Uphold ideals of good character, integrity, honesty – Rio

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Dec. 5 (EMN): Collaborating with the Hornbill Festival, the Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO) on Dec. 5 organised a stone-pulling ceremony to commemorate its 25th anniversary under the theme “Kemiatho Khrühe” at Chiephobozou in Kohima district. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was the chief guest of the event.

Addressing the crowd, Rio said that the main characteristic of a good country is presence of ‘strong youth,’ and conveyed his trust on them. Emphasising on the Angami Public Organisation’s motto: “Right is might,” he said that it used to be “might is right” earlier but the words “might” and “right” have now been swapped due to Christianity and intellectual growth. He also encouraged the people of Angami, particularly the youth to uphold the principles of good character, integrity, and honesty.

He pointed out that Nagas are living at a divisive age, citing the divisions seen among the insurgency groups, and non-political groups like tribal hohos, Naga hoho, women groups, and youth group. He applauded Nayo for upholding the spirit of unity amidst divisions. In fact, the stone-pulling ceremony is a good idea as it paves way for both the locals and tourists to witness and celebrate together, he added.

“Stone-pulling ceremony is a sign of unity and completeness,” Rio said. He hoped that such an act of unity will set a good example for the new generations to follow.

He urged the youths to have a positive outlook, work hard and earn one’s own livelihood; be hygienic and maintain a healthy life. Citing the climate change and global warming challenge that the world is facing today, Rio asked the youth to protect the environment, forest and wildlife. He felt that a community forest should be set up in each of the Naga villages and restrict hunting of animals.

The CM also expressed concern on the need of the youth to contribute towards state economy. “Our economy must be built up,” he said. One should not depend on the government alone but do whatever one can, he added while encouraging organic production and cottage industries so as to encourage self-employment, innovations, scientific, and progressive farming.

MLA Khriehu Liezietsu said that ‘jubilee is a time to give thanks to God.’ Although the constituency was been divided into Northern Angami I and II due to the political system, he said that such division should not divide them from being united and that “we are one.” He encouraged the people to stay united and work for the welfare of the people.

Neinguvotuo Krose, president of Angami Public Organisation said that the organisation was formed with an aimed to protect the people, land and conserve the cultural traditions of the Nagas. During the forefathers’ time, the pure form of democracy was believed to have been prevailed in the region. So, Krose encouraged the people of Angami to practice democracy in its true sense even when there is a change of power.

Nayo’s first president Prasielie Pienyü gave a historical background of the organisation. He reminded that he organisation held its first session at Meriema village under the theme “unity wins the crown” in December 1994. Urging the youth to uphold the principle of honesty, he said that Nagas desire for Angami’s leadership because of their honesty.

Neiyalie Pfüsenuo, president of Northern Angami Public Organisation said that collaborating Nayo’s 25th jubilee with the Hornbill Festival is worth mentioning. He added that youths are the backbone of the society and the success of any society largely depends on them.

Nayo president Neizolie Rüpreo thanked the pioneers of the organisation for working for the welfare of the society and urged the gathering to stay united and work hand-in-hand for progress.

Over 8,000 people participated in the event, according to Nayo.

Earlier in the day, Rio unveiled the anniversary monolith, and it was followed by performances like folk songs, festival sound, feast and stone-pulling ceremony.