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Youths from Tsütuonuomia khel presenting a folk song during the Kerunyi festival of Kohima village at KVC hall on May 13.[/caption]
Kohima, May 13 (EMN): Chief Minister Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu Saturday has called upon people from his native village, the “land owners” of the state’s capital Kohima town, to contribute positively to the wellbeing and advancement of the district.
“Being the land owners, we should not create any hindrance as far as welfare programmes of the government are concerned, but contribute positively and facilitate them,” he said. He urged the villagers to be ‘more cooperative and accommodative’ in the developmental activities carried out by the state’s government.
Addressing a host of village leaders including youth, women and students as the chief guest during the Kerunyi festival of Kohima village at the KVC hall, Dr Liezietsu said that the Naga people cannot afford to have ‘personal rivalry or enmity’ due to ‘differences of political ideologies during elections.’
He was on his maiden official visit to his native village after becoming the chief minister of Nagaland. The chief minister said that it was God’s plan for him to become the chief minister. He thanked the villagers for their ‘support and help’ toward building peaceful atmosphere.
“Instead of being divided because of political rivalry, let us work hand in hand for the welfare of the people,” the chief minister said adding that political rivalry should not lead to personal grudges and differences amongst the people.
“Elections will be held as long as the Naga people are under the Indian union. And in a democratic country, elections are held to elect our leader(s). However, political rivalry should not divide our people from coming together to work for the greater interest of the Nagas,” he said.
Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu, who happens to be the first chief minister from Kohima village, also thanked his villagers for the help and support rendered throughout his entire political career. He also lauded the villagers for their leadership and contribution in building a peaceful atmosphere in the State capital.
In mentioning about the proposed Nagaland medical college at Kohima, the chief minister appreciated the land donors, while he also requested the other land owners, who are yet to donate their land, to judiciously donate it for the welfare of the future generation.
Earlier, a citizen Vilie-o Rutsa spoke about the significance of the Kerunyi festival. He said that the festival was observed “to make one self prepared and ready to begin his year-long cultivation.”
On the day, members of the four ‘khels’ in Kohima village took part with musical presentations.
