I asked Dr Sukhato A Sema --- in the run up to the 2023 assembly polls --- why you want to become a legislator when there may not be much to do or benefit or even help people as 'Money decides everything'. Moreover, you appear so 'straight forward' ... In politics probably "Unspoken words matter more".
He opted to smile at my question for a brief spell and then said: "Much of the faults in development issues are structural limitations. We often do not see the limitations actually contribute in creating bigger hurdles and ultimately we do not get the results we want".
I was about to pose a counter question but quickly he added:
"One need not be a hardcore politician you may like to interact ... yet we can serve as a catalyst of development given our scope of things".
Recently I desired to get a 'review' of his performance in his constituency Pughoboto and hence I decided to interact with a few citizens from the constituency and those included a few who claimed -- "we did vote for his rival".
One of them said - "As a medico he tries to diagnose the problems first ...I think this strategy helped him deliver better and faster. So at times we find the project is ear-marked with a limited money .... But once the work starts and our MLA has made up his mind, he arranges money from his own source and finally the project is through".
Asked which project he was referring to - the individual cited blacktopping of entire Pughoboto town.
I also interacted with a 20-something youth and he preferred to call himself a 'future entrepreneur'. He was quite articulate and he went onto say -
"You must have heard sir in a democracy, we have something called love for the people... That is vital. When you have your representative concerned about the constitutuency actually Democracy deepens. This has happened between uncle Sukhato and Pughoboto," he said.
He also mentioned about the Multipurpose building at Asukiqa that was funded under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme through Youth Resource & Sports Department.
A few others mentioned the newly constructed cement concrete roads in Tsaphimi and Ghokimi villages under the Asukiqa area.
On looking for details, I was told this project was funded through the MLA Local Area Development Fund (LADF) for the financial 2024-25.
During the inaugural function, addressing the gathering, Dr Sukhato Sema emphasized the importance of proper utilization and maintenance of the newly developed infrastructure. He encouraged the public to take collective responsibility for preserving these public assets, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.
LJP (Ram Vilas) sources said the inauguration program was attended by ADC Pughoboto, Executive Engineer PWD Pughoboto, GBs, Asukiqa area Joint council, Asukiqa area Peoples Forum, Church Leaders and representatives from various civil society organizations.
As expected the community leaders expressed their gratitude to the elected legislator for his continued efforts in improving infrastructure and addressing the needs of the Area.
I dialed Dr Sukhato to know about his works in Pughoboto areas, he sounded like a 'concerned father' for the constituency.
"You know long back Late Huska Sumi represented our constituency. He was a sort of an idealist politician. People really speak highly about him".
Then he highlighted the importance of government schools and Primary Health Care Centres of the area.
"I have realised personally nothing is more important than hard work... Nothing is also more important than quality education," he said adding -- "I keep telling youths from our area and others how good education is actually the real key to the development of the people".
To a question, he thanked Chief Minister Niephiu Rio for his support to the people of Pughoboto.
"I should say... Me and chief minister belong to different political parties... But we gel when it comes to development and infrastructure improvement in my area. I find him very supportive of our projects in Pughoboto areas," Dr Sukhato added.
I tried to grill him on political issue. He does not give any sensational quote for headlines or anything such.
But he talks rather philosophically ... starts quoting his former teachers in schools and medical college and then adds at one point of time --
"My understanding says essentially a more developed society will be more likely to experience peace. Our problems in Nagaland have been precisely this.
I will say development is crucial for peace. Because lack of economic opportunity and social progress will often be root causes of conflict... so promoting development is key move for fostering stability in the state".
ends
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