Dimapur, January 22 (MExN): Former Nagaland Chief Minister and Governor of Odisha Dr SC Jamir has urged the electorate of Nagaland to realize the sanctity of election and totally reject money and muscle powers during the forthcoming election.
Jamir released a statement on Monday voicing out that the present political situation on the ground was the cause of “utter despair” among the people.
“For over two decades now, the State has suffered from a total lack of governance bordering on anarchy,” the former Chief Minister viewed while charging the political leadership of paralysing administration because of the lack of vision and commitment to people’s welfare.
“To make matters worse, rampant corruption at the top has seeped through all levels of the governmental machinery and as a result, funds meant for development has flowed to fill the coffers of the leaders, their friends in business and the bureaucrats,” Jamir stated.
Devoid of any idealism and scruples, the current political leadership in Nagaland is embroiled in ugly factionalism, each faction seeking to upstage the other for political survival, the veteran statesman maintained.
Also noting that the breakdown of law and order was an offshoot of governance failure and that the increasing rate of crime and extortions was crippling the common man, the octogenarian insisted that the lack of economic growth has meant little opportunity for the State’s educated youth. As a result, the youth are restive and angry, and ready to implode anytime, he cautioned. “The situation is like a time bomb that is ticking away.”
The former chief minister however was optimistic that Nagas would use the “unique opportunity” in the forthcoming elections and demonstrate to the rest of the world the might of people’s power.
Nagas, he said, understand very well that democracy in its broader sense is a compact between the people and their elected representatives which entails a commitment on the part of the latter to work for the welfare of the former. “Should that compact be breached, the people have the supreme authority to throw out from the perch of power those who betray their trust,” the five-time chief minister said.
To accomplish this, Jamir urged the electorates of Nagaland to realise the sanctity of election and totally reject the temptations of money and muscle powers during the election.
“Nagaland might be passing through a difficult time. Yet, its people, working together with civil society organisations, the Church and the youth in particular, have a historical opportunity to make it a defining moment in their troubled history,” he maintained.
Jamir suggested that people recollect the idealism, sagacity and sacrifices of leaders of the past and draw inspiration from their noble deeds. “History is witness to numerous instances when nations ravaged by war or natural calamities have risen, like Phoenix from the ashes, to take their places among the comity of world powers. So, would the Nagas overcome the present morass they find themselves in and take their place as a proud member of the Indian union?” Jamir posed.
