I am much saddened when innocent people are unjustly treated for no reason. My conscience would not remain silent watching the agonies of the Nagas. The rich and the powerful get the good side of law and make the poor people unlawful in their sight. Although we cannot fully do away with evil, yet we should not contribute towards its growth in our society. Both good and evil have their proper place in everyone’s life. But to choose the better side lies solely on the individual’s belief and power.
One such evil which Nagas are finding difficult to do away with is illegal taxation. It ranges from Khuzama check post to Nagaland gate. Adding fuel to it are the taxation deducted from the Government servants for the welfare of the Naga political groups. The Government is so kind to these groups not knowing that they are digging the graves of Nagas instead of working for peace and harmony among brethrens. Working for one’s selfish gain is equalized to working for Nagas peace and agreement. The tall and well-furnished buildings in and around Dimapur will speak the fact of working for Nagas. Effects speaks louder than the cause.
The work of National Investigation Agency (NIA) is a good start to clean some muddle of Nagaland. It may not be the fault of the Government Officers to pay illegal taxes to the Naga political groups. The real culprit is the Government of Nagaland who failed to control the growth of political outfits. The good works of the political groups/undergrounds are highly appreciated by all. Their contributions to the socio-political life of the Nagas are to be remembered with gratitude. The best effort they give for the cause of Nagas must receive greater appreciation. But there are some souls within the group who knows evil more than goodness. They hamper the growth of Nagaland. Every individual Naga is ready to help the underground groups legally from their own resources, but not illegally.
Most political leaders make use of the undergrounds for their own security and purposes. Government officers become the victims of such dramas. Nagaland may not progress much under these circumstances. All Naga political groups must stand for what is right and true. They should not be at the beck and call of the ministers and MLAs. In other words, they should not be slaves to each other.
This takes us to the existing fact of two Governments in Nagaland. The poor citizens are made to obey both. Obedience is them is a necessary evil because of threats and dire consequences. No Government Officers want to be kidnapped for ransom neither do they want instant death because they have families to feed. I hope all ministers, MLAs and undergrounds have their families. Why do we threaten our own fellow beings with letters, bullets and guns? People who are used to giving out such threats are no less than terrorists. We terrorize the good life of other people for our own advantages. I am sure you do not want the same to be done to you and your families.
Let us be better Nagas to each other and seek the way of proper dialogues, peace and harmony. Differences of life, status and opinions should not deter us from coming together. Let us learn to live in freedom before we get political freedom. Live in hope rather than living a hopeless life inside Nagaland.
