The issue that is supposed to be an internal family business, hence should have been settled amicably within the members of the village community, becomes a matter of public debate when a group of supporters of one VDB secretary candidate from Longsa village vandalized the DC’s Conference room and verbally abused the deputy commissioner and even causing him physical injuries on April 21 at DC office Wokha.
Apparently, the perpetrators did not foresee the consequences that could arise from such barbaric behavior nor they are aware that such act of raw mentality would only bring bad reputation to the village and the entire Lotha community. The end result, however, was fatal and bitter. By smashing the window panes of the DC’s conference room and abusing the district magistrate, the party involved did not gained anything except the wrath, ridicule and condemnation from several corners of the Naga community. This perhaps could be a lesson for others as well, that anything done out of rage and desperation does not lead to any favorable outcome.
If the party involved is not satisfied with the rulings of the deputy commissioner, the law of the land guarantees them the right to appeal at higher platforms. Moreover, the candidates should have been aware that they hold moral responsibility for any wrongdoings committed by their supporters and the VDB being an agent of the state, the candidates should rely on the law to take its own course of action and not otherwise. Using muscle power and mob dominance during elections is nothing uncommon in Nagaland, and the sooner we learn that might is not always right, the better it will be for all of us for our advancement and progress.
Yet, what is done cannot be undone even with thousand apologies. However, I appreciate the Longsa village council for rendering their sincere apology to the deputy commissioner for the mental stress and physical injury caused during the unfortunate incident. And I would remain grateful, just like my fellow villagers, if the deputy commissioner accepts that apology from the village council with humility and in true Christian spirit. Many are a witness to the fact that in his short stint as DC Wokha, he has been a good friend of the village who had always extended his support and cooperation whenever the village is in need of his service. And the village as well as Wokha district cannot afford to break that bonding just because of the actions of some few intolerant members.
I also make this fervent appeal to our Angami friends and the people of Kiruphema and also the Mor clan for their unconditional forgiveness for what has happened on April 21. Majority of my fellow villagers or the Lotha community does not take delight for what had happened but bowed down our heads in shame hoping that such incident will not occur again. We acknowledge that neither the Lothas nor anyone would be happy if any of our officers or public leaders came across such difficult situations.
It is also time for the right thinking citizens of Longsa village, particularly the leaders and elders, to come together and discuss the issue with a clear open mind and offer their wisdom to solve the impasse so as to prevent further segmentation and division within the village community. Elections may come and go but the brotherhood and friendship of the people must prevail at all times if we have to survive as one family. And the younger generation will judge us on the legacy that we left today.
The law enforcing agencies must also pursue the matter with utmost urgency and booked the culprits as per the law of the land. It is amusing to see such crime taking place in the presence of several armed police personals. The efficiency of the security forces are tested during difficult times and it is unfortunate that the security providers failed miserably in their duties unable to protect even the first citizen of the district. And with such mob violence recurring at regular intervals in different parts of the state, the government must also see as to what went wrong within its machinery and provide corrective measures to improvise its security forces to meet the challenges of the day.
The government must also address the issue with priority and provide early judgment to the long pending VDB election in the village as the issue has caused enough trouble to the village and the district administration. And due to the inability to elect its VDB secretary, the village could not implement the welfare schemes meant for its people.
It would also be better if the candidates settle the issue through the relevant agencies and not through the media. The Village Council, the Eloe Hoho and the Youth Organization should also exercise restraint and demonstrate maturity while handling such delicate situations as mishandling the issue could create repercussions beyond the village jurisdiction.
And lastly, in my opinion, not of the village, the government may realize the necessary resources required to repair the damaged DC’s conference room from the village development funds as a penalty and also to send a signal across the state that damaging public property will not be tolerated.
N Janbemo Humtsoe
