Leo Tolstoy once remarked, “Since corrupt people unite amongst themselves to constitute a force, then honest people must do the same.” This statement carries urgent relevance for our society. It is not abstract philosophy but a direct challenge to every citizen who claims to value integrity.
Corruption thrives on quiet cooperation. It does not need formal associations or written agreements. It survives because individuals protect one another, excuse wrongdoing, and justify their actions in the name of necessity or pressure. These are not faceless strangers; they are our friends, relatives, colleagues, and leaders we publicly admire. That familiarity makes corruption seem untouchable, but it also makes it weak; it survives only because we refuse to confront it. Fighting corruption, therefore, is not as insurmountable as it appears.
The harsh truth is that silence is complicity. Knowing that someone is corrupt and refusing to speak up is nothing less than moral cowardice. A simple word of prayer, a candid conversation, or an act of moral courage may sometimes be enough to change a person’s course. Many fall into corruption under social expectation or fear of failure. But looking away only strengthens the rot.
Corruption is not merely a legal offence; it is a moral condition that eats into communities, kills merit, and robs the young of opportunity. Each time we laugh it off, ignore it, or whisper about it behind closed doors, we normalize it further.
If corrupt people shield each other, then honest people must shield the truth. This does not require violence or mob justice; it requires speaking openly, refusing to compromise, and condemning corruption without fear. One lone voice may be ignored, but a thousand voices cannot be ignored.
Nagaland today faces a decisive test. The police department has announced recruitment for 1,176 constables, with assurances of fairness and transparency. This process is more than a recruitment exercise; it is a moral battleground. Will bribery and influence dictate who wears the uniform, or will the people stand for integrity? Parents who dream of justice for their children, youths who believe in hard work, and citizens tired of corruption must take a stand.
If the corrupt can unite quietly for personal gain, the honest must unite boldly for the common good. The fight against corruption will only succeed when honesty ceases to be a private virtue and becomes a collective force.
The choice is clear: unite against corruption, or remain silent and let corruption unite against us.