NDPP’s 3 Dimapur III AC candidate Hekani Jakhalu with supporters during the dedicatory programme of her candidature at Toluvi village on February 6. (Morung Photo)
‘Changing the system requires being part of the system’
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 6
The NDPP’s candidate from 3 Dimapur III Assembly Constituency, Hekani Jakhalu said that she got the NDPP ticket for the people of the constituency and not because of familial connections. She made the statement, at a dedicatory programme of her candidature at Toluvi village on February 6, to clarify what was claimed to be allegations of favouritism levelled against her in the race for the NDPP ticket in 3 Dimapur III. “There will always be propaganda but this ticket is for the people of 3 Dimapur III. This was a joint fight and we won it. The ticket is for change and for winning the election and be part of a ruling government,” she said.
With change as the goal, she said that her campaign will focus on four development visions she has for the constituency concerning the empowerment of the youth, women, minorities and turning 3 Dimapur III into a model constituency.
While stating that the youth “is our biggest asset,” she said that empowering them would pave the way towards becoming the top state in the north-east. “And when I say youth, it starts with quality education,” she added.
According to her, Naga men have great respect and care for the women. However, she maintained that only a woman would understand a woman.
The 3 Dimapur III constituency, she said, lacks in all the basic development parameters despite being conveniently located. While stating that government school and healthcare infrastructure are poor, alongwith teachers and doctors not attending to their duties, she held that it is the job of the local MLA to ensure the proper working of government assets.
“But I see a lot of lacks here in the constituency. We have to ensure the basic amenities. I will make sure 3 Dimapur III is a model constituency.”
She added, “My fourth focus will be on the minority community. The constituency has villages that are over a hundred years old but they are so neglected. I commit to walk hand in hand with the minority communities as I endeavour to achieve my vision of a model constituency.”
After the programme, she was asked to comment on the money factor in elections in Nagaland and the stand she has taken on cash-for-vote. She responded that the influence of money in elections “is not a closed secret” and changing this was what motivated her to support the Clean Election campaign in past elections.
However, she admitted to failing “miserably” in her endeavour. And then I realised if I have to (affect) change, I have to be in the system… If anybody wants to change anything, you have to be in the system. You have to be part of the government. You have to be part of the policy-making body.”
She maintained that she still stands for reservation of seats for women in decision-making bodies. “It is a process and I hope that the step I am taking today would inspire other women,” she said.
