4
Dimapur
public discoursE
Tuesday 24 June 2014
The Morung Express
dignified is the A Perspective: An individual How Governor’s chair? with ACAUT Nagaland G W hy I support ACAUT Nagaland? Well, I don’t want to be politically correct here, I just want to express some personal views which convinced me that I, as an individual, can do something towards cleansing our society of corruption. Unabated taxation is just a by-product of corruption, as far as I am concerned. The phrases ‘Multiple taxation or ‘unabated taxation’, ‘day-light robbery’, ‘educated unemployed’, ‘peace process’, ‘political issues’, ‘fratricidal killings’ etc, sadly have become just clichés in our society. We have taken it for granted for so long, and we were about to give in to such influences, just to be safe within the safe confines of our own comfort zone. It is not that we are unaware, unintelligent or cowards. It’s just that we were living in a period of confusion. A period when we were so confused about the Naga political problem, about our economy, our Nagaland state politics, our future etc. And all these confusions about the different issues whirled into a dangerous vortex where we would have been sucked in and drowned us. I feel confusion is a dangerous state of mind. A confused mind always makes mistakes.
I do not want to talk of the past. Being a proud Naga living in Nagaland, I have also endured and gone through the good times and the bad. I have no animosity, everything was up to circumstance, and I am sure every leader did their part, for the Naga Nation. We are thankful. But when our economy was going down, putting us to the level of beggars, begging for funds from Delhi, we should have realized long back that beggars cannot be choosers. The people sustain any movement. And if the people are beggars, how can Nagas, who beg from Delhi, sustain the Naga National movement? Beggars are always made to be satisfied with what little they get from ‘sympathetic’ givers. Today we know that we have to be more hardworking, honest and sincere and earn our own livelihood. But, corruption and Unabated Taxation has been a big discouragement for many young educated enterprising Nagas, whose businesses get killed before it even gets started. Just look at the road condition. If you carefully study why it is in such a pathetic condition, then the blame might not solely lie with the contractor but on ‘corruption’ and the so-called ‘percentage’ (unabated taxation)
from state and non-state authorities. And so a time of discouragement prevailed. Discouragement breeds lethargy and a sense of that frustrated feeling ‘if you can’t win them, join them.’ And so, we were relegated to that level where people were simply living for the sake of existence because of ‘corruption and unabated taxation’. Our dignity was lost. Until, some people, some thinking people, stood up and said ‘enough is enough’. That clarion call gave a sense of hop that everything is not lost. I do not want to talk of the past. But my grandfather and your grandfather have given their mandate that Nagas are free people. I cannot help but admire their dignity, their courage and their resolute. They gave their mandate not for themselves, but for us, you and me. Their conscience was clear. Their words were truthful and passionate. They were not as educated as us, but they are more respectful than us. If we lose that mandate then what is we living for? Let us rather become Hindus, speak Hindi and live like them. But how can we betray our forefathers? We are not that dishonorable. It took India more than a century to get their Independence. Scotland is going for a referendum for inde-
Mutual Benefit vs. Blind Greed
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agas have a hoary and glorious tradition-the tradition of sharing and mutual wellbeing. It is the bedrock of Naga society. When villagers go fishing, they set aside the best catch of the day for the elderly villagers. During the sowing and harvesting season, if a person is taken ill, the members of his clan or neighbours come to his rescue and do the necessary work. When a Naga family decides to build a new home, relatives, neighbours and villagers chip in and ensure that it comes up in record time. When someone falls sick, everyone contributes their mite and makes sure that the ailing patient receives the best possible medical treatment. Naga society has always been defined by give and take and mutual benefit. This ethos of Naga society has now been redefined and given a contemporary
twist. Now the ministers and public servants believe that if any welfare scheme or infrastructure development is initiated, they have a right to pocket a major share of the total expenditure. The moment a government tender is floated, the Big Brothers sniff it out and demand a lion’s share of the contract. A retired government employee cannot expect to get his pension regularised without giving a hefty share of his hardearned money to brokers and concerned officials. The moment he goes to the state capital for the processing of his pension papers, vultures swoop down on him demanding their pound of flesh. Even school students are not shown any mercy by these mercenaries. Recently in one district, students entitled to scholarships from the centre were asked to pay a substantial amount to educational officials for the release of their scholarships.
