In a democratic set up, a government is run by the body which has the mandate of the people known as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. On the other hand, people’s mass based organizations known as “Non-Governmental Organization” (NGO) are equally important is very much accountable to the society. It (NGO) is considered as the mouth piece of the people, because it expresses the interest and addresses every problem of the people. Although the NGOs’ election are not conducted by the legal election commission, yet every NGO has its own constitutions and norms under which its executive officials are directly elected, therefore it is recognized by the people as good as popular government. The civil society leaders deserve people’s respect and right to speak on behalf of the people so long as they enjoy the confidence of the people. These NGOs are also entitled to represent the people of their respective communities, because they (NGO) are the ones who fight for the people’s right against any discriminations or injustice done to the innocent.
The NGOs exist all over the world as watch-dogs to see that all the bonafide citizens of the nation enjoy equal rights and opportunities. In the advanced countries, these civil societies are considered to be very, very important and the leaders of these bodies are treated as very important persons or personalities. But regrettably, contrary to the advanced world’s concept about NGOs, our society is still lacking understanding the importance and the role being played by the NGOs. As the wrong notion domain of recent past, a statement purportedly written by one “Wangtin Konyak” says that the Naga NGOs such as Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA & NPWIR do not represent the Naga people. In this, I personally feel to share my view that, if these Organizations which have been instituted by the people can not represent their respective communities, then who the individual(s) can represent the people. To my understanding, such utterance is irrational and unexpected out of a national worker’s stature. It is apparent that all the Naga people’s mass based organizations are supporting the ongoing peace talk between the GoI and the NSCN(IM) and for which NSCN(K)in particular, branded those organizations as one-sided. But if we are to analyze about the Naga independence movement which is a bone of contention for every Nagas, there is nothing wrong of NGOs supporting the ongoing peace talks to bring about expeditious political settlement. It is regretted that there is no unity among the national workers, but because of which, Naga political problem should not be kept unresolved and passed unto the future generations.
The desire of the people are to see that Naga political problem is solved when there is opportunity, therefore the present political dialogue between the GOI and the Nagas should be encouraged rather than discouraged. People also wish to see that all hostility activities among the national workers be stopped but join hands to dialogue with the GoI for a peaceful political settlement. The views of the people are united to see that the settlement of the Naga political problem take place during their life time than to struggle further. It is the people’s expectation from all the national workers that any personal aggrandizement or hatred should not hamper the peace process. It is important for one and all to understand that good for people is “when it sees prosperity as more than being in bliss of materialism” therefore, if any body takes the name of a nation but speaks of his own interest, it is nothing but seeking of self glory and self centredness. It is, therefore, imperative for one and all to be more pragmatic at this juncture than talking about one’s interest or what he thought is everything. Once again, the assertion that “Naga NGOs do not represent the Naga people” is a disturbing sensation to everybody, so I for one affirm that Naga NGOs represent the people out side the assembly, because they fight for the common good of the people and not for their own benefits. I wish one and all to be more positive and support the NGOs in their efforts to do good for the people.
KUKNALIM
Tokivi Sumi,
A Concern citizen of Dimapur
