Politically Nagaland people are at the crossroad and economically not only bankrupt but under debt trap. 35 years of Shillong Accord without negotiation, 14 years of negotiation without solution, 10 years of Ceasefire Agreement between GPRN/NSCN without negotiation; and DAN Government claims that the political peace process is in the right direction.
We cannot continue to stand at the crossroad. We have lived in dreamland for too long. We must wake up to reality. We need new direction. We in Congress believe in consensus to resolve the political problem. We believe in truth and reality. “Ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32.
On the other hand we must realize that Nagaland is on the verge of disintegration because of ignoring the will of people for Unity then Solution; unrelenting economic exploitation in all the backward districts and discrimination in jobs due to nepotism and ill will.
There is a general feeling of insecurity to life and property. There is a feeling of insecurity towards the future of our economic growth. There is a feeling of insecurity amongst the young generations who are increasingly looking for their futures outside the state. Unemployment and lack of opportunity is driving our youths to extortion industry. The few Naga Youths that venture in the state continue to face harassment and extortion by multi-self styled govts.
Nagaland Govt is a helpless Govt. They have remained mute to illegal activities in the state. They know things are wrong but they want to loot money to buy votes for the next election. They know things are wrong but want the support of wrong doers to win. NPF party has never admitted it’s wrong and corrected. NPF shamelessly defend red handed corruption and criminals. They are in the river of return of corruption.
Financially Nagaland is under serious debt trap of over 6,000crs. Had the UPA not given additional Financial Assistance of Rs. 936crores (Rs.712crs and Add Plan Assistance of Rs.226crs) during 2010-11, the state would have landed into financial embargo and could have attracted Presidential Rule under Art.360. The state debt is alarmingly to the tune of Rs.2, 337crores during 2011-12 (Deficit of 602crs + Civil Deposit of 635crs + pension and GPF dues of 400crs and + debt serving about 700crs annually). Today, the state depends for 96% of funds from the Government of India to run the State. State’s own resources hardly constitute 4% from business tax and royalties. DAN has failed to generate state’s own revenue in any form.
Moreover, the state’s Govt employees are treated as bull workers and thrown out onto the streets. Their pensions and GPF are their hard earned genuine dues. There is no reason why they should not be paid. The dictatorial behavior of DAN Govt upon Govt employees is unacceptable to the Congress. Perhaps, DAN will devise a new way to unceremoniously dismiss another few thousand employees in the future.
There is no need to introduce Dr.SC Jamir, but it will be beneficial for the people of Nagaland to keep in mind that he is Member of the Central Working Committee which is the highest policy making Committee of the nation today. Such opportunity is rare for Nagas.
There is no good enough reason to reject Dr.SC Jamir in the present situation; if not bribe. Taking bribe is nothing less than prostitution. Allowing bribers to decide the future of Nagaland is leading the state to its dead end.
I appeal to Nagaland people to honestly pray and particularly Aonglenden voters to show wise decision to Nagaland and refrain from sinful temptations. I also appeal that the citizens refrain from making decisions under the influence of liquor. We need change and it will be change for good for Nagaland.
We cannot continue to stand at the crossroad. We have lived in dreamland for too long. We must wake up to reality. We need new direction. We in Congress believe in consensus to resolve the political problem. We believe in truth and reality. “Ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32.
On the other hand we must realize that Nagaland is on the verge of disintegration because of ignoring the will of people for Unity then Solution; unrelenting economic exploitation in all the backward districts and discrimination in jobs due to nepotism and ill will.
There is a general feeling of insecurity to life and property. There is a feeling of insecurity towards the future of our economic growth. There is a feeling of insecurity amongst the young generations who are increasingly looking for their futures outside the state. Unemployment and lack of opportunity is driving our youths to extortion industry. The few Naga Youths that venture in the state continue to face harassment and extortion by multi-self styled govts.
Nagaland Govt is a helpless Govt. They have remained mute to illegal activities in the state. They know things are wrong but they want to loot money to buy votes for the next election. They know things are wrong but want the support of wrong doers to win. NPF party has never admitted it’s wrong and corrected. NPF shamelessly defend red handed corruption and criminals. They are in the river of return of corruption.
Financially Nagaland is under serious debt trap of over 6,000crs. Had the UPA not given additional Financial Assistance of Rs. 936crores (Rs.712crs and Add Plan Assistance of Rs.226crs) during 2010-11, the state would have landed into financial embargo and could have attracted Presidential Rule under Art.360. The state debt is alarmingly to the tune of Rs.2, 337crores during 2011-12 (Deficit of 602crs + Civil Deposit of 635crs + pension and GPF dues of 400crs and + debt serving about 700crs annually). Today, the state depends for 96% of funds from the Government of India to run the State. State’s own resources hardly constitute 4% from business tax and royalties. DAN has failed to generate state’s own revenue in any form.
Moreover, the state’s Govt employees are treated as bull workers and thrown out onto the streets. Their pensions and GPF are their hard earned genuine dues. There is no reason why they should not be paid. The dictatorial behavior of DAN Govt upon Govt employees is unacceptable to the Congress. Perhaps, DAN will devise a new way to unceremoniously dismiss another few thousand employees in the future.
There is no need to introduce Dr.SC Jamir, but it will be beneficial for the people of Nagaland to keep in mind that he is Member of the Central Working Committee which is the highest policy making Committee of the nation today. Such opportunity is rare for Nagas.
There is no good enough reason to reject Dr.SC Jamir in the present situation; if not bribe. Taking bribe is nothing less than prostitution. Allowing bribers to decide the future of Nagaland is leading the state to its dead end.
I appeal to Nagaland people to honestly pray and particularly Aonglenden voters to show wise decision to Nagaland and refrain from sinful temptations. I also appeal that the citizens refrain from making decisions under the influence of liquor. We need change and it will be change for good for Nagaland.
K. Therie
Former Finance Minister