This money was extorted on the pretext of incurring expenses for getting funds released from the centre. The most classic and crass example of give and take and mutual benefit can be seen during assembly elections in the state. Those in the fray open their purse strings in order to lure the electorate. The gullible voters grab the lollipops dangled before them by the canny politicians without realising that they are bartering away their future. While they get some paltry monetary benefits, the elected representatives get the license to loot the state exchequer for the next five years. It is saddening that old values are getting lost in the face rampaging materialistic considerations. Blind greed is replacing the idea of healthy reciprocity.
pendence. I strongly believe that fifty years from now, though I may not be alive to see it, we will be independent. But we need to be economically strong, politically matured, socially cultured and religiously tolerant, and we should work towards that end. We are a society where western education made its presence some nearly two hundred years ago; we are competing with higher cultures and higher intellect. But, if we can come thus far, like Shelly said, ‘If winter comes, can spring be far behind?’ Today, we are not that confused as before. All we need is a clear head, analysis and courage. Thank you ACAUT Nagaland Team, so far you have been the epitome of hope for many, many of us. And so, you ask me why I Support ACAUT Nagaland? My answer is simple: Because I believe in tomorrow, I stand with full conviction, against any form of corruption and unabated taxation. I am just an individual, but no more am I alone. The society belongs to us, if you and I, together as one in thought agree; why can’t we do it? It’s for you and me. Our children, our future. Longrangty Longchar
oing by the recent incidents of recalling the UPA appointed Governors by the NDA Government before the expiry of their tenures; the chair of the Governor is after all not as dignified as it was intended, esteemed and used to be. The once respectable post has been reduced to a seat of “aya ram, gaya ram”. It has become a tool for political game. The framers of the constitution must have intended that the Governor’s post should be above party politics. Being titular in nature, the Governor’s seat must have been intended as apolitical, noncontroversial constitutional guardian head. The learned drafting committee also must have taken care that being unelected post, it did not over-shadow the powers of the mandated government. Unfortunately, the good intention was misused by political parties alike. The primary cause for political vulnerability of the chair is because; it is a non-elected post. The governors do not enjoy the mandate of the people. They are not directly responsible and accountable to the people. They only enjoy the confidence of the President who acts on the advice of the popular Union government . They are at the mercy of the political party in power. This is bad for democracy. One way to do away with the anomaly may be to turn the post into an elected one. The Constitution says that the
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t was after several months I went down to Dimapur for a funeral on 02.02.2014. My hectic up and down bumpy journey on NH-29 kept me thinking why this National Highway road condition has to be like this. Again it was on 08.03.2014, I went to Peren for a site inspection with the School Education Division SDO who was incharge of the District. We were also to go to Dimapur for visiting a project. No wonder, the Belero got broke down halfway while on the way to Dimapur because of the bumpy road conditions. However, this time I returned with little relief; for on reaching Chümukedima area side, I could see some pre-mix carpeting newly been done. I thought repairing was coming up from Dimapur side towards Kohima, and hoped to see NH-29 fully repaired before the onset of monsoon. Such a reputed Central organization like BRO will never keep a National Highway like Ranjan Roy, this. BRO will surely do it before Mokokchung monsoon, I thought.
_ Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”
SUDOKU Game Number # 2917
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ABDOMEN ANTENNA BEE BUTTERFLY BUZZ CATERPILLAR CHRYSALIS CRAWL CRICKET DRAGONFLY EGG GRASSHOPPER HEAD HORNET LADYBUG LARVA LIGHTNINGBUG MITES MOSQUITO MOTH PUPA SILKWORM SIXLEGS SMALL TERMITE THORAX WASP WINGS
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Again, I had to go down to Medziphema for a program on 22.04.2014. My God, no further improvement; and I had to travel the same old bumpy road NH-29. My hope of getting it repaired by BRO before onset of monsoon was completely crushed as monsoon was not far away and it would take few months to repair atleast the worst portions. The road NH-29 maintained by BRO is perhaps now every travelers curse. The stretch between Zubza and Piphema, and between Piphema and Pherima were the worst! Why BRO had to be given another chance for maintenance of the NH -29 when we have enough local capable engineers and contractors who now have enough expertise and machineries. Let our own people who are equally capable or more capable of doing it do the job and earn. Take it over by own PWD Department and man it with dedicated engineers for keeping it like a National Highway.
As far as my engineering college days experience goes, we tribal people perform far better than others in practical classes and exams. We tribal and local engineers have better knowledge of our own soil condition. Take it over by State PWD Department and experiment it with our own competent and dedicated engineers and contractors. For taking it over; I have the following few suggestions: 1. No political interference in executing the works; or in award of contracts and supply of materials. 2. No political interference in transfer & posting/appointment of staff or officers. 3. No tax or percentage or commission by any political group, engineers, bureaucrats or politicians. 4. No claim of contract work by public for being land owner but only to reputed and competent contractors. I firmly believe that we can do it and we will do it if the above suggestions are taken
I W V H V L W A G H Q L J N B G E W L T
G U P G L U N A S Z N E N G Z T Q I A O
L R Z A X O C B D A Z H W B E E G R D Y
DAILY CROSS WORD
CROSSWORD # 2924
Answer Number # 2916
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P V M N T Y R Y B D B U T T E R F L Y L
Y S G E L X I S I I B Z B O A M I X B L
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R W G M B G C F V Y K P M S M I S I U H
Z N D O D Y K A P J G R S A U T X M G F
I D F D P D E J E J O H O R N E T Y F R
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K C C B Q N T A I W O T I U Q S O M T P
T Z H A D E L P K P I N J B A K J D S B
K I C R T V P L P I X D R I P C R A W L
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O H K R Y E I E A J A Z F L H A W Y Y H
G C P K V S R I U E R W I N G S E T I M
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V R N F U X A P H G O A I O A R P U X N
G O P A V R A L I G H T N I N G B U G K
J O P A J K O G I L T F A N Z X T Y P Y
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L G N R X V O O X S L J O H E Q F X R A
E M L H F P F L P Y D A Q Q S T U N O L
A F J R Z R F U Z Z J K R O O A N N X T
A F E G L N S S D Q K O K Q I Y B A P L
Dr. K. Hoshi
Takeover National Highway-29 by NPWD
Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.
LEISURE
Governor is the agent of the President. When the President of India is elected by an electoral college, it makes sense to elect his agents too by the same electoral process. Emergency powers of the Governor during President’s rule also suggest that Governors cannot be entirely apolitical. Election alone will be able to give political teeth to the seat of Governor. Bringing in Governor’s seat under election process will also serve as a check and balance on the government as the Governor too will enjoy the mandate of the people and act directly on their behalf whenever the need arises. The constitution is very clear on power separation/sharing between the Governor and the popular government. The only conflict is in its legal interpretation. There must be a way to take care of this. Alternatively, if election is not the option; clear-cut eligibility criteria should be expanded through constitutional amendment to offset all scopes of political maneuver. The tenure of a Governor also needs to be made a fixed tenure akin to Rajya Sabha Members so as to seal the loophole for premature recalls. The honorable chair of the Governor needs to be given its due constitutional safeguard. Else, it will continue to be in the midst of controversy in a multi-party parliamentary system like India.
