More than anything else, Nagas need reconciliation now—Ravi

Our Correspondent

Wokha, Nov. 7 (EMN): Asserting that Nagas are ‘on the cusp of history’, Governor RN Ravi on Thursday advocated reconciliation and unity among the people—reasoning that, ‘at this time in Naga history’, nothing else could be more appropriate than those principles.

Speaking on the final day of Tokhu Emong celebration at local ground, