Hammer out unity for Naga political solution, Aye tells students

Our Correspondent
Khar (Mokokchung) Jan. 16 (EMN): Minister for Agriculture and Co-operation, G Kaito Aye on Thursday asserted that the government of India needs “our unity” to pronounce the possibility of a Naga political solution and called upon the student community and the public to strive towards forging unity for a better future for the Nagas.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 68th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) general conference at Khar village in Mokokchung district as the event’s guest of honour, Aye said that the student community should take responsibility of coming together and accept what is good for the people. He expressed the need for unity among the Naga brethren.

He also said that India has accepted the uniqueness of the Nagas and therefore, “It’s the responsibility of the Naga youths to fill and finish the uniqueness of the Nagas (Naga solution).”

More than 60 years of insurgency is enough, he said and urged the students for their participation to ‘hammer out unity,’ which is very much needed in this crucial juncture.

Aye also called upon the AKM to take the lead and continue to lead in the contribution towards the Naga people through retrospection and by revisiting the legacy of the Ao leaders. He appealed to the gathering to help the weaker sections of other communities as well, so that they are uplifted and can work together as equals.

“Spell out what is right for the rest of the Nagas. Let us not exhort but let us be practical,” Aye said.

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Ninoto Awomi, who also spoke at the event, observed that Naga society is in a fragmented situation where tribalism, clanism, factionalism and problem of ego and pride prevail. He added that these issues are the stumbling blocks which have destroyed the credibility of the Naga society.

Awomi gave a clarion call to the students to take active participation and lead the people out of the shackles of narrow path and move towards social and economic progress.

“Come out from the comfort zone and participate in social activism and social debates concerning economy, community and nation as an agent of change,” he challenged the students.

He also advised them to become a student of principle and integrity in life; a student of vision with a strong determination in accepting challenges in life and to achieve their goal through hard work.

Awomi also said that AKM is one of the oldest fraternities of the NSF and has always been the backbone and front pillar in the historic record of the federation.

Acknowledging the contribution of AKM to the federation, he said NSF is looking forward to their “further” co-operation and active participation in striving towards the aspiration and goal of the student community and the Naga people. He further urged the AKM to carry forward the great legacy of the Ao people and continue to be the role model for the rest of the Nagas.

Nagaland needs revolution

The advisor for Industries and Commerce, Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Imnatiba asserted that Nagaland needs a revolution and transformation in the field of industrialisation and entrepreneurship.

The advisor was speaking on the topic: “What ails Ao entrepreneurs and what needs to be done” during the workshop session of the 68th AKM General Conference at Khar village on Thursday.

He acknowledged the AKM for conducting the workshop, saying that it is the need of the hour in the current context and expressed hope that this conference will bear fruit and benefit the Nagas.

Imnatiba lamented that there are no micro, small and medium enterprises; and even the large industries that were set up after statehood have been closed down. He added that most of the Nagas are first-generation entrepreneurs.

The advisor, however, expressed hope that a new dawn will be on the horizon for a prosperous future for the Nagas citing ‘practical negotiation in the process between the government of India and various Naga national political groups’.

He also urged the AKM to focus on the core sectors such as skill, entrepreneurship and marketing in a realistic and practical manner, which will curb the ever-increasing unemployment problem faced by the Nagas.