Panel discussion on oppositionless government

Naga Scholars Association (NSA), Kohima regional unit organised a panel discussion on “opposition less government in a democracy: Trends and Challenges” at Kohima College, conference college, here on Saturday.
The panellists of the discussion were NSA advisor and Nagaland Education Association (NEA) president Zavise Rume, Asian confluence Shillong Meghalaya Dr.Khriezo Yhome, Don Bosco College Kohima Head of Department, Political science Dr. Tovika Swu and Sazolie College Assistant Professor, department of political science David Sachü .
Zavise Rume said the primary objective of the discussion was to gain deeper understanding of the opposition-less government and to assess and understand the impact of opposition-less government on the people of Nagaland.
He clarified that the discussion was not a political discussion, nor political argument/ debate but purely an academic exercise to discuss, examine, analyse the nature and consequences.
He said opposition-less government does not mean Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) can’t oppose the government they were running but there was a need for an internal democratic opposition within the government.
The subject-matter of government does not concern with politicians and social workers alone but every citizen. He mentioned that scholars must enjoy academic freedom to discuss any subject-matter concerning the wellbeing of the people including the subject-matter of government and that every citizen has fundamental right to hold independent opinions on issues related to a democratic government. He further said that “oppositionless government does not mean MLAs are voiceless.”
Asian confluence Shillong Meghalaya Dr.Khriezo Yhome mentioned why the people should choose the opposition-less government when there were many other terminologies.
Don Bosco College Kohima Head of Department, Political science Dr. Tovika Swu said that oppositionless government was a big challenge and threat to the people and mentioned the role of scholars to educate people on political ideology. In the interaction session, Swu suggested strong opposition government to pressure the ruling government to work harder.
Sazolie College Assistant Professor, David Sachü stressed on the Nagaland perspective of opposition-less government and talked about the democratic principles, political talent and factors in how opposition-less government was functioning in the state.
The discussion was followed by interaction section with audience and media. NSA joint secretary Dr. Aosunep moderated the programme and NSA vice president Dr.Daili Kohlia presented the vote of thanks. Dr.Neikehenuo and Dr. Emisenla were the rapporteurs.