Neiphiu
Rio speaking on the second day of Moatsü Mini Hornbill Festival in Mokokchung.
MOKOKCHUNG — Chief
Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday underscored the importance of unity in order to
facilitate collective action towards overcoming the challenges facing the
state.
He shared this message on the second day of Moatsü Mini
Hornbill Festival, hosted by Ao Senden at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex in
Mokokchung, which culminated in a grand civic reception honouring the chief
minister.
Amidst vibrant celebrations marking the end of the sowing
season for the Ao community, Rio reflected on the ancestral traditions embodied
by the festival.
He noted that Moatsü, like other similar festivals, provides
an opportunity to seek divine blessings for protection and prosperity following
the hard work of the sowing season.
“The songs, dances, and traditional attire displayed here
make every Naga proud," Rio stated, underlining the importance of
safeguarding these invaluable practices, even within the context of the
Christian faith prevalent in the region.
"We must continue to protect our rich cultural
heritage," he urged, highlighting the festival's vital role in renewing
friendships, promoting forgiveness, and strengthening the bonds that unite the Naga
people.
The chief minister expressed hope that other tribes would
embrace similar expressions of brotherhood and unity, fostering a unified Naga
family during such significant celebrations.
Humbly acknowledging the honorary doctorate recently
conferred upon him by Northeast Christian University, Rio credited the people
of Nagaland for providing him with the opportunity to serve. "I will
continue to serve our people to the best of my ability with their support and
God’s blessings," he pledged.
Reflecting on Naga history, he highlighted the British
colonisers' recognition of the Naga community's unique customs. He noted that
the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 and the subsequent
introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) were designed to protect Naga
governance and land rights.
These protections, enshrined under Article 371(A), remain
essential, Rio maintained, and he urged the state government, the public, civil
society organisations, and tribal leaders to champion Naga history, identity,
and customary laws.
"We are unique, and this consciousness is
growing," Rio affirmed.
Also, he emphasised the critical role of customary courts
led by Gaon Buras (GBs) and Dobashis (DBs) in providing swift and
cost-effective dispute resolution, thereby complementing the modern judicial
systems currently in place.
The chief minister emphasised the need to address internal
divisions and the proliferation of organisations within the state. "There
are many issues in the state and many divisions in the state, both underground
and overground, with too many organisations," Rio stated, highlighting
concerns about the impact of multiple leaderships imposing taxes and creating
instability.
He underscored the importance of utilising democratic
platforms appropriately for expressing opinions.
On the Indo-Naga issue, Rio urged all Naga leaders and
groups to unite for the "greater good of the people." He stressed
that "unity is the need of the hour" and underlined the critical need
to find common ground.
"We have a future that needs to be saved," he
declared, warning that the lack of collaboration would hinder the progress of
existing agreements and dialogues. "Without coming together, the Framework
Agreement, the Agreed Position, and ongoing dialogues cannot be concretised,"
he cautioned.
Rio also addressed the challenges surrounding the Free
Movement Regime (FMR) along the international border. He noted that the central
government has reduced the FMR limit, restricting crossings to specific reasons
and a duration of seven days.
Cultural troupe performing on the second day of Moatsü Mini
Hornbill Festival in Mokokchung
He further mentioned that the Assam Rifles has been
empowered for border control in the eastern region of the state. The chief
minister also expressed concerns about the economic repercussions of
reinstating the Protected Area Permit (PAP), which has negatively impacted
tourism and discouraged investment.
He revealed that he had raised these issues at the North
Eastern Council meeting in Agartala in December 2023 and that the state Cabinet
had requested a review from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, with a meeting
expected soon.
In positive news for Mokokchung, Rio announced the approval
for upgrades to the Imkongmeren Sports Complex. The renovations will include a
new rostrum, gallery, floodlights, and additional facilities, promising a
significant boost to local infrastructure and sporting opportunities.
Neiphiu
Rio speaking on the second day of Moatsü Mini Hornbill Festival in Mokokchung. 