Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Nagaland organises mock parliament

DIMAPUR — The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Nagaland on Wednesday observed the 50th anniversary of the 1975 National Emergency by organising a mock parliament at Mount Mary College in Chümoukedima.

The event sought to educate students and youth about the impact of the emergency period declared on June 25, 1975, by the then Congress government under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

During the event, students from BA 1st, 3rd and 5th semesters participated in the mock parliament session simulating real parliamentary proceedings, debates, and legislative processes.

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Speaking at the inaugural programme, Dr. M Chuba Ao, national vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), described the national emergency as a “dark chapter in India’s democratic history”, emphasising that civil liberties and fundamental rights were suspended during that time.

Touching upon governance and national unity, he highlighted India’s vast diversity and challenges from external borders and internal issues like insurgency and left-wing extremism.

Calling India a “country of human management”, he emphasised the need for political wisdom, consultation and democratic debate. He added that India, with a population of 1.4 billion, consisting of 700 tribes and 22 officially recognised languages, manages to maintain peace without imposing strict laws.

On the ongoing Naga political issue, Dr. Ao expressed hope that a mutually acceptable solution would emerge through continued dialogue while acknowledging the complexity due to differing historical sentiments and expectations.

He encouraged the students to engage in activities like the mock parliament to familiarise themselves with parliamentary proceedings, as they are the leaders of tomorrow.