Rural Development Minister Mestutbo Jamir called for people-centric politics and greater unity among NPF workers at a youth festival in Mokokchung.
MOKOKCHUNG — Minister of Rural Development and State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) Mestutbo Jamir has asserted that politics should serve the larger interests of the people rather than individual interests.
He was speaking at the 27 Mokokchung Town Assembly Constituency NPF Youth Wing Youth Festival held at Mujabi Ground, Salangtem Ward, Mokokchung, on September 17.
Recalling earlier times, Jamir said selection or nomination to the traditional “Yimten” council of elders was once regarded as an honour and a mark of prestige.
He said politics has now taken centre stage and provides a platform for individuals to develop into capable leaders by exposing them to broader perspectives on governance and societal progress.
“Whoever can co-exist, participate and bring unity for the larger interest of the people are called enlightened individuals,” he asserted.
Jamir reminded party workers that a political party exists because of its constituency and, therefore, the welfare of the constituency should remain its foremost priority.
Calling on party workers to prepare for the forthcoming elections, he urged them to seek the people’s mandate through door-to-door campaigns and party enrolment drives, with the aim of securing a stronger mandate than in the previous election.
Congratulating the 27 Mokokchung Town Assembly Constituency NPF Youth Wing on the successful conduct of the festival, Jamir also acknowledged the support of the parent body and ward councillors.
He said the cooperation between the parent body and the youth reflected the unity the party has been striving to achieve.
He further said the growing participation and cooperation demonstrated that the 27 Mokokchung Town Assembly Constituency NPF was strengthening day by day.
Jamir described the youth festival as more than a celebration, saying it provided an opportunity to address differences, strengthen unity and serve the people through productive competition, which he described as an essential aspect of politics.
Stating that elders have a responsibility to invest in the youth for the future, he encouraged young party members to hold more meetings and dialogues to foster greater unity within the constituency.
“We need unity. Only through unity as our foundation can we start our work,” he said.
He added that the unity being pursued should not be limited to electing MLAs but should be aimed at promoting the greater good of the people of the constituency.
Meanwhile, the futsal competition was held in two categories—unit-wise and ward-wise.
In the unit-wise final, Kichutip NPF Unit defeated Mongsenbai NPF Unit 2-1, while Kumlong Ward defeated Mongsenbai Ward 7-2 in the ward-wise final.