ACROSS 1. Spanish lady 5. Winglike 9. Hairdo 13. False god 14. Challenges 16. Require 17. Head covering 18. Anxiety 19. Happy 20. Donkeys 22. Door buzzers 24. Auspices 26. Courtroom event 27. Salad pepper 30. A government tax 33. Wayside 35. Reprimand 37. Writing liquid 38. Cite 41. Caviar 42. Comportments 45. A first-year undergraduate 48. Bring into existence 51. Pension 52. Accustom 54. Feces 55. Invoice 59. Courageous 62. Every single one
63. A religion based on sorcery 65. Nile bird 66. Sea eagle 67. Cuban dance 68. Distinctive flair 69. Clairvoyant 70. Cummerbund 71. Expunge
DOWN 1. Opera star 2. Poems 3. Horn 4. Asserted 5. Daughter of Lord Byron 6. Territory 7. Lingo 8. Vacation destination 9. Cherubic 10. Tumbled 11. Genuine 12. Probabilities 15. Stripes 21. Transgressions 23. Taverns 25. Blend 27. Dainty 28. Classical Greek 29. Lyric poem 31. Extremely impressive 32. Levitate
34. F 36. Declare untrue 39. Historic period 40. Lease 43. _______ nor 44. Rational 46. Give the cold shoulder 47. Hastened 49. Carcinoid 50. Greek god of darkness 53. Colonic 55. Views 56. Container weight 57. Skin disease 58. Checks 60. Ampule 61. Feudal worker 64. Derisive laugh Ans to CrossWord 2923
into consideration. Policy makers should give a serious thought on it. I remember when Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India came to Nagaland in 2004; he took road journey from Dimapur to Kohima. While speaking to the people at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground), he commented, “I was told that this (NH-39, later named NH-29) was the best road in Nagaland. If this was the best road, I can imagine how best the worst is”. He went on to sanction Rs.400 crores for 2-lanes National Highway. Ten years have passed, but the road conditions still remain the same; if not becoming worst. Are those who are in power been sleeping? I have had the privilege to travel to many parts of the country, but of all, NH-29 is the worst National Highway I have ever seen and travelled! Er. Neisievilie Lhousa, Merhülietsa, Kohima
The Deplorable State of Dimapur-Kohima Road
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he Dimapur-Kohima Road, the 29 National Highway, strategically occupies a significant position in the Road Map of India, for this is the only road that links up India with South-East Asian countries in India’s East. Highest significance of this road is that only through this road India is open to international communities or countries. Besides, this Highway links up some of the most significant historical locations of International importance as that of the Kohima War Cemetery in Kohima, Second World War Museum at Mairang and War Cemetery in Manipur. Road communication is the basic infrastructure for the development of tourism industry as well as private investors of a country or state. From that point of view the stretch of Dimapur-Kohima road, which covers only a stretch of 74 km, could be covered by 2 hours travel during its fair status which takes around more than three hours as of today. Under India’s Look East policy and under the NorthSouth and East-West Corridor Project, the National Highway Authority of India had laid special plans for the development of the roads and bridges in NE India to expand the present Highways into 4 Lane Super Highways, but the said impact is found fallen short of in case of Dimapur-Kohma track. Its damaged road condition, rugged masonry surface, risky pool constructions, deep holes, narrow span and sharp curves shortens the longevity of vehicles of both public and private nature. It has raised the transportation charge of commuters higher and higher day by day. The vehicles travelling this road calls forth frequent repairs, fuel expenses and causes the rate of travelers’ ticket higher against public welfare. Because of this, the Taxi Owners who are only self employed youths under different Government financial schemes become victim of the situation as they cannot make any sustainable profit out of their noble investments. It is a wonder how the authorities are allowing to prevail such a deplorable and pathetic state of the historic road comprising its international value during the 21st century at the cost of great revenue loss and national waste of time and energy. Therefore, it is hoped that the concerned department will look into the matter to remove the ill-fated status of this historic road, linking the state capital of Nagaland with the rest of the country, at an early date. Chuba Jamir Paramedical Colony, Kohima
birThday Ithika A. Chishi
8th Birth Anniversary
Many, Many, Many happy returns of the day!!! May God bless you! From loved ones’