MTNews: Comment on the current politics of Nagaland. Do you believe Nagaland as a democracy is thriving?
Kati, Class 12: In the current politics of Nagaland, we have very cruel and selfish leaders and candidates in all corners. In the open, they show that they usually care for the public but deep inside they always look for their own benefits by cutting from public’s share.
Senti Imchen, Graduate: To be honest there is still unequal distribution of wealth and rampant corruption in the concerned departments of our state, favoritism coupled with nepotism still beats meritocracy. The rich are becoming richer the poor still remains the same or even poorer at the end of the day.
Manen Pongen, Graduate: At present, Nagaland is governed by the United Democratic Alliance, which makes Nagaland the first state without opposition. As far as the status of democracy in the state is concerned, it is a well known fact that democracy cannot function to its full capacity without a strong opposition. Therefore, in my opinion, democracy in Nagaland cannot be clearly termed as prosperous or thriving. It is, however, thriving to some extend as compared to the last few decades.
Akala Imchen, Graduate: In my opinion, Nagaland as a democracy is at its worst today. The current opposition-less state is a perfect example of its perils that our democracy is in at the moment. In addition, the presence of power politics and our people’s inability to hold free and fair elections is a huge challenge to our democracy.
The current opposition-less state is a disaster reality that we have to come in terms with. Despite claims by the government that this is an action of uniting for the greater good (Uniting for a quick solution to the Naga Political problem), the dangers of an unchallenged government cannot be ignored. Opposition in a democracy plays an important role of check and balance to the powers of the ruling government. Thus, this opposition-less state raise fears that our state government is edging towards totalitarianism.
Achila, Graduate: Yes, I do believe Nagaland as a democracy is thriving as we can freely participate in election, freedom of choice. In other words, all the elements of democracy are enjoyed by the people of Nagaland and are thriving. Opposition is a much needed element in our present Naga society. Constructive criticism is needed for successful functioning of any ruling party.
Ayu Pongen, Law Student: Nagaland is thriving in such a way that the politicians tries to gain (by using democracy) for their political/personal interest rather than public interest and community development. Opposition-less government is not good for the people and its state functionary because the representative elected by the people should be checked i.e. by the opposition party. Otherwise, there can be many corruptions without transparency.
A Chishi, Student: It’ll be unbecoming for us to believe that Nagaland as a democratic state is thriving or Favoring… The current political scenario in Nagaland is more or less a Tom & Jerry cartoon…. Under no circumstances, there shouldn’t be an opposition less government_ that is the key feature of a democracy…In what can be termed as the State of conundrum is, our Political leaders limiting the understanding of democracy to a Political issue… What was the reason of forming an opposition less govt in Nagaland? I want a valid reason as if Naga Political issue was the Crux factor behind the assimilation of opposition then I think we’ve misunderstood the concept of democracy because, it will led to the disruption in Check & balance of the Govt which was the duty of the opposition… But now that UDA came into existence after merging PDA with NPF, how far can we trust in the transparency and accountability of the democratic govt in Nagaland?
MTNews: What in your opinion can Mokokchung do to strengthen the democratic process in Nagaland?
Kati, Class 12: People of Mokokchung should rightly give their own vote to the righteous candidate without betraying one’s own vote by money. They should vote with the conscience of what that candidate can do in the future. A truthful system of democracy should be practiced by each public in order to strengthen the democratic process of Nagaland. This will definitely show development in the nature of political system.
Senti Imchen, Graduate: Firstly, root out the evil ‘ism’ from Naga society. During elections, student voters, drop out youths, together with the working youths should be separately taught and made to ponder on what problem hinders our Developmental process. Encourage the church to teach sound doctrines in churches and to be done away with the old custom of preach and forget.
Manen Pongen, Graduate: To strengthen the Democratic process in Nagaland, Mokokchung can play a very vital role. The citizens, especially the youths, should be given proper education regarding election procedures and also, awareness programs based on democracy should be held frequently to educate the masses. Mokokchung has 10 Assembly Constituencies and if the people of Mokokchung elect the MLAs from these constituencies by following the right democratic process, it’ll obviously bring a change in the State Legislative Assembly.
Akala Imchen, Graduate: The people of Mokokchung can start by being honest with their right to vote in order to strengthen the democracy.
Achila, Graduate: Free and fair election should be encouraged further with strict compliance.
Ayu Pongen, Law Student: Mokokchung, also known as Land of Pioneers, has a major role to play in the process of democratic development in Nagaland, by being the agent and mobilize in uniting all the tribes under one umbrella for peaceful co-existence and development further by establishing the true essence of justice, equality, dignity of labor and honesty.
A Chishi, Student: Mass sensitization on the voting Right as enshrined in the Constitution of India and ensure maximum participation in the polls besides checking and voicing out against rampant corrupt practices during the polls as in bribery, muscle power (couping of polling stations) etc.