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LH Thangi Mannen (centre) along with Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) officials, teaching staff of Fazl Ali College and students after the fair election campaign programme at FAC auditorium on May 26.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, May 27 (EMN): Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) conducted fair elections campaign at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, on the theme ‘One man, one vote.’
Retired bureaucrat and guest speaker LH Thangi Mannen attributed ills in the society such as corruption, unemployment and anti-development to wrong election systems. Stating that it is time for a reality check, she urged the public to adopt right approach for a healthy democratic reform in the State.
“Last 20 years or more we have not experience a clean elections. Whose fault is it, it us our fault because we have not exercise our franchise. The need of clean elections is to safeguard and nurture democracy,” she stated.She called upon the youth to ask their parents on the issue of corruption and flaws of electioneering in the State. Cautioning that their future is at stake, she urged the youth to bring about change in their parents’ mindset.
While citing example of young people around the world between the age of 25-35 years, who have set up their mark in different arenas and taking their own decisions, she asked, “Why can’t young people in Nagaland make their own decision and bring about changes.”
“Democracy is our best defence against corrupt power, democracy can be exercise through your franchise- the right to vote and the mission is to stop corruption, violence and apathy,” she added.
Delivering the keynote address, NLSF president Imliben Lemtur stated that, “Fair election campaign started on March 2 with the main objective to reach the grassroots in the entire district focusing on the village council, elders, VDB and the youth.” She categorically stated that until and unless system is change, nothing will come about. She, therefore, said it is high time for Nagas to change our mindset, adding today we need people’s friendly legislators who can walk the talk against corruption.
She said the theme of the campaign is to sensitise the public on their right to vote basing on ‘one man one vote.’ “When we are not exercising our right to vote, why are we complaining,?” she asked.
Stating that the right to vote is a fundamental right, she urged the youth to come out of their comfort zone and do something for the society.
Vice principal of Falz Ali College welcomed the NLSF officials and legal experts. Other officials of NLSF also spoke during the programme.
Nagaland Law Students’ Federation officials are currently touring Mokokchung district especially meeting village councils, VDBs and the youth by sensitising them on fair elections.
