T. Inavi Jimomi
Diphupar A
An old friend of mine from the mainland India as they say it, told me "Your dirty cratered roads and its gutters are deserving enough for some people out there to think of your people as backward, inferior and barbaric". "No" I corrected, ''the right word would be corrupted and undeveloped'', yet he went on, "that's how some of them think, I can't help it". His friend beside me asked, "Do those expensive vehicles and palatial buildings match your streets and surroundings? No, no matter how loaded, how handsome or pretty, your people have become just a bad imitation; there's no originality either; and you've set their mind that way". It was so hard and harsh, I could'nt explain my reaction; and there of course is misconception, biasness, ignorance, prejudice and majority complex issue in those statements but if some people really think of us that way, any rational person should put the blame on the Government or the 'men in power' for creating such an image for us. We may in our own small way maintain our streets and drains and also take up cleanliness drive or inculcate civic sense among our people but not the whole stretch of roads after all what's the Department for. "Tell me sirs, how do you feel when you ride these roads?" it should be self-abasement. Our leaders should know that a hilly terrain like Nagaland is just a jungle if there are no roads; but a tourist resort, a garden of fruits and vegetables with good roads. So give us roads; keep it proper, and I am sure that honest, sensible, hard- working Nagas will once again be able to take care of themselves as they did in the days of yore.
The Naga public are well aware that the NPF Government is still sitting on unresolved issues like PDS scam, backdoor appointments, fuel adulteration scam, non- payment of salaries, CAG report on financial misappropriation in major Departments of the state, the Rongmei Tribe Recognition issue, the Municipal election issue, quite a load to break a sober head or an ego but not a thick skull who'd say "NPF will come to power in the next election", another said, "GOI respects us" (performance wise, are we deserving?), still another said, "NPF will be in power even during the coming of Christ". Talk of arrogance and that's the height of it, some would still say, that's irreverent and a kiddish stuff, which you know, is devoid of wisdom and if you think it's a prophesy, it does'nt have to be wise or true always. How can we be so brash and proud? We cannot afford to be that self complacent, self conceited and ignorant of our State's state, which you know is the most dependent State in India with 92.5% dependence and 7.5% contribution.
Sirs, you may pretend to greatness, you may even win in the next election with your money but the truth will find you someday. And if sometime, you do good to some, whose memory you think are short, it's not pleasant to be reminded often nor is it advantageous when you continue to 'show off' for it darkens your other virtues. Having positive attitude is great but people with higher esteem of themselves are a pain and an irritation to all those around them, there I go preaching, sorry, after all who am I, but then who cares for all those nitty gritties, for our voters understand the language of 'money given' not where it comes from; to whom it should go to; how it should be utilised and what great things it can do for us and our State. But judging by the outcry and claims of Rights by the people in the last few months, we do have a glimmer of hope and this should be a strong signal to our leaders, that recklessness, corruption, ignorance, arrogance, wrong commission, outrageous speech and action shall no longer be tolerated or spared.
Sullen, is what our leaders have become in the last few days, I guess it's the Deficit and Liabilities incurred, which indeed is a worrisome sight for any Legislator to ponder over or to spend sleepless nights wondering where the election expense would come and a little thought for the Department and the people but folks, let's bear with him the folly of loving 'self' before 'duty to serve'. Whatever the reason, the one person among the few awake during the last Assembly Session was Mhonlumo Kikon, may God bless him if the NPF does'nt. But Sirs, if you cannot cope with the present situation or do something about the 'sorry state of affairs' the better informed and educated generation will rate you as 'corrupted', 'incapable', 'non-performing so called leader in days to come, no did-dums or notoriety will help anymore.
The vulnerable less educated, less-informed and the innocent poor who forms the majority of the electorate are usually blamed for the nuisance and all the trouble during elections but Sirs, they really are not all bad except for few, they will vote for one 'who gives first' or the one 'who gives more' and few again takes from all candidates; they will forgive you of all your previous shortcomings and what nots for you know, you've succeeded in bringing them to such a desperate state of 'now or never'. Then who's to blame, 'the giver' or 'the taker'?, to me, it's the giver (candidate) for he is suppose to be more qualified, educated, better informed, better placed and therefore more responsible. Those who 'stand' or 'work for' 'clean election' deserve nothing less than 'pure appreciation' but while educating the common public should concentrate more on people who wield power; are at the helm of power; who lead the people and the culprits, the people who depend on 'money power'.
Sirs, great people are remembered not for their wealth but for what they give without expecting return; great people are remembered even long after they are gone for their good deeds; great leaders remain even after their death for their ordinances still governs; great leaders are leaders who do not bow to power to gain power and riches; great leaders are those who leave good track for the ones who follow; great leaders are those who have visions for the future; good leaders are those who can protect/claim his people's right or share and make use of it judiciously; good leaders are those who remain true to himself and his people. No offence intended, I only pray that our leaders possess some of these qualities.
