Nagas are not new to Democracy, though it was in the simplest form and at the grass root level, which indeed was true democracy in real sense and was the strength of Naga villages and societies unlike the term Democracy that we define and mean in post modern times. While the meaning and definition of democracy has evolved since time of Socrates , Aristotle and ancient Greek Government nevertheless it essence has remained the same till today, to mention few from freedom of speech, assembly, expression, rightful space for opposition, rule of law and separation of powers (specially Judiciary) and will of majority that prevails. These are some of the few outstanding features that has sustained Democracy for many centuries and has excelled from other forms of government. Upholding such values shows the vibrancy of our democracy however, any infringement to derail such process displays our immaturity and anti-democratic attitude.
The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) recent decision to ban protest, bandh and lightning strike in Dimapur (published in local daily newspapers) came as a rude shock to many rightful thinking citizens. The rude shock was not about NCD good intention to maintain peace and order which every Naga supports and yearns for. The shock came from NCD decision to implement its decision by itself as an implementing authority without the sanction of administration and law enforcing agencies. Let us remind ourselves that in a civilised society where there is a rule of law NGOs should not confuse itself and exist above the law of the land.
While NCD being an apex body has a mandate of Nagas living in Dimapur, it has to remind itself that at the first place it is an NGO and not a government machinery. Secondly as an apex body, it should take decisions, act maturely, set example with wisdom and not act above Democratic Constitution of India and should not enforce its will brushing aside the existence of administration and law enforcing agencies. Such imposition by NGO is further stabbing on Democracy and killing of rule of law in the state, which is already bleeding because of an organisation taking law into its hand.
Let us take this as a reminder that any such decisions by any NGO should be presented in the form of memorandum or representation as a will of the people to the administration and law enforcing agencies in a democratic manner. Basing on the merit let the administration notify such restriction and imposition rather than taking law into our hand. Finally, let us all imagine a scenario where every NGOs comes out with such dictum. The end result will be more confusion and chaos in our society rather than healing it.
Dr. Khekugha Tuccu,
Dimapur
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