Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): In an effort to know if Nagaland has the potentiality to be self-reliant, The Morung Express conducted a poll and out of which 31% said Yes, 55% said No and the remaining 14 % opted for Other reasons.
One of the contenders, who said No stated that though Nagaland have the resources and wealth but it does not know how to utilise it. Another stated: “We still cannot fulfill our basic requirements eg rice etc how can we stand on our own feet when we cannot even feed ourselves.”
Moreover, lack of competent leadership is to be blamed, one stated. “…Nagas lack leadership and it is this problem that is dragging Nagas down into the well. Our greatest weakness is leadership and no matter how rich we may be in natural resources, it all comes to nothing if there is no strong leadership.”
Some pointed out that Nagas are too dependent as well as not united. “Just Look @ Ones Own Place & See What Do We Have??? Any Goods From NAGALAND??? Naay' Not Even The Government Stands' & They're Talking About This & That Development, But If Only.... If They Can Understand Tooo; Development or Developed Is When One Can Stand In One’s Own Feet--- UNDERSTAND!!!”
Stating that connectivity is very poor, natural resources are very scares, majority of the people are not hard working, too many crooks in the state pretending to be national workers and extorting money in the name of this-that faction. “With all these conditions, I see no potential at all.”
Nagas have resources, but no planning and no infrastructure. “Poor roads are one of the reasons we depend on Assam for everything.”
Some blamed the political system of the State, adding that Nagaland is embroiled in “political mess” and everyone runs after easy money. “…how do we expect Nagaland to grow into a self sufficient society? Corruption has reached its pinnacle and it is only destroying us more and more. It does not matter that we have oil and minerals and other natural resources, because corruption will make sure that the people don’t benefit anything from it.”
Another dissatisfied contender stated: “Nagaland doesn't need any assistance from outside for random corruption but sadly, I don't think she has the potential to be self-reliant, seeing the nature and the present state of affairs(despite little untapped resources she may have) . Without slicing the facts into peices what about essential commotities and other needs which are imported? I can see the ugly and starving face of Nagaland in the event of being cut-off from the rest of the globe. I am proud to be a Naga but I am little ashame to talk about the potentiality of my state. So my answer remains No, No and No!”
Above all, the 31% who are optimistic claimed that Nagaland can progress further as it has “untapped natural and human resources” and that with the right kind of dynamic and progressive leadership and a vision to develop the Naga people, Nagaland can emerge as one of the most self-reliant places in the region.
One said that provided if there is no "GUN culture", till then no big corporate will invest ,without investment and infrastructures Nagaland will left far behind with only individual, muscle power encroachment development without far sided vision. “…Nagaland has a huge proven oil & gas reserve in the arrakan basin, which, if utilised with the right tools and mind, would make Nagaland the Dubai of South Asia. The only obstruction is our corrupt uncles and aunties. Besides, Nagas are known for their laziness.”
Another said that Nagas can be self-sufficient, but Nagas need to have a positive attitude and must be willing to fight against corruption, nepotism and favoritism.
The other 14% stated that if the Government work towards bringing back the “defunct industries, viz sugar, paper, mechanized brick, half dead Wazuho cement factory, age-old hydro projects yet to see the light of day, etc, would work and maintain well”, then there is a chance to get back on one’s own feet. Moreover, the increasing youngsters with the entrepreneurial spirit and the central government pumping crores of rupees, Nagaland has the potential to grow more. “… if the state doesn’t have potential to be self-dependent them whom do you point squarely the needs of blame, govt or policy makers or public or civil societies or GOI or else?”
In regard to the insurgency problem prevailing in the state and development, a contender said: “We think that everything will be solved after we get independence. But this is not true. It is only by working and developing now that independence can be achieved. If we keep waiting for independence to start developing than we will not achieve anything. We have to start working now and making use of the God given resources.”
Another disappointed voter said that the present situation has made the Nagas uninspiring and negative. “We have a tendency to only look at everything and anything with negativity and cynicism. This is one of the reasons why Nagas are not developing. We are failing to look at things positively. We need to be more creative and open to looking at our situation as opportunities to do better things. Our situation will not change if the people don’t change their attitudes.”
Interestingly, another said: “I am a Naga who has studied outside Nagaland and I came back wanting to help and contribute to the people. But just looking at the attitude to life and the lack of basic infrastructure like roads, proper communication facilities and the high dosage of corruption, I feel very discouraged. We are all wasting the abundant blessings of God. Nagas are wasting away their lives.”
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