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Neiphiu Rio addresses the golden jubilee programme of the Mao Union of Kohima, on Saturday.[/caption]
Kohima, Dec. 15 (EMN): The Mao Union of Kohima (MUK) celebrated its 50th anniversary at lower AG colony, in Kohima on Dec. 15. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, accompanied by wife Kaisa Rio, attended the occasion as guests.
In his address to the gathering, the chief minister appreciated the community’s pioneers and their vision, guiding the community to live in harmony and to co-exist with people from Nagaland, particularly Kohima town. “In time like this, it is appropriate to introspect and also reflect to move ahead, and it is time to commit to...harmony and unity to co-exist,” Rio said.
The chief minister felt that the Mao community had contributed to Nagaland in various capacities. From education to the labor sector, the Mao people are doing a “commendable job” by contributing to the economy and society of the state, he said.
He appreciated the retired people of the community who does “all kinds of works from the smallest to the biggest job possible” and is contributing to the state in various fields. He added that the community was “hard working and committed” to whatever disciplines they carry.
“I have seen how Maos have struggled and work to grow to this present day,” Rio said. He said to be “fortunate” and “proud” to be a brother-in-law to the community.
Lauding their humility, Rio said that “they take up any kinds of jobs but it is honourable to be working and earning through hard labour,” he said. Many people of the community are into trading, business, and others. “I find that respectable,” he said. While they might not be from Nagaland, the community may have disadvantages. But, Rio said in encouragement, “Always remember that we are a family of the Nagas’ big family.”
He pointed out that the Mao community is a family of the Tenyimi community: “We have Tenyimi groups in Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland.” As the Tenyimi shared similar historical, culture, and social roots, “We realise that we are one people,” but the administrative jurisdiction had divided us “very badly,” Rio said.
Although, the Nagas are divided into different administrations in each state, “we can contribute to one another; establish ourselves and the economy of our state.” In fact the Nagas should continue to have a sense of belonging with the rest of the Naga family, he said. He also expressed gratitude at a friendship expedition circa 1928 between the Mao community and a group from Kohima village.
‘British responsible for dividing Nagas’
“Our (Nagas) history is unique as the government of India has recognised. The story of Nagas is very complex,” he said. “They (British) had lain behind the legacy of dividing the Nagas,” while India had inherited the British legacy, the chief minister asserted.
The Nagas were placed under different administrations—some in Myanmar and the others parts in the continent, while some went into Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. “This (division) had made Nagas to stay apart from one another and try to develop others system and other government,” The chief minister said. It is high time that the people work for unity and integration of the Nagas, he added.
There are many non-Nagas working in Dimapur and Kohima and other district headquarters while the people of Nagaland are unemployed. The reason behind the unemployment in the state is “because we are not skilled, trained, and don’t take up hard labour works, technical jobs thinking that these jobs will be taken care by the non-Nagas,” Rio lamented. This is why the people are “voluntarily unemployed.” However, there is no ‘benchmark or standard’ of jobs. “Everybody has to work and work culture should be there,” he said.
‘In advance countries people are very proud to say that they are doing something even the lowest jobs. They are very proud of what they are doing because a society is composed of many components. Therefore any job is honourable,’ was the message to the gathering.
Speaking about the Naga political issue, Rio said, “We are too busy dividing ourselves.” In fact, the Naga political groups, tribal groups and organisations are “thoroughly divided.” “We are too strong with ‘ism’—individualism, tribalism and this ‘ism’ is dividing us.”
“If we really want Naga aspiration, Naga culture identity to survive and peace and development in our land, we have to come up to the level of Naga-ism sacrificing our personal and tribal interest so that we can unite and give Naga-ism on top priority,” Rio asserted.
Keeping in mind environmental concerns around the world, the chief minister has urged the Tenyimi people to conserve the Japfü and Dzükou regions and make them a sanctuary. He appealed to the leaders of the Tenyimi communities particularly the Angami and neighbouring villages; Mao community, and Peren and Senapati district in Manipur, to discuss the issue “very seriously.” “To live in peace and harmony we have to unite and work and bring our issues together for a brighter tomorrow,” he added.
‘We (government) will seek international forum and the government of India to conserve the reserved forests,” Rio said. The neighbouring villages may retain their traditional rights. The government will provide with an alternative livelihood, be in education (skills) and trainings so that people can take up other economic activities for livelihoods. And if this comes about, it will be an example to show,’ he said.
The president of the Mao Council, Peter Khrasi, also addressed the programme. He urged the Maos in Kohima not to forget their roots where they come from. He encouraged the gathering to visit their respective village to keep alive social relations.
Ahsikho Daili, former president of the MUK gave a brief history of the union. It was in 1995 that the union was registered. He recalled the pioneers who worked for unity of the people. During its initial stages, the union worked against immoral activities, anti-social elements, crime besides social activities such as recognising academic achievers and working for the underprivileged etc.