Mokokchung, February 11 (MExN): In the face of violence, use of money and rising tension among the people, a small group of young people have undertaken an initiative for clean and fair elections in Mokokchung district.
Youth from the Facebook group ‘I Love Mokokchung’ came together to initiate a signature campaign for a clean state assembly election, to be held on February 23.
“We are not asking people not to cast their vote or not to canvass. We are only asking people to elect in a clean and fair manner,” said Obed Aier, a member of the ‘I Love Mokokchung’ Facebook group. The group’s members have put a banner at Imlong Place (main town) where a number of citizens have signed their names and pledged for a clean and fair election. Small leaflets and a badge are also being distributed to those who sign up. Amidst encouraging response from the citizens, a lady from Impur came and prayed for the members today.
“This is the right group for the right initiative. I have always wanted some groups to initiate such a campaign, and this youth group taking up the job is very encouraging,” said Dr. Imlirenla, president of Watsu Mungdang who also signed her name.
The main message of the ‘I Love Mokokchung’ Clean Election Signature Campaign is ‘Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it; Right is right even if only you are doing it. Know your right to vote’.
Another member of the group, Atsungla Imchen, said, “The use of muscle and money power is very alarming. If this practice continues, then our society will be damaged. Everywhere there is money and money only, and somehow we should change it.”
Youth Director of Mokokchung Town Ao Baptist Church, Temnameren said this initiative is very encouraging; one day it will bear fruit and reform society. He also pointed out that social networking, though many say has negative effects, has some positive sides. It is through social networking that the youth could come together and initiate the work.
The signature campaign will continue till the election, and comes as a follow up to the clean election campaign initiated by the NBCC. There is skepticism among people how successful the NBCC campaign will be in this election. But there is hope that it will bear some results in the years to come.
“The NBCC should have initiated this clean election campaign four years ago and not at the eleventh hour. It is a bit too late but the NBCC should not stop this campaign, and continue with it even after the election,” said a Naga intellectual who wished not to be named.
Many well wishers have also contributed in cash and kind to the ‘I Love Mokokchung’ group for this signature campaign and many have expressed their appreciation for the initiative.
“I will cast my vote to one who does not lure me with money,” said Atsungla Imchen, a government employee, who is one of many who does not see election as ‘booming business’ time.
Manifestos have been clouded by money and there is regular shifting of voters from one party to another, with voters publishing their support in the local dailies.
Deep inside, however, there is a feeling among the educated youth for a change in the existing system.
There are many who have decided to vote for the candidate who can bring about development and promises good leadership.
“I will vote for a leader who stays with the people, and who will blacktop the colony road,” said an educated youth from Kumlong Ward.
Most of the young of Mokokchung town want good roads, better supply of electricity, water supply, good sanitation and transparency in employment and governance.
“I expect my legislator to look into the basic amenities in the town like health, water supply and sanitation. People want to live a comfortable life and we expect our legislators to look into aspects which can assure a better life to the people,” said Sashi Jamir, a journalist in the town.
For many it is employment. “As a government job aspirant, I expect the legislators to ensure and work towards bringing transparency in employment and stop back-door appointments,” said Bendang, a youth from the town.
The aspirations of the youth are many, and the period after February 23 will determine whether these aspirations will be looked into. One thing, though, is for sure: the youth do not want leaders who do not keep promises.
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