The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) successfully completed the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Nagaland today, walking around 20 kilometers from DC Court Junction, Dimapur to Chumoukedima 1st Gate. The Yatra held under the theme “Save Nagaland, Save the Nation,” began at 7 a.m. and lasted until about 5 p.m., with hundreds of participants from all four frontal organizations of the Indian National Congress – Nagaland, as well as its various departments. The ‘yatra’ according to reports is expected to be held in other districts as well.
In an exclusive interview with the Mokokchung Times, NPCC President K. Therie stated that the main message behind the theme ‘Save Nagaland Save the Nation’ was to integrate all Nagas because he believes that Nagaland is under threat of being divided into Frontier Nagaland State and Nagaland.
“We may even lose our hard-earned statehood status, as well as Article 371-A, which protects us. And now our faith, our identity, is under attack. So, this is the core of our call to save Nagaland,” he explained.
“The main aim was to call the attention of the people in the grassroots and tell them that we need to unite the nation from the religious divide, economic divide, and communal divide and demolition of the nation’s economy and sell out of the public properties,” he said, recalling the Udaipur declaration where the resolution for Bharat Jodo Yatra was made. “This is where we issued our call to unite and save India,” he added.
When asked if he believes the Bharat Jodo Yatra will have an impact on the 2024 Lok Sabha election, he stated that things are looking up for the INC.
In terms of Nagaland, he believes that the state should be able to change government in 2023 because there is no point in giving the current government another chance.
“There is no merit in voting for these people again. Twenty years is enough, and we now have so much fiscal mismanagement. The state now inherits a 15,000 crore debt with a nearly 3,000 crore deficit, and each citizen will inherit a liability of around 8 lacs. We will bear the burden through taxation. But our people aren’t aware of it. It is past time for intellectuals to realize that this debt must be paid through taxation,” he stated.
More specifically, NPCC secretary (org) and joint coordinator Akavi N Zhimomi told Mokokchung Times that the Yatra was held to raise voice against corruption, the GST slaps on basic needs, to combat the fear psychosis created by the Modi government, and to unite people from all walks of life at a time when the BJP is polarizing and dividing the country.
“It is a privilege for us to witness hundreds of people today. Before we began the walk, there were more people in the DC court. It was a very successful walk because all frontal organizations of Congress were present, including Mahila, Seva Dal, Youth Congress, Minority, and all sections of the party,” Zhimomi said.
“It truly demonstrated the party workers’ unity. Today’s cooperation, coordination, and collaboration are evidence of the party’s strength in Nagaland. With this unifying force, we are confident that the public will come forward and support the Indian National Congress – Nagaland state in the upcoming election, led by our president, K. Therie, AICC Secretary Ranajit Mukherjee, and party workers from all districts,” he said.
In response to the question of how effective the Yatra was, he expressed confidence in their media departments, YouTubers, and other media houses, stating that their message to the entire Naga people would be heard through the various media channels.
“Information dissemination and awareness is the only weapon where we can reach our voices to the farthest corner of Nagaland,” he adds.
Zhimomi also urged the media and the general public to overcome the alleged ‘fear psychosis’ created by the Modi Government.
“We cannot even raise our voice against the corrupted government. Even if we share it on social media, the government agent will issue you a show cause notice. People are even threatened by police officers across the country. It is extremely fortunate,” he stated, and went on to say that secularism and democracy have lost their meaning under Modi’s administration.
“Even constitutional rights such as Articles 19, 20, and 21 are no longer applicable since PM Modi took office. It was not as bad during the time of Congress. The press was given freedom. PM Modi has yet to hold a press conference,” he pointed out.
“He has never been questioned by the national press. If even the national press cannot question him, how can the regional and North East press go against him? I’ve never seen North East media outlets openly oppose Modi and Amit Shah. It implies that the press is afraid because the government has threatened them,” he reasoned.
“We will ensure that the public is able to come out from the fear psychosis that has been created. It is possible if the public comes together. Consider what happened with the farmer’s protest.”
“If the people band together, anything is possible. The Bharat Jodo Yatra is for all political parties and all citizens,” he added, encouraging media outlets and the general public to learn how to speak out against corruption.
Thanking everyone who joined the #BharatJodoYatraNagaland today. Your willingness to support the ideals of unity, peace & commitment to protect the fabric of equality gives hope that not all is lost for our beautiful #Nagaland & our nation. Your efforts are making a difference. pic.twitter.com/EfAV1deGHs
— K Therie (@kewekhapetherie) November 19, 2022