Achumbemo Kikon addressing the members of Lotha Officers’
Association during its annual general conference in Wokha town on Friday.
WOKHA — Describing
jealousy, tribalism and clanism as the greatest obstacles to the progress of
Naga society, Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLA), Achumbemo Kikon,
on Friday called upon the Lotha officers to be agents of change by eliminating
those divisive practices and educate the community and Naga society to rise
above tribalism.
Kikon stated this during the annual general conference of
the Lotha Officers’ Association (LOA) held at Tiyi Hall in Wokha town on the
theme “Introspect and the way forward.”
Kikon, who was the special guest of the programme,
emphasized that such negative mindsets have hindered societal development and
delayed progress. He attributed the long-pending Indo-Naga political issue as a
major obstacle in taking take the people forward.
"We must not leave the Naga unsettled issue to the next
generation," Kikon said and called upon all stakeholders to come together
to resolve the issue, thereby creating opportunities for the younger
generation.
Referring to the recent political debate in the 14th
Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kikon reiterated that “one size cannot fit all”
and argued that the idea of ‘One nation, one election’ is unsuitable for a
culturally diverse nation like India. He warned that such ideas might pave the
way for concepts like “One nation, one religion” or “One nation, one food
habit” in the future.
Kikon also encouraged the Naga community to rise above
social evils and have the courage to speak the truth.
In conclusion, Kikon lauded the various initiatives
undertaken by the LOA and congratulated the newly elected office bearers. He
urged them to conduct scientific research on the linguistics of the Lotha
language, promote and preserve through comprehensive research and study,
particularly in line with the New Education Policy that prioritises a
three-language policy.
The theme speaker, M Patton, IAS (retired), delivered an
extensive speech at the event, recalling the history and achievements of the
Lotha community’s ancestors and elders. He commended their contributions to the
Naga society across various platforms.
Patton urged the participants to rededicate themselves to
serving the people and reminded them to change their mindsets with a corrective
approach, leaving behind self-centered attitudes.
He advised the youth to draw inspiration and compete with
themselves rather than targeting others or communities saying that such
behavior only leads to frustration.
Addressing employment challenges, he noted that government
services in Nagaland are oversaturated and offer limited opportunities. He,
therefore, encouraged students and youth to explore in private sector and
become job providers by citing successful Lotha entrepreneurs as example.
In his brief speech, Mhondamo Ovung, chairman of the Lotha Hoho,
urged the community to stay rooted in their culture and preserve the rich
traditions of the Lotha people stating that “We were born as Lotha-Naga and we
shall remain and die as Lotha-Naga.”
Ovung sought wisdom and guidance from LOA and its leaders in
advancing the Lotha community and the Naga society at large.
In his presidential address, K Libanthung Lotha, the
outgoing LOA president, emphasised the community's high expectations of its
officers, who are seen as role models and sources of inspiration. He called
upon the members to shoulder their responsibility as leaders of the people and
community.
He also encouraged LOA members to foster good relationships
with all Naga communities and work together to push forward without barriers.
He also urged the youth and students to redefine employment not solely on
government service but seek opportunities on entrepreneurship and
self-employment and contribute to society rather than becoming a burden.
The newly elected LOA team for 2025–2028 would be led by Orenthung
Lotha as president.
The event was compered by T. Zanbeni Humtsoe and Dr.
Khyopenthung Tsopoe, associate professor at Mount Tiyi College, Wokha. The
invocation prayer was said Dr. Nzanthung Ngullie, principal of Witter
Theological College, Vankhosung.
Rev. LK Tsanglao, pastor of Longsa Baptist Church, offered a
prayer of blessings for the new LOA team and Rev. Lijamo Kikon, pastor of AG
Church, Wokha, said the benediction.
