The perils of ‘equi-closeness’ policy

Naga political factions, and was replaced by Rio’s policy of ‘equicloseness’ with all the factions and which led up to the formation of the NPF government in 2003.

Twenty years have already passed under Rio’s policy of ‘equicloseness’. Better late than never.

Today, we get to see, crystal clear, how the ‘equi-closeness’ policy of Rio has proved to be the greatest casuality to ‘good governance’ and which totally compromised the writ of the state.

When both the policies of ‘equi-distance’ and ‘equi-closeness’ has not worked, what then is the solution for the Nagas?

Nagas have, for all these decades, been singularly focussing on ‘political solution’ with the demand and expectation that it will be given to the Nagas. We have failed to realize that solution will come from within and not outside. The ‘equi-closeness’ policy has kept the fire of the demand for political solution burning even as the same fire has almost consumed the whole of the Naga society. It is the society that needs a solution. We have di’s arrival on the national scene reflected the popular will endorsing a new leader of the ruling party who had the image of personal integrity and a reputation for handling the administration on a tough note- in contrast with the preceding indecisive and not-so-clean UPA government.

The new Prime Minister’s decisiveness and a new level of political will have given a notable upgrade to governance in the areas of economic development, foreign policy and national security. It has eliminated delays caused by sloppy coordination among various wings of the government, brought clarity and firmness in the handling of international relations and put a new focus on economic growth.

Prime Minister Modi himself reviewed the working of the ministries with their top bureaucrats which sent down the message of expectation of efficiency and quick delivery to all concerned in his administration. This had never happened before and the results were unmissable.

Economic development and people-related projects received special attention and specific guidance from the Prime Minister and this all made for a demonstrative assumption of responsibility for good governance at the highest national levels.

The new annual budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has to be appreciated for the collectivity of minds that went into a comprehensive examina - totally ignored the many problems plaguing the society that needs solution. For much too long, Nagaland has been allowed to be plundered economically, socially and politically. Nagaland today is literally derailed and it is only going to take a long time to get development on the track. The state government which is the custodian of the law and constitution has, in the very true sense, become spineless and impotent. The many self-styled governments which all exists to serve the larger interests of the few have entrenched themselves in power, and has been allowed to operate much, much beyond the bounds of law and constitution, by the state itself. It is this ‘equi-closeness’ policy of Rio for the last 20 years which is the only main reason why Nagaland has not been able to look within and seek a ‘societal solution’ to the chronic problems of the Nagas. The cancer if not treated in time becomes malignant. The slogan of ‘equi-closeness’ with which the NPF under the leadership of Rio faced the

2003 election, actually, failed to get the endorsement of the people by winning only 19 seats. Inspite of the Congress party going against the will of the people for total boycott of election, the people endorsed the ‘equi-distance’ policy of SC Jamir by giving the Congress 21 seats. However, with the NPF forming the DAN government, ‘equi-closeness’ became the state policy. Today, because of the continuation of the same equicloseness policy, the common people suffer due to the complete loss of control and authority of the state government which has allowed the rise of monopoly bosses to function as ‘syndicates’ and parallel authorities. If this is not crime, then what is crime?

Corruption has been institutionalised, and it has become so deep rooted at all levels that people have accepted it as a part of the system. There is no equality and justice. The rich have become ten-fold richer while the poor are becoming poorer with each passing day. Naturally, there is much heartburn and frustration