Dimapur: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has made a clarion call to the people of Nagaland to collectively work for change, saying that “it is time for all of us to come together”.
In a statement, newly appointed NPCC President S Supongmeren Jamir said the people “need to take a step back and think on what path we are leading”, claiming that tremendous advancement has been witnessed in all sectors since attaining statehood nearly 60 years ago but the values of truth, dignity and oneness have been destroyed.
He lamented that the state once “proudly stood firm on principles and values passed down by our forefathers” but materialism has replaced it today, leading to “corruption and nepotism”.
‘These two elements, which have taken over our system, are like mighty dam slowly killing all the organisms living in the water as it disrupts their natural habitat. It has led to our political system being the biggest mockery to all the oaths taken under the Constitution of India to serve for the people, as the only people falling into this category includes only a special few,’ read the statement.
He added that this menace, which is a stumbling block to better governance, was exposed during the recently concluded 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (election).
“Is short-term development what we need over long-term development? Is momentary satisfaction what we need at this juncture? Are we going to be the cause of our own downfall by choosing the easy way out? (sic)” he asked while expressing the need to introspect.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He said the people should reframe their perspective and remind themselves that bringing about change is not only the responsibility of the present lawmakers but also “us” – ‘the youth of today who hold the vision and ambition; entrepreneurs who are driving the state’s economic development; people at the grassroots who are the backbone of Naga society and whose voices should be listened to; NGOs and civil Societies who spearhead change at the grassroots; as well as veteran leaders, former parliamentarians, former bureaucrats and retired government officials who have knowledge and experience with the system’.
He added that everybody should join hands to bring about systemic changes.
“It is high time for the Naga leaders to be able to gather in one space and have the courage to voice out and accept positive criticism, setting aside all egos and take a firm decision to work for the betterment of the state and not for any specific party, community or individual,” read the statement.
The NPCC also appealed the people of the state to join the Congress and take part in bringing change for future generations.