Nagaland: ‘Your stand decides the future’

February 12, 2023 39 Views No Comment

OTS students initiate ‘Clean Election: Non Verbal Social Theatre’ in Dimapur

Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 12

Heeding towards the call of the Clean Election Movement (CEM), final students of Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS), Bade initiated a sensitization campaign called the ‘Clean Election: Non Verbal Social Theatre’ for the citizens of Dimapur on February 11.

With the State Assembly elections proceeding in full-swing, the initiative aims at dissuading voters from indulging in the practices of proxy voting, soliciting or giving money, buying or selling of votes, going against the ethos of democratic norms and the like; in conjunction to the Christian spirit of honesty, honour, truth and practicing moral principles above all else.

In this regard there were 66 students holding different placards, displaying the messages, “Think and vote if you want change,” “Let me vote without fear,” and another stating, “Do not be ignorant, be responsible. Case your own vote and let no one take it away.”

Throughout the day, they covered key locations of Nagarjan junction, Circular road, Bata Charali junction, Lingrijan junction, City Tower, Burma Camp and Khermahal within the city.

The campaign drew curious onlookers, both pedestrians and vehicle drivers, wanting to inspect what was being displayed by the students. “This is a really great initiative and wished I had brought my daughter along to witness this,” one female observer commented.

Roland, one of the theological students who took part mentioned, “As a young person it is so painful to see our future being taken away because of manipulation of elections through money.”

But regardless of the consequences, he stated that their message intends to give hope to the people to stand for justice and fairness. “That today we are here to give a simple message that there are still some people who hold to the idea of one person one vote and that we want a better future,” he added.

Speaking with M Sashi Jamir, Associate professor of Old Testament at the seminary shared his thoughts on the current predicament of elections in Nagaland by stating, “If you want to end the vicious cycle of corruption and suffering, we have to elect right-minded leaders.” He further noted that the main crux of initiative by OTS was to bring a consciousness to the citizens towards using their votes judiciously. “Hopefully we were able to put out that message today,” he said.

Sani Athisü, Professor of Ethics on the other hand reminded that the CEM was a long term commitment. “We sure do hope the people will respond to it,” he noted. Including, ushering in the desired change which the citizens yearn for.

Moreover, he revealed the response from the police and the Election Commission were considerably positive towards their initiative.