Electoral virtues, health goals share stage

Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 6 (EMN): The 18-daylong series of concerts campaigning for ‘clean elections’ and, interestingly, a campaign against plastic pollution too, culminated on Saturday at the old MLA Hostel junction in Kohima.
Speaking at the event, Chief Secretary Temjen Toy called for action: “Let’s stop preaching about clean election and let us start practicing. Together we can. Let us be the one.”
On plastic pollution, Toy urged the people to “be a part of the solution and not the problem.” Saying that taking care of the environment needs to start from home, school, colleges, and work places, he urged the people to be agents of change, and to take part in good cause.

Another speaker, Kohima Municipal Council’s administrator Kovi Meyase said that the musical caravan started on March 20, visiting 19 wards in 18 days.

The primary objective of the concert was to spread awareness on the harmful effects of plastic; and to propagate the government’s decision to restrict the use of single-use plastic in daily life. He was optimistic that the events had educated a good number of the local population.

Saying that the initiative was just the beginning, the administrator said there is much more to be done as there are more tasks ahead. He was of the view that the goals would be unachievable as long as people don’t work together.

Further, Meyase informed that the event has made inroads with the churches in Kohima, with a program on April 8 to carry on with the plastic awareness concert campaigns with those in uniform — the police and students. He appealed to the people to make “our city, our land and our future” more liveable by restricting the use of plastic.

The deputy commissioner of Kohima, Anoop Khinchi also spoke about the harmful impact of plastic pollution. It is high time that the citizens decide pm getting rid of this menace, he said.

Also, on election matters, he urged voters to exercise their franchise wisely by voting for the ‘right person for a bright future.’ He asked them to refrain from involving in money.

Member of Green Team, Thangi Mannen highlighted the need to save the land from pollution. She appealed to the people to make the land cleaner, healthier, better, and fertile by protecting it.

Saying that plastic pollution had become a major problem across the globe, she called upon the people to join the fight against plastic pollution. She said that the team has requested the government to totally ban single-use plastic bags. If Nagaland is declared a ‘no plastic’ state, it would be a proud achievement, she added.

The concert featured local artists LC Sekhose; Odi Jamie; Dahil Fithu and band; The Noswes; Thejangunuo Nakhro; Ivy Entertainment; Isuiheing Zeliang; Surhuveyi Tested; Cotton Country Band; Assembly of God choir; and Chakhesang Baptist youth.