Sending another strong message across Nagaland especially to the government that the ‘War Against Corruption’ will be relentlessly pursued without fear or favour, ACAUT Nagaland held its second historic record rally in Dimapur on August 25, dubbed as the ‘mother of all rallies’ where several thousands (65,000 according to the organisers who claimed it was reflected in the attendance register) attended and gave their approval to take the issue forward. Due to the jammed packed area, few thousand participants were unable to sign the register, an ACAUT member informed.
The first rally on October 31, 2013 at Clock Tower Junction focussed on multiple taxation by various armed groups and the negative impact of business ‘Syndicates’ controlling all manner of trade and business activities especially in Dimapur. The resolution was not to pay multiple taxes to various factions but for ‘One Government. One Tax’. However subsequently, ACAUT turned its attention on corruption at various government levels by filing RTI queries and also filing PILs.
Thousands of those who gathered at the Naga Shopping Arcade (Super Marker), clad in traditional attires came from near and far to show solidarity with ACAUT as the programme continued well after dusk. The theme of the rally was ‘War Against Corruption: the battle to reclaim the land”. Braving the scorching summer heat, school students in uniforms also turned out in large numbers. The rally also witnessed active participation of youths holding placards which read– “Modi save Nagaland, Tinku the real chief minister of Nagaland”, “Nagaland land of chors”, “Where is Pillai now? In PHQ! Where else”, “Nagas for inclusive solution” etc.
The charged up public also shouted slogans in unison against corruption. All roads leading towards Nagarjan and Walford area were filled with people creating heavy traffic snarls. At the rally a seven-point ‘public resolution’ (see box) was read out by NTC member, Theja Therieh and after which the crowd rose to their feet and raised their hands as approval. When resolution No. 6 was read, on demand for CBI probe on M.K.R. Pillai, who has been under IT probe in various alleged IT fraud and alleged benami businesses in Nagaland, the crowd roared with approval.
Speaker after speaker from various organisations representing every district of the state including invitees denounced corruption in every form and challenged the public to commit themselves to fight the battle on all fronts.
Leading the onslaught, retired bureaucrat and advisor ACAUT, Khekiye K. Sema called upon all citizens of Nagaland to join the fight as it was “time for action” and signalling the intent to launch a state-wide movement with active participation of people.
Khekiye went on to hit out at the decision of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) for choosing to stay away from the public rally. He opined that NCD, by not taking part, had “voted for corruption”.
Drawing attention on the fuel adulteration issue and PDS rice scam unearthed by the ACAUT and the Pillai case in the police department, Khekiye said many of the business establishments in the state were being run by non-Nagas under the guise of Naga owners. He called upon the gathering not to remain a mute spectator but to stand up and fight against the corrupt practices taking place in the state.
Khekiye further urged upon the gathering to demand that the state government bring in the CBI probe on the multi-crore scams in the state including backdoor appointments.
On the Framework Agreement, Khekiye maintained that it would not allow the future of the Nagas to be decided by the others without knowing the content of the agreement. He said “we are not against the framework agreement”, but reiterated that the Government of India (GoI) should not allow NSCN (I-M) to go for final agreement without the involvement of the people.
He further said that the six NNPGs should also be officially invited for formal talks. “Include the six NNPGs before the final solution, only with NSCN (I-M) will bring a civil war”, Khekiye said.
ENPO representative, H. Hotongse Sangtam accused the present political leaders of undervaluing the public and warned that the public would no longer remain silent. He said the present government had lost morality and proposed for a clean election, while encouraging the people not to adhere to the false promises of the government.
Thepfulhouvi Solo spoke on the sorry state of affairs in the state and charged Nagaland government as a “cheating machinery”. He called upon the youths to stand up and raise their voices as they would be repaying the deficit left behind by the present leaders, who had siphoned huge public funds.
Solo also called upon the Naga people to extend support to those organizations who were not afraid of guns and was ready to the fight for the cause of the Nagas.
Z. Lohe welcomed the decision of the six NNPGs to exempt Naga entrepreneurs from taxation. He termed the move of NNPGs as “true patriotism and nationalism.”
On Naga solution, Lohe was of the opinion that the Government of India would not be able to deliver solution with the NSCN (I-M) alone and if the consent of the Naga public was not taken.
He also lauded the RTI activists of filing PIL against the 11 corrupt departments. Lohe warned of filing PIL against two more corrupt departments.
