Rights sans responsibilities

In today’s world, the concept of ‘rights’ has become intertwined with ‘assertive power,’ while in certain societies, rights are viewed merely as privileges. The complexity lies in determining the essence of rights and discerning who has the authority to define them. Numerous rights shape current agendas, encompassing political, human, citizen’s, children’s, women’s, and youth’s rights, to name just a few.Rights can be likened to one side of a coin, with beliefs constituting the opposite side. Here, responsibility represents the head and rights the tail, emphasizing the critical role that responsibility plays in shaping the beliefs upheld within any civilized society. The fundamental rights of an individual—to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”—are contingent upon the accompanying responsibility not to infringe upon another person’s rights to these same liberties.Responsibility is woven into the fabric of various societal structures, including government, family, churches, and community organizations. The obligation of a democratically elected government is to uphold the rule of constitutional law, ensuring that citizens can enjoy their fundamental rights within an environment characterized by justice, peace, and progress. The perception of the ‘rule of law’ should apply at both higher and lower levels within society.People in Nagaland express significant concern regarding the effectiveness of the law enforcement system, particularly in addressing serious crimes or involving armed elements who prey at will. People are deeply troubled when the law appears to permit various unwanted situations to persist unchallenged. The lack of accountability at these levels allows individuals, especially those in positions of power, to evade consequences, fostering a sense of impunity that undermines public trust. This impotence reflects a broader confusion and chaos within society.The symptoms of this societal ailment are often more apparent than their underlying causes. This reality may explain why many continue to grapple with the lingering issues of the past, which were previously hushed or ignored under various pretenses. These issues have since evolved into pervasive problems, akin to a cancer that has infiltrated the social fabric. The afflictions of corruption, injustice, gun culture, compromise, and immorality have eroded the once-celebrated traditional culture and ethos, leaving guilt and fear in their wake.Silence, too, plays a significant role in this landscape. It can be a powerful form of communication, encompassing a range of expressions, from cold indifference to deep reverence. Silence may also signify a lack of freedom, an acquiescence to the notion that might makes right. When rights are surrendered through silent assent, the entity wielding ‘assertive power’ assumes the authority to dictate what is deemed right.Furthermore, society cannot remain insulated from the changing dynamics of other developing cultures and societies. The younger generation risks losing out on critical opportunities if such insulation leads to isolation. Today’s youth are increasingly aware of the potential consequences of stagnation; they understand that failure to address current conditions may preclude them from embarking on vital journeys towards progress. If left unsupported by the older generation, they may justly harbor resentment for having been abandoned during a crucial period of their development.