I Longkumer
We must ask ourselves: what has Nagaland achieved? Everywhere we look around, there is despair and helplessness. Basic necessities like road, water and electricity are a far cry from being realized. We have so many big and beautiful houses, all kinds of the latest cars and gadgets but once you step out of these, your life is nothing short of miserable. Oh yes! We curse the deplorable roads and the government, we curse our representatives and their families but ultimately, the fault lies in us, the public. In exchange for a few dimes, a couple of pegs of adulterated liquor and a plate of the quintessential ‘gahurimangso’, we sell our right to vote. If anyone is to be blamed, it should start with the public. We are solely responsible for the monster that we have created.
However, all hope is not lost. I say that for the simple reason because the youth of Nagaland today are more aware of our rights and duties. We are well aware of the fact that there is an unrest among the youth, an uneasy calm ready to burst out anytime soon (for all the obvious reasons!). We are questioning why we cannot have basic facilities like our peers in other states. We are questioning why sportspersons from Nagaland are not making a mark outside, we are questioning why salaries remain unpaid for months, we are questioning why our educational system is deteriorating with each passing day, we are questioning why interior and remote areas of Nagaland are lacking medical facilities and designated doctors, we are questioning how it is that only a few in Nagaland own almost everything. The list is exhaustive. We seek the answer to these questions. Part of that answer will be realized when we start asserting our rights and stop selling our votes. Only then will we begin to see what we seek. It is not that difficult to say: I am responsible for my own future and, responsible towards my own land and people and hence, I shan’t sell my vote. We must break away from this uncultured practice because it is us who will be at the helms of power tomorrow, my brothers and sisters. If we do not safeguard our rights, then rest assured, our land and people will face extinction (No, it is not an exaggeration). We have a responsibility towards our land and people, especially those younger to us because it is us from whom they will learn about life and if we fail to guide them on the right path, we will have failed as a people. We must not be swayed by tribalism and its accompanying ugly colors. We must be that huge rock, unmoved by storm or wind- providing shelter and protection.
My dear brothers and sisters, the world is moving forward at a rapid pace. While we, of course, seek to achieve our own personal targets and ambitions in life, we must think and do in such a manner that it does not harm the general interest. There are many around the world who have sold out their own people, lands and resources by using money and muscle power. We very well know that Nagaland is rich in natural and mineral resources, and we should exploit them to bring development and growth to our land but at the same time, we must be careful not to allow a few individuals or groups/organizations to take sole control of such a system. If that were to happen, we can only expect the worst. We must pursue that model of development in which all sections of society are equally represented and in which it is ensured that the benefits of development reach down to every single individual. Development is not only about tall buildings, skyscrapers or the latest vehicles. It has more to do with the general well-being of society. Development ought to be inclusive and positive. If one has been following the news lately, there are reports of the UAE seeking full flight access to the North East. Also, countries like Japan are eager to tie up with the North East states. Furthermore, the Act East Policy will soon be turning into reality. The North East will soon become the link between Southeast Asia and mainland India. Nagaland is not exempted from this and if we are not ready, that is to say, if we are to continue in this particular condition that we are in, we will be quickly overwhelmed and subdued by outsiders. It is imperative on our part that we start thinking and doing the right thing. We must pull up our socks.
The people of Nagaland deserve so much more than this continuing misery. We know what we need- right from roads, water, electricity, a well-established educational system, medical institute, technological institute, proper sports infrastructure to, I suppose, just about everything. We cannot remain mute spectators. We are also faced with the enormous problem of IBIs. We must find a solution to this nuisance sooner than later. Our successive state governments have done nothing to find a solution to this IBI menace. The future remains dark. We are also faced with the problem of climate change and environmental degradation in Nagaland. Deforestation in Nagaland is happening on a large scale. Every village council and tribal council must see to it that depletion of forest and forest cover is restricted and regulated. We cannot deny that climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face in contemporary society. We must all make an effort to protect our environment. At least, we owe that much to Nature. Air pollution, especially in Dimapur, is wreaking havoc on the lives of the citizens. We have a multitude of problems confronting us and all of us must make concerted efforts to secure our land and future. The sooner we act, the better it will be.
There are forces, within and outside, working each day and every night to destabilize our land and exploit our people. We must remain alert and steadfast at all times. In this regard, it would not be out of place to say that students’ unions have a very crucial role to play. Nagaland is in serious trouble but we must neither give up nor give in and I say so because I, like many, have faith in the youth of Nagaland. Change is coming. It is inevitable. With a little faith, hope and prayer, Nagaland will surely rise bright like the sun that sustains life on earth.
God bless our Nagaland!
.JPG)
