Our Correspondent
Khar (Mokokchung), Jan. 15 (EMN): Minister for Higher and Technical
Education, and Tribal Affairs Temjen Imna Along on Wednesday stated that he was
not saying “ILP will completely protect us from CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act)
but till date ILP is not properly implemented in the state, and it is our
fault."
The minister was reacting to MLA Moatoshi’s statement that chances of Nagaland becoming second Tripura is “very real” because of the looming threat of CAA.
Along was the introductory guest for the inaugural programme of the 68th Ao Students' Conference (AKM) General Conference at Khar village under Jangpetkong range of Mokokchung district on Wednesday evening.
He said that there will be many Bills and Acts like CAA in the future but one needs to read the document thoroughly and ‘find how to be strong in our way of life’.
"We should stand for what is unique about us; our rich culture and customary practices and our way of life," he asserted, adding that “Article 371 (A) is a commitment to the Nagas by India, and if it is betrayed, then we will be the first to stand against it.”
The minister stated that the student fraternity should be engulfed by boldness in the heart as well, fear the living God and be humble towards all people. Pointing out that students are the treasure of the future, he said the future of the Nagas is dim if they give in to laziness and other addictive ghastly habits. if you take up challenges positively when there is negativism around you, than you are the future of the people, he added.
More than 2000 official delegated from six ranges and 38 sub-units are participating in the three-day AKM General Conference held on the theme, "Reinvigorate" at Khar village.
The speakers for day-one of the conference were Dr. Longrineken, advisor, Treasuries & Account, and deputy commissioner of Mokokchung, Limawapang.
Nagaland to become second Tripura
MLA Moatoshi Longkumer on Wednesday claimed that ‘Nagaland to become second Tripura is very real’ while referring to the controversial CAA. He added that after citizenship is granted “we cannot deny them to enter the state because they knocked the doors of the court against infringement of fundamental right”.
Longkumer said this during the 68th AKM General Conference. He also rubbished the notion that ILP will protect Nagaland pointing out that it (ILP) is only a travel document.
Stating that corruption is the original sin in Nagaland, the MLA urged the delegates to retrospect and fight the menace of corruption in Naga society. He also observed that the state is driven by government employees’ salaried economy and called upon the student community to find ways and means for a sustainable and reliant economy.
Longkumer called upon the student community not be silence spectators but to raise their voice and take initiative to mitigate the issues confronting the Naga society today. He also asserted that besides war, there are crucial issues including total collapse of the ecosystem, climate change and plastic polluting the oceans etc., and urged them to initiate action today for a better tomorrow.
"If you don't do it today, don't blame us tomorrow," he told the students.