By Moa Jamir
As the Seventh Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly convenes in Kohima on September 2, the State is once again reminded of the curious balancing act that legislatures often perform between the urgent and the, well… the unusual.
Conventionally, the ‘Temple of Democracy is meant to address ‘Matters of Urgent Public Importance’ or issues that affect the daily lives of citizens and demand thoughtful debate, scrutiny, and legislative action. This is where policies are questioned, accountability is sought, and the machinery of governance meets the aspirations of the people.
Yet, during the current session, Kuzholuzo Nienu has invoked Rule-54 to call attention to a matter that has raised more eyebrows than eyebrows themselves: the “Prohibition of Satanic Worship in Nagaland.” While the issue may be topical, or at least titillating, it prompts some serious questions: Is the State Legislature the competent authority to adjudicate on matters of religious practice? On what basis would the discussion veer? Is there a government report or a concrete study by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, the Catholic Association of Nagaland, or any other body that confirms the extent or threat of such worship? Or is the debate propelled solely by anecdote, conjecture, or the faint whiff of political mileage?
The problem with discussing hypothetical or unverified matters under the banner of “urgent public importance” is that it risks reducing serious legislative discourse to a theatre of moral panic. It further elicits a familiar refrain: “To what end?”
Meanwhile, a Notice under Rule-50 seeks to address an issue with far more tangible consequences: unemployment in Nagaland. Raised by Advisors Hekani Jakhalu, and supported by Wangpang Konyak and Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, this matter directly affects thousands of families, the youth, and the very future of the State’s economy.
According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) covering July 2023 to June 2024, the unemployment rate among those aged 15 years and above in Nagaland stood at 7.1%, a 65.1% surge from last year’s 4.3%, making it the second-highest rate among Indian states. Youth unemployment (15–29 years) was reported at 27.4%, significantly above the national average of 10.2%. Educated unemployment also rose sharply, from 8.9% in 2022–23 to 13.4% in 2023–24, reversing a three-year downward trend.
Among those employed, 60.1% identified as self-employed, down from 67% the previous year, highlighting the precarious nature of work in the State. Historically, Nagaland has persistent unemployment challenge that requires urgent policy attention.
Unemployment, thus, is neither conjecture nor anecdote; it is documented, measurable, and immediate. A debate on this would not only reflect legislative prudence but could also catalyse solutions for citizens who await action, not spectacle.
In the theatre of governance, timing, optics, and priorities matter. Debating satanic worship might make for sensational headlines or viral social media commentary, but addressing unemployment has the power to change lives. One hopes that the Assembly can reconcile its role as guardian of public morals with its duty as steward of public welfare.
Given that the majority of Nagaland’s population is Christian, concerns over Satanic worship are culturally understandable, but such matters are best addressed within religious and community spheres rather than on the legislative floor.
Instead, real-world “exorcisms” such as unemployment, policy and infrastructure challenges, and other pressing issues should take precedence in the House. After all, who knows neglecting these problems might be a contributing factor to the very forces legislators claim to fear.
For any feedback, drop a line to jamir.moa@gmail.com
