Unity still the missing piece in Naga jigsaw — Rio

Kohima, Sep. 1 (EMN): Emphasising on the importance of unity among the people which gives courage, power and strength for one to achieve great things in the society, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio feels that ‘unity and oneness’ among the Nagas is still missing, which is why the Naga society is not moving or progressing much.

Observing divisive tendencies among the Nagas, Rio opined that they would be ‘blessed’ and shall succeed in all aspects if they can come out from the tiny shell of “individualism and tribalism” to “Nagaism.”

‘If we don’t have pride, it is like having a gun without a bullet. So today, the pride of each individual together will give birth to the pride of Nagas. From individualism, tribalism to Nagaism and Nagas will be blessed and succeed in all aspects,’ he said. He was speaking as the special guest of the 74th Khonoma Rüffüno anniversary at Terhotsiese at Khonoma, the historic village located about 20 km away from the state’s capital town, Kohima town.

Iterating unity to be the need of the hour, Rio maintained that if the Naga people are to progress, and flourish as a people and society then “Nagas need to develop a sense of oneness and unity among ourselves, work together for the Nagas as whole.”

Referring to the historic signing of the tripartite agreement among Poilwa village, Khonoma village, and the government of Nagaland to augment water supply to the capital on July 31, Rio opined: ‘When there is unity, Nagas can achieve many things and many developmental works happen in the state.’

While lauding the villages for their agreement to augment water supply to Kohima, which has become one of the most essential needs with Kohima being in the Smart City plan, Rio said his government was working on how to bring resources to implement the project. He said that the government was also contemplating on how the villages that are contributing water can benefit from the government.

One of the major problems for any developmental work in the state, Rio pointed out, is land acquisition; it hinders the government from carrying out any project. Even as the centre is willing to provide funds for development, he remarked that in most cases the cost of land acquisition becomes costlier than the project.

Citing examples of the hardship being faced by the people of the state due to the landslides, Rio said that the plan to construct an FCI warehouse in the districts had been hindered due to land acquisition problems. Otherwise, he said, it would have helped the people in times such as this season when pathetic supply of essential commodities is an issue; supply could have been carried out from the district itself.

On the pathetic and deplorable road conditions, Rio attributed it to poor drainage, poor workmanship, and lack of adequate funds. However, he assured that his government has made it a priority to provide good roads to the people as it ‘understands’ that unless infrastructure is developed, the economy of the state would remain stagnant.

On the issue of checking ILP and influx of illegal immigrants, Rio extended the support of the government to the students’ community and youth organisations. He termed illegal immigration a tremendous menace and a threat to the progress of the state.

The chief minister pointed out that over a passage of time, the Nagas lost ‘work culture’ practiced by their forefathers; they lost the value for depending too much on outsiders to do their work, and thereby, “we have become unemployed in our land.”

To fight the menace, Rio asserted that the Nagas need to inculcate “work culture” and should be ready; and start taking over work and jobs instead of depending on outsiders. Unless individuals, communities and villages at all levels come together to fight his menace, Rio said, the government cannot do it alone. He has asked the people to remain vigilant, check documents, and provide correct data and information, which can be computerised and kept in record.

Reminding that Khonoma village had one of the richest histories among the Nagas and that it had been pioneers in many areas, Rio said that the village has produced numerous leaders, intellectuals, politicians, missionaries etc., and it can be a trendsetters even in the present times.

The programme saw the presence of the speaker, Vikho Yhoshü, Deputy speaker, Zhaleo Rio and host of legislators too.

Khonoma Rüffüno has its beginning in 1944 with its primary objective to unite the people of Khonoma to work for self-determination, uphold dignity and prestige of the village and to preserve its culture and ideals.

It has emerged as of the general organisation for all Khonoma people irrespective of age, sex, religion, status or place of settlement. Under the apex Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland, Khonoma Rüffüno has been organised into five units to address matters concerning Khonoma village.

Villages took the lead to understand —Iralu

Referring to the tripartite agreement among Poilwa and Khonoma villages, and the government of Nagaland, peace activist Niketu Iralu said: “At a time when Nagas, too often tend to lose sight of urgent priorities and get bogged down on details that effectively prevent development but which can and must be addressed later on in mutual trust, the leaders of the two neighbouring villages have shown the right way.”

Iralu said they took the first decisive steps together, united by a shared understanding of what was confronting them and they faced it on behalf of their respective community.

“Their moral authority has prevailed because they have wanted to achieve what is best for all authority has concerned, not wanting anything for their own advantage in the project,” Iralu maintained.

On the issue of water supply in various parts of the state, Iralu asserted that “preservation of our priceless common water resource from now on will be effective only if we consider ourselves its joint custodians and protectors mindful of the needs of the coming generations.” He was grateful that the western Angami region was one of the regions that had not suffered from water shortage because of the healthy ecosystem.