The morning’s headlines of this newspaper paint a stark picture of governance under strain and the growing burden borne by citizens. Landslides in Chungtia village have displaced over 50 families, damaged homes, and severed vital connectivity. Yet relief remains minimal and preventive action appears elusive. This disaster, far from being an isolated incident, reflects the fragility of infrastructure and the absence of long-term planning to mitigate risks in disaster-prone areas. When communities plead for serious intervention, the government must respond with more than token relief. It must also invest in soil stabilization and scientific assessment of vulnerable zones.
Beyond natural calamities, governance falters where rules are bent. The Nagaland Medical Students’ Association’s objection to the regularization of 98 contractual medical officers without due process reveals a systemic disregard for meritocracy. The fact that there are allegations of recruitment norms being bypassed proves that public trust has eroded and that quality in essential services like healthcare is compromised. Upholding fairness in public service appointments is not merely a legal formality; it is a measure of administrative integrity.
Similarly, the plight of RMSA 2016 batch teachers, ignored despite a High Court order, paints a disturbing pattern. The additional issue raised by the United Sangtam Students’ Conference, regarding teacher transfers without replacements, further highlights the negligence affecting students in remote schools.
The press is also under pressure. The Dimapur Press Club’s concerns about threats to press freedom are not trivial. They signify a shrinking space for accountability. A weakened press means weakened democracy. Journalists must be protected, not persecuted, for fulfilling their duty to report facts impartially.
Also, the Konyak Students’ Union’s reminder to the Chief Minister on reservation reform speaks to a broader grievance. Perceptions of inequity in opportunities, if unaddressed, risk deepening socio-economic divides and fueling unrest among the people.
Across these diverse issues runs a common thread: the urgent need for principled governance rooted in fairness, foresight, and accountability. It is not enough to respond to crises with piecemeal measures. What is needed is a governance model that respects rules, heeds public grievances, and builds systems efficient enough to protect lives, livelihoods, and democratic values. Nagaland stands at a crossroads. Its people are calling for justice, security, and integrity. It is now up to those in power to prove that governance can rise to meet these expectations before public trust slides further downhill, much like the fragile slopes of Chungtia.
