Dr Asangba Tzüdir
The silence in the previous Nagaland Legislative Assembly sessions that had almost ‘nothing’ to discuss’ with sincerity and seriousness is a symptom of the process of ‘normalisation’ that dawned in under the banner of “Fide Non Armis” ‘opposition-less’ fold and it became the very means through which power was realized to their advantage and staged by way of enforcing the ‘will’ of the government contrary to the ‘will’ of the people and thereby privileging a selected few. This harmonious ‘normalisaton’ was finally disturbed bringing to life skeletons in the cupboard through ‘uncomfortable’ questions that demanded the ‘truth’ of the matter which happened right under their eyes, ears and nose.
The starred questions at NLA which was submitted to the Commissioner and Secretary by one MLA for which he was ‘allegedly’ threatened to withdraw, needs to be taken with much seriousness because the questions raises issues related to the functioning of the government, and for which the general public has a right to be informed and to know. The questions which were directed at various ministers that included School Education, Home, Health and Family Welfare, Food and Civil Supply, Roads and Bridges brings to fore the need to be democratically ‘accountable’ especially to those whom they govern. Good governance is all about transparency and accountability where every citizen of the state is given equal respect and concern for their life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Sadly, the existing power structure in the government comes contrary to democratic ethos that includes values of justice, rights and equality.
The legislator in raising the questions has rightly exercised not only a democratic right but a unalienable right in context. In an ‘opposition-less’ government it takes courage to raise such questions relating to ‘truth’ and accountability, and selflessly the right thing was responsibly done by the legislator because it concerns good governance and the overall welfare of the people. The truth therefore needs to be pursued further. In the exercise of a legitimate and democratic right to question, the questions put forward should not be left unanswered and hopefully these uncomfortable questions are taken up in the right spirit and earnest in the ongoing Assembly budget session. A greater responsibility not rests on the public to ensure that the truth is allowed to surface because these questions are not about creating propaganda but questions concerning rights and for the welfare of the people, and that as a responsible citizen, they have a right and an obligation to be well informed especially on matters of public importance and to carefully watch how their political leaders and representatives exercise their powers and then act upon accordingly.
A foundational aspect of democracy is the idea that government exists to secure the rights of the people and must be based on the “consent of the governed.” In this strain, these questions definitely serve as a litmus test for the government to go beyond the oral proclamation of good governance, accountability and transparency. The questions raised are solid and more solidified by the courageous effort. It may be uncomfortable especially for those privileged few but these are the right questions that can shake Nagaland towards a progressive change. Thus, addressing these questions in the right spirit is a way forward towards ensuring good governance that respects human rights; goes by the rule of law and one that calls for people’s participation towards ensuring a ‘qualified life.’
(Dr. Asangba Tzüdir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
