Huzo Meru
Bensinle Tep
Dimapur | February 17
Taking inspiration from Proverb 29:2, which says that “when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan,” Huzo Meru, Independent Candidate from 8th Western Angami A/C assured it was the right time now that righteous exalted to save the people from further disgrace.
As an educationist and church worker, Meru expressed concern for social issues, justice, disparity between rich and poor, corruption, and peace and reconciliation among different communities. Meru held the office of Principal, Baptist English School, Kohima (1984-1996); President, Post Graduate Students’ Union, Kohima Campus, NEHU (1983-84); President of Shalom Bible Seminary, Sechu-Zubza (1999-2012); Convenor, Steering Committee, North East Christian University (2011); and Chairman, Peace Committee, NBCC. “As a community leader in different capacities, from years of experience, I have spotted the difference between those who perform and those who make empty promises; those who serve their people and those who serve their own interests”, he said. On being asked about his decision to stand for election, Meru pointed out five specific reasons for his candidature and clean election.
Meru said that for Nagaland to have clean election and clean governance there should be a clean candidate. “If there is no ‘clean candidate’ Nagaland will never see a clean election. That’s why I stood to be that clean candidate with vision”.
Expressing the view that it was too narrow to think that church workers should not contest election, he asserted that they were people with strong conviction, calling, and commitment. Hence, Meru said, that church workers were capable leaders who can clean the mess. He further added that as long as people sat, “folding hands and preached ‘Politics is dirty,’ it will remain dirty.” Instead, he claimed that Politics is a sacred and divine institute, but it was the self-serving leaders who dirtied politics.
“Clean people should come in and clean politics, I pledge to serve the people with selfless conviction, starting from my constituency,” Meru stated.
Meru highlighted the point that elections can be fought without money. “People in my constituency are helping me contest with whatever and however they can. We don’t need money to win elections”. He said the educated, elders, leaders have now started to realise the importance of their voting power and were now serious about electing the ‘right leader’.
Huzo strongly stated that ‘economic development’ and ‘leadership development’ is the need of the hour for the Nagas. “I believe in real development. Of course, there is development required like roads, water, and electricity; however, there is something called ‘economic development’ – income generation, job creation, and welfare schemes creation. We have become dependent on centre too much”, he expressed. As for leadership development, he said “our leaders are only raising themselves, I want to raise and empower as many leaders as I can, especially the young ones”. By such he said that a real leader should be far-sighted, who thinks in terms of our future, that is, long-term benefit for the children and for the future generation.
Addressing all these commitments, he proclaimed would create the opportunity for a real change in Nagaland.
Expressing concern for young people, Meru said that the disorder of politics has implanted a poison in the young minds and how they viewed leadership. Sensing that the youth have become cynical of the governance, Meru noted that he wants to show young people that with will-power and determination, honesty and obligation, one can be a game changer.
