The terms “citizen” and “subject” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. A citizen is a member of a political community who has certain rights and responsibilities. A subject is someone who is under the authority of a ruler or authority. In a democracy, citizens are equal under the law and have the right to participate in government. They can vote, hold office, and express their opinions freely. Subjects, on the other hand, are not necessarily equal under the law and may not have the same rights as citizens. They may be subject to the arbitrary rule of a monarch or dictator.
We are told that we live in a democracy and that Naga society has always been democratic. However, as responsible members of society, we must ask tough questions every now and then – the answers of which could be quite a bitter pill to swallow. We can question the state government but can we question the Putu Menden? A citizen can openly criticize even the chief minister but can you openly criticize your village headman. If no, then what does that make you – a citizen or a subject? We can hurl allegations at the state government of rampant corruption but can you do the same against your village council?
It is very important to understand the distinction between citizens and subjects. Citizens are active participants in government, while subjects are passive recipients of authority. Citizens typically belong to democracies, where they possess fundamental rights, actively engage in decision-making processes, and contribute to shaping the collective destiny. They hold the power to voice opinions and demand accountability from their government. On the other hand, subjects often reside in monarchies or authoritarian regimes, where their rights might be limited and their loyalty is directed towards a ruling monarch or governing authority; their influence on governance tends to be constrained, and they lack the direct impact on policy that citizens wield.
In Mokokchung, every village has a Senso Mungdang – a citizens’ forum as it is commonly referred to as. But who is a citizen? A real citizen should be able to speak out and voice his opinion without fear. You may agree or not agree with him but you should never curtail his right to freedom of expression. If that is not the case, then we might as well call it a “Subjects’ Forum” to be more appropriate.
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