Several issues in Nagaland have remained pending some for over decades while some continuing for years such as- prohibition law(Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989); rampant illegal and multiple taxation; syndication of market at Dimapur; demand for implementing Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur under BEFR 1873; Register of Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland(RIIN); election to Urban Local Bodies(ULBs); still incomplete 4-lane highway on NH 2; encroachments against expansion and development of Dimapur airport and Dimapur railway station etc. It may also be noted that there are also other issues such as irregular and backdoor appointments, blatant corruption at various levels of the government-all of which, have been in public domain over the decades. However, political parties ruling the government exhibited semblance of trying to walk the talk and so these issues are unresolved even after decades. State chief secretary Jane Alam, is an exclusive interview to this newspaper, had explained about the government trying to address various issues through a wide spectrum of views, opinions or suggestions. One issue, prohibition act has been bandied around for several years. The fact is that today 30 years after the enactment, even the proponents candidly admit that it has totally failed. Not only failed but even doctors say that it has instead facilitated manufacture and sale of spurious alcohol. Leaving aside the presumptive loss in revenue, the dry law has created a huge mafia-like thriving black market that has lured many to get involved in the biggest multi-crore money spinning cottage industry. Spurious alcohol also led many teenagers to switch to drugs because they are cheaper and easier to smuggle. All these are not meant to justify repealing the dry law but to understand that there is need to explore ways of dealing with alcoholism and consequences of the ban. Another critical issue is corruption where huge amount of money are spent on projects that linger of for decades and lead to huge cost overruns. The never-ending 4-lane construction is an example of cost overruns but a blot on the state. Even on the issue of irregular and back door appointments, no serious effort has been made to check the menace. Cases after cases have been filed in the courts which clearly indicts the government on this issue. The problems caused by rampant and illegal taxation on the economy and the people is well known. The grip of those involved in such activities has also spilled over to syndication of the market in Dimapur. These are challenges which the government only responded passively. These are clear instances over the growing clout of parallel authorities controlling the entire economy at least in Dimapur, the so-called commercial capital and gateway of Nagaland. Trade and travel are boon for economic growth but Dimapur airport and Dimapur railway station have been doomed to their past glory, while all other airports and railway stations in the region have marched ahead. The cause is encroachments legalised through issuance of pattas by corrupt officials. RIIN for implementation of ILP in Dimapur may never see the light of day since the government is unwilling to walk the talk. The proposal for special economic zones (NSDZ) is a misnomer since as NTC, alleged, they have less economics but more politics and practically meant to rehabilitate outsiders. However, people should also accept responsibility for getting the government they deserve.
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