another crime of corruption.
Shall we include a new subject “Best ways and means to practice corruption in Nagaland” in the syllabus of the Students? This may be a better way of studying in Nagaland because good and sincere students are most often thrown out of many exams and interviews. This is Nagaland! You can believe in God and practice corruption in his Holy Name. You can pay your tithe with corrupt money. You can give donation to the Church with corrupt money. You can feed your innocent children with corrupt money. You can buy the latest vehicle with corrupt money. You can purchase land and building with corrupt money. Ohhh! So many ways of earning name and fame. Just say a prayer, “Lord, have mercy on me. I will steal some funds but I will surely give one tenth. I hope you know me as a Naga officer.”
If any Government officer be found guilty of corruption, let his/her personal account be seized and the money be repaid to the respective office within stipulated time. It is better to take corrective measures than to be sucked in corruption forever. Nagas have sufficiently tolerated the ill-behavior of many corrupted officers. It is time to confront them with justice. Mercy and forgiveness are draining out day by day because of rampant corruption and extortion.
If the State Government is for the welfare of the Nagas, firstly, it must not be corrupt. And it should not shelter any corrupt officials under its compassionate umbrella. If the Government continues to support corruption, it will give birth to many ‘underworld dons.’ Nagas have sufficient undeclared dons. Most of them are either undergrounds or Government officials. Very often, they work hand in hand lest Nagas should lose the hope of a Sovereign State. The present Government took up its office to outdo corruption in Nagaland. I hope the Government implements corrective justice (not correction fluid) to make Nagaland a better place.
If any corrupted officer is reading this note, kindly give a deeper thought to your evil action. Do you go to office to perform your duties or to corrupt? Stop corrupting the system and start dignifying your job by your sincere work. Stop darkening the face of Nagas by your corrupt behavior. This will give you peace of mind. A change for betterment will come when you do your work without corrupting the poor man’s share. Allow the younger generation to see a ray of hope in you. Do not be a dark shadow upon your children. They will curse you for what you have done.
We must all contribute our share of good work towards the welfare of Nagaland. This can come about by our very way of life and action in our own capability. Victims of corruption and extortion must learn to raise their voice high, loud and clear. Failing to claim our rights and privileges will only invite greater corruption and crime. Let us not pray inside our homes and practice corruption in our offices. What is true must be kept true for the good of all. Even if we cannot live true Christian life, let us stop the crime of corruption. This will open the door of righteousness for all. I pray that good Naga Elders will ignite and show the light to the younger generations in this regard.