Other speakers like– Peter Rutsa, NTC president Lendinokdang, CNTC vice president O. Shilu Jamir, Angami Youth Organization, Rengma Selo Zi, Lotha Youth Hoho, International Border Area Peoples Organization , Indigenous Minority Tribes of Nagaland, Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem, Zunheboto Town Youth Organization, Phek Town Youth Society, Mon Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Business Association of Nagas, Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation, All Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) and Public Service Aspirants of Nagaland spoke vociferously against blatant corruption that has gone deep rooted in the society. The speakers were all of the same opinion that “enough is enough” and Nagas needed to rise above all issues and root out the menace from the society.
Earlier, during the day, a one-minute silent prayer was also observed in memory of late Hokivi Chishi, founder member of ACAUT Nagaland. His wife, Kughali Chishi, also addressed the gathering.
The four-hour long rally began with an invocation by associate pastor DABA, Rev. L. Lima Jamir, which was chaired by ACAUT member Joel Naga.
Highlights of the rally included introductory song by The Challenges, poem recitation by C-Edge College and The Naga Blog. Experience of a student was read out by Elsheli Chishi, of Hope Academy School Dimapur.
Other highlights include presentation of special songs by Coloured Keys, Octet School of Music, Aloto Sumi, Nogheli Z. Muru, Meren Tzudir, Abiogenesis and others.
Vote of thanks was proposed by ACAUT co-chairman, Dr. Khekugha Muru, and the rally concluded with a mass prayer.
7-POINT RESOLUTION ADOPTED AT THE RALLY
Resolution No.1. The rally urges the Government of India (GoI) to expedite the political process for early and lasting political solution to the protracted Naga political problem by inviting all Naga political groups without further delay. The rally also appreciates the coming together of Six NNPG’s for an inclusive dialogue with GoI.
Resolution No.2. The rally urges the GOI to remove the unconstitutional posts of Advisor and Parliamentary Secretaries in the state of Nagaland in terms of the honorable Supreme Court Judgment Dated 26-7-2017 passed in transferred case (Civil) No. 169/2006.
Resolution No.3. The rally resolved to demand from the state Government to summon a special session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) to pass the LOKAYUKTA bill 2017, to check all forms corruptions, mismanagement and siphoning of public funds and immediately terminate all Back door appointments made post 6th June 2016 High court judgment. If the government of Nagaland fails to act on these demands before the end of September the public will call for all Nagaland Bandh.
Resolution No.4. The rally resolved to urge the department of Roads and Bridges (R&B) to start Maintenance and Construction of Roads and bridges in Nagaland with the funds already drawn by the department till date. The rally also resolved to fight against looting and mismanagement of public fund by developmental department till all the corrupted leaders and bureaucrats are booked and justice is delivered to the people.
Resolution No.5. The rally decided to reiterate the demand for free and fair inquiry by central investigation agencies to bring out the truth of siphoning of PDS items, Fuel adulteration and other developmental Funds.
Resolution No.6. The rally resolved to demand CBI inquiry into M.K.R. Pillai’s case in disproportionate income and involvement in siphoning Police Modernization Schemes and involvement in other fraud case committed by Nagaland cop turned Kerala Billionaire.
Resolution No.7. The rally resolved to support the clean election movement spear headed by NBCC and other Churches on the slogan “ONE MAN ONE VOTE” to choose the leader of my choice.
The resolution was signed by—
Hotongse Sangtam (ENPO), Lendinokdang (NTC), O. Shilu Jamir (CNTC), Kevichatha Sechu (AYO), Kenneth Rengma (RSZ), Nokshom Konyak (IBAPO), Nchumbemo Ezung (LYH), Imkummeren (MTLT), Khevishe Zhimo (ZTYO), Ate Venuh (PTYO), Wonglong Konyak (MCCI, Mon), Zapu Sekhose (KCCI, Kohima), Neibulie Kiewhuo (AKMWP), Mhashivikho Zao (DUCCF), Thungbemo Murry (BAN), Nitoka V Swu (PSAN), Thefulhouvi Solo (IFS. Retd), Z. Lohe, Peter Rutsa, Dr. Khekugha Muru, C. Mongkum Jamir, Theja Therie, Mar Longkumer, Kitoho S Rotokha, Joel Naga and Khekiye K Sema (IAS Retd).