A few years ago, an interesting debating point was put forward in the local media on whether Nagas need a dictator to rule over them given our scant regard for the rule of law, indiscipline and weak authority of the present State government/s. Obviously there is going to be merit in the argument that we need a strong authority of law. However since ours is a democratic system of governance, a dictatorship may not be acceptable. What we can atleast do is to strengthen the hands of our government. Our government should also assert its authority and do the needful in enforcing the rule of law. Earlier in this column, we had commented about the weakening of governments—the shrinking authority and that governments were no longer the epitome of authority that it is actually meant to be—seeking obedience of its subjects, performing its duty of providing security and order, its justice dispensing role, providing various services and welfare measures and ensuring the greatest good of the greatest number. At one level, the incompetence of our governments is best reflected in the diktats and threats put out by numerous non-state actors. In Nagaland these include the thousands of unions, organizations, the numerous villages, tribal hohos etc. It seems our government/s simply don’t have the courage or the will to enforce its authority. Then in something that is unique to the Nagas, we have several other power centers or parallel governments operating. It is not surprising therefore that many people are losing faith in the government to deliver justice. And unless our government wake up and start performing its assigned duty, its very credibility will further erode.
Against this backdrop, one will have to welcome the latest notification issued by the Nagaland government to clamp down on road blockades etc. The notification issued by the Chief Secretary has rightly noted that such activities have serious implications for maintenance of Rule of Law and of public order in the State. The latest notification comes in the backdrop of recent disturbing trends whereby village communities, NGOs or a group of people have resorted to road blockage, ban on vehicular movement or restrictions on the use of highways, public roads, or other public properties as a means of settling local disputes and differences. The notification has done well to remind people that all roads in the State viz. National Highways, State Highways, District roads and other public roads are constructed by the Government by using public funds to provide infrastructure for the use of all members of the public for movement without obstruction from any quarter. It was long overdue but we congratulate this assertion of authority. Hopefully, the public will cooperate in the larger interest of the common good. The government should also ensure that the content of this particular notification is properly disseminated so that people are informed, educated and also persuaded to respect the law. Knowing our Naga mentality and also sensitivity to be easily hurt, the government should try and reach out and make them understand as against forcing it down on people’s throat. The respective Deputy Commissioners can be entrusted to act as the diplomat. While enforcing its authority, the government will also do well not to turn the other way but help communities resolve their differences. If problem remains unaddressed, the State government will also find it more difficult to seek people’s cooperation and thereby be unable to enforce its authority to bring peace and order. A strong government along with a diplomatic approach of resolving problems is needed.
Against this backdrop, one will have to welcome the latest notification issued by the Nagaland government to clamp down on road blockades etc. The notification issued by the Chief Secretary has rightly noted that such activities have serious implications for maintenance of Rule of Law and of public order in the State. The latest notification comes in the backdrop of recent disturbing trends whereby village communities, NGOs or a group of people have resorted to road blockage, ban on vehicular movement or restrictions on the use of highways, public roads, or other public properties as a means of settling local disputes and differences. The notification has done well to remind people that all roads in the State viz. National Highways, State Highways, District roads and other public roads are constructed by the Government by using public funds to provide infrastructure for the use of all members of the public for movement without obstruction from any quarter. It was long overdue but we congratulate this assertion of authority. Hopefully, the public will cooperate in the larger interest of the common good. The government should also ensure that the content of this particular notification is properly disseminated so that people are informed, educated and also persuaded to respect the law. Knowing our Naga mentality and also sensitivity to be easily hurt, the government should try and reach out and make them understand as against forcing it down on people’s throat. The respective Deputy Commissioners can be entrusted to act as the diplomat. While enforcing its authority, the government will also do well not to turn the other way but help communities resolve their differences. If problem remains unaddressed, the State government will also find it more difficult to seek people’s cooperation and thereby be unable to enforce its authority to bring peace and order. A strong government along with a diplomatic approach of resolving problems is needed.
