Dimapur, March 20 (EMN): Secretary of Land Resources Y Kikheto Sema said peaceful atmosphere, political stability, religious tolerance, economic independence are a pre-requisite to transform society into a sustainable community.
Addressing the participants of the ongoing 5th Leadership Development Training on the theme ‘Envisioning a sustainable community’ organised by Baptist Associations in Eastern Nagaland at Kohima on Monday, Kikheto said “Envisioning a sustainable community encompasses almost all aspects of life notably social, religion, politics and economy.”
He said head hunting days of the forefathers, when there was lack of basic healthcare and education, could not be termed sustainable. He, however, said “With the coming of the Britishers and American missionaries, the barbarian way of life that Nagas lived steadily evaporated and they stopped hunting for each other’s head basically through the teachings of the Gospel.”
Kikheto said that period was soon followed by turmoil arising out of the Naga political movement which gradually brought statehood to Nagaland.
“Right from such times till today, the church has been seen as indispensable to the society and that is why church needs to play a pivotal role in shaping the society,” he added.
He said the church is the strongest institution among all since everyone irrespective of being a politician, bureaucrat, Naga national worker or businessman are all members of the church which is highly revered.
“Therefore, being placed on the high pedestal, the church should come forward and tell the truth. It should not focus only on the spirituality but even socio-economic issues. The church can also focus on vocational and skill trainings to imbibe work culture. And a church leader should be carefully selected,” he maintained.
Kikheto recalled the recent “unfortunate incident” in Dimapur where a prominent businessman was assaulted by one Sumi, reportedly a theologian.
“Such are the times when the church should not shy away from speaking the truth,” he added.
Seeking apology, as a Sumi, to the victim, Kikheto said that individuals or groups committed unlawful activities yet the bad image is borne by the entire community.
Despite Naga people been bestowed with fertile soil, land and climate, Kikheto lamented that Naga society could not established into a sustainable community with the eroding of work culture leading to economic loss, while killings have become frequent and political instability in the State.
Kikheto said the main reason of economic loss could be attributed to the eroding work culture resulting in outflow of money outside the State. Kikheto pointed out that Nagaland has the highest number of government employees against the total population at ratio 1:14.
He also maintained that electoral malpractice was one of the main evils in the society and encouraged the church to make its Clean Election campaign bear bountiful harvest.
Kikheto urged upon the church to work towards rooting out ‘ism’ in the society and prevent it from further disintegration since Naga people are already a small society.
He lauded the Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo for sponsoring the seminar saying, “This is a good example of a big brother having concern for the younger ones. This is how we uplift each other.”
Institute for Development of Leadership is a training programme organised by the six Baptist Associations in Eastern Nagaland- Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam and Yimchungru. The training programme, which is being organised in partnership with Clark Theological College and Global lead Alliance, will culminate on March 22.
