Mark Twain popularized the saying, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics". ....
We may add the fourth category -- the lies that Politicians speak out.
In democracy; when politicians speak .... they actually hide more and reveal less. And what's revealed is in 'details' and there lies the devil.
NPF MLA representing Phek assembly segment Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu speaking at the 29th Senior and 1st Under-15 Wrestling Meet 2026 of Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) on January 10, described the situation in Nagaland vis-a-vis Extortion as a “wake-up call” for the Naga people.
“We need a mandated public movement to ban extortion and multiple taxation,” he was emphatic.
He also made a clarion call to civil societies and NGOs for a people’s movement to ban multiple taxation, extortion, threats and intimidation in the state.
What he has stated is not a rocket science. We have also written in this blog numerous times on this menace.
Azo is an experienced politician and also a former Home Minister for a brief spell who understood intricacies pretty well.
Now he has warned that with 31 factions disturbing the peaceful atmosphere daily, survival had become very difficult for the common man.
He also rightly questioned how long Nagas could continue to live with such unwanted activities happening “right under our nose every day.”
Azo urged civil society organisations, village councils, area leaders, town councils and colony leaders to deliberate on the rising issue of multiple taxation.
Pointing out that contractors were unable to deliver quality work due to such practices, he said businesses had collapsed and even the government was helpless.
Stressing the urgency of collective action, Azo maintained that there was a need for a people’s movement to ensure “one faction, one voice, one tax and one demand.”
Now comes the vital part of the debate --- Why he has said these now ? He may answer this simple question stating -- "I have always done so".
This will drag us to the more vital question --- "Who’s listening to leaders like Azo or the parties such as the NPF?
Please note during his speech; he also pointed out ... who is "helpless". This is where the smart Neta is at work. Is he being critical of the establishment or is he giving an escape route to some players ?
In the process of course -- he has to blame the 31 organisations or the Naga groups - who have for their redefined 'extortion' as 'Taxation'. The impact is the same - it hurts common people the most.
The extortion game and harassment of the common people including contractors started long back. It reached its peak - year by year -- post 1997.
How and why -- are no longer the questions. These provide the answers too.
Socio-political life is not a standalone saga.
Late Hokishe Sema. former Chief Minister and ex Governor Himachal Pradesh used to say that a lot about politics and socio-political atmosphere depend on a wider ecosystem.
He emphasised these in the context of allowing opposition voice, media criticism and alongside the enforcement of law and order. In Nagaland certain risks associated with elections and even social life -- "commission deduction" etc at the source became normal milestones.
The democracy got compromised.
The political class have enjoyed returning to power every five years. Some faces changed; and a few remain permanent features.
Now in 2026 --- that is almost 29-year after August 1997 --- there is a growing realisation that garnering votes alone cannot justify the societal wrongdoings or administrative failures.
We have stated on numerous occasions the 'Leadership' ought to be focused and made more accountable.
Bolero culture has thrived for multiple reasons. We cannot blame the NPF or its elected legislators and those in power alone.
Azo is right .... people's movement should start. But it all cannot start in thin air ... one fine morning. The public silence today sign of complicity rather than neutrality.
Wake up call, is least we can say at this juncture.
ends
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