The recent visit of the union railway minister to Nagaland received wide coverage for a variety of reasons. From the layman’s point of view, the visit can be termed as successful and beneficial to the people of this region, if indeed his commitments and assurances are realised sooner than later. It was also interesting to read opinions expressed by fellow brother, namely Nighatoli P. Achumi, a youth pastor of NCRC in Purana Bazaar, as published in Morung on 13th September, in page 6. His observations and genuine and express the views of the people. The youth pastor’s concerns on corruption, improvement of railway services and even the ridiculously time-taking construction of a bridge at Kiruphema are indeed answers which the appropriate authorities must take responsibility for. The railway minister has left with a number of assurances and it is a matter to ponder whether they will materialise or not. Hopefully it will not fizzle out like the commitment of the Prime Minister of India who announced with pomp and glory that the Dimapur – Kohima highway would be converted into a four lane expressway. The people of Nagaland have every legitimate reason to have certain mistrust upon the Government of India when even the commitment of not less than the Prime Minister disappears in thin air.
Pastor Achumi’s concerns are the concerns of one and all. However perhaps there is also reason to express satisfaction and happiness on the railway minister’s visit and his announcements. Naga society is in need of positive thinking and positive approach. Why is it that the first thoughts that are expressed on any aspect are always negative? I am sure the materialisation of the Nagaland Express and its fruitful functioning will change the dynamics of many aspects not just for Nagaland but also for surrounding areas like upper Assam, Karbi Anglong, Manipur, etc. The proposed foothill railway line from Dimapur to Tizit covering four districts of Dimapur, Wokhs, Mokokchung and Mon has the definitive potential of changing the economy of the State. This line will become a backbone of communication where horizontal connections into other districts and interior areas will eventually take place. Economists say that for every rupee spent of road and rail the returns are more than 20 rupees. This little statistic along gives a semblance of what communication and connectivity can do. A little hold up due to VVIP movement on one’s way to church should not result in a outpouring of negativity with elaborate details of text messages that are compiled by mobile companies to coax the innocent public into spreading the messages for them to earn millions of rupees. We need our church leaders to be more positive and lead their congregations with the power of positive thinking. While corruption is a concern for everyone, we must keep in mind that in Nagaland corruption is from top to bottom and bottom to top. Perhaps the ordinary public and citizens of the state are the most corrupt as they force the powerful to dole out money and favours to them like birthright. The shamelessness of Naga society is best exposed during the time of elections and sad to say even during events like weddings and other ceremonies where greed takes over all moral righteousness. Without pointing fingers at anyone, I must point out that all sections of Nagas are corrupt, and let me add that church leaders and religious sections are included too. They are the first ones who demand money from politicians and bureaucrats for their individual and church needs. Some churches have become the frontal institutions in organising lottery and raffles and will put the corrupt people in the highest pedestals based on how much they donate their ill gotten money. It is time for all to change our ways and perhaps the best way to begin will be from the church and the pulpit. God bless Nagaland.
Pastor Achumi’s concerns are the concerns of one and all. However perhaps there is also reason to express satisfaction and happiness on the railway minister’s visit and his announcements. Naga society is in need of positive thinking and positive approach. Why is it that the first thoughts that are expressed on any aspect are always negative? I am sure the materialisation of the Nagaland Express and its fruitful functioning will change the dynamics of many aspects not just for Nagaland but also for surrounding areas like upper Assam, Karbi Anglong, Manipur, etc. The proposed foothill railway line from Dimapur to Tizit covering four districts of Dimapur, Wokhs, Mokokchung and Mon has the definitive potential of changing the economy of the State. This line will become a backbone of communication where horizontal connections into other districts and interior areas will eventually take place. Economists say that for every rupee spent of road and rail the returns are more than 20 rupees. This little statistic along gives a semblance of what communication and connectivity can do. A little hold up due to VVIP movement on one’s way to church should not result in a outpouring of negativity with elaborate details of text messages that are compiled by mobile companies to coax the innocent public into spreading the messages for them to earn millions of rupees. We need our church leaders to be more positive and lead their congregations with the power of positive thinking. While corruption is a concern for everyone, we must keep in mind that in Nagaland corruption is from top to bottom and bottom to top. Perhaps the ordinary public and citizens of the state are the most corrupt as they force the powerful to dole out money and favours to them like birthright. The shamelessness of Naga society is best exposed during the time of elections and sad to say even during events like weddings and other ceremonies where greed takes over all moral righteousness. Without pointing fingers at anyone, I must point out that all sections of Nagas are corrupt, and let me add that church leaders and religious sections are included too. They are the first ones who demand money from politicians and bureaucrats for their individual and church needs. Some churches have become the frontal institutions in organising lottery and raffles and will put the corrupt people in the highest pedestals based on how much they donate their ill gotten money. It is time for all to change our ways and perhaps the best way to begin will be from the church and the pulpit. God bless Nagaland.
Diethozo Angami
Forest Colony, Kohima, Nagaland
Forest Colony, Kohima, Nagaland
