The mandate of the people represents the State in a democratic country. People are the sole determinant as to how the State functions. Consequently, periodic elections are held as a tool for the people to witness the democratic set-up.
At the present scenario, Nagaland politics has reached the zenith of corruption. The condition of our State is so pathetic that development lies in dreamland. Our attitude and understanding towards election and politics has led to all these problems. To speak about development in Nagaland is a far-cry if we go on with the present mindset and understanding about election and politics. In words and paper we demand for development but in reality our demands does not fall under the criteria of ‘development’. We demand either for money or jobs for sons/daughters. This very mindset has hampered all kinds of development in our State. Critically speaking, people demand for jobs because of fear of huge unemployment in our State. But many people fail to realise that employment comes along with development. As long as a State is underdeveloped, unemployment crisis will surely rise. It is high time to give up our individualistic mind and set our goals for the ‘common good’. As long as we don’t give up our personal needs which comes from political gains our State will not prosper.
At present, the fruit of this thought may seems to be beyond reach but when contemplated it can be one of many ways to create a better Nagaland. It will be a gradual process which will take considerable time and lots of sacrifices. Nonetheless, it is not something beyond our reach. Remember, we didn’t start to walk the moment we were born. For a change time becomes a challenge and sacrifices are made.
So let’s stop demanding for money, jobs, political incentives, and collectively demand for better road conditions, electricity, opportunities which can be availed by every individual in the society. Lastly, I would like to urge the present (educated) generation to come out of this very ‘money-job’ oriented understanding of election and rather to think for the good of the community. Like Martin Luther King said “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity”.
Nchumbemo N. Patton
