The universal truth in Democracy is that it is of, by and for the people. Nothing more, nothing less! In other words, the 'people' is the government through elected representatives who are burdened with the aspirations of the people as a whole.
Sadly however, the austere fact that 'voice of the people' reigns supreme in any democracy has, in the preceding days, been taken on a roller-coaster ride of the worst kind ever witnessed by Nagas. If the truth be told, it happened between material wants of a select few against the Nagas. The ugly turn of events may now be chronicled and identified down the annals of our political history but, not without its due punishment of the severest order to the guilty by our Chief Deity.
Democracy being crystal clear to everyone, Article 371A too does not and will never require any further interpretation to anyone (so long one can understand English!). It empowers Nagas to accept or reject any made-by-India laws. The point in contention therefore, there should never be any room for baseless arguments and excuses when majority of Nagas have rejected an alien law. So also, it is the bounden duty of our elected leaders in the NLA to abandon all egotistical ideas and instead, commit unanimous, wholehearted support to the demand of the people. That, in reality, will be a government of, by and for the people.
Likewise, the fanciful Nagaland Municipal Act is but a farcical piece by plagiarists, outrightly condemned and unacceptable to us unless it undergoes extremely thorough operation on the Amendment table. The same fate goes hand-in-hand more or less, with that Reservation for Women issue which is purely an Indianised motive for some vested interests. It is astounding indeed, that we can opt to be guinea pigs when almost all other Indian states are unable to implement it en toto. In a land where the purest form of democracy is practiced in all spheres, anyone can take to the dais or contest political elections whichever, so long he or she is qualified, capable and willing voluntarily. The aftermath, out of seat reservations, may however usher in drastic, detrimental effects in the long run.
To cut short, the Church too has been duped beyond any respectable consideration by those in the highest echelons of political power but rest assured, mortal rewards too will materialize, come what may. In the same vein, the necessity to conduct talks, etc. on these burning issues and thereby, weaken Article 371A will totally be against the wishes of the Nagas. It will only sow more seeds of curse among Nagas and as such, the only option is for the wrong to pave way for the right.
As for now, let us not bow down to corrupt, selfish beings but rather, steadfastly unite and strive together never to barter off Article 371A under the guise of our endless worldly 'wants'. Just as our basic rights are never for sale, may our truest spirit of Naganess demolish all ego evils for a better tomorrow!
Thejangukho Yalietsu, Medziphema.
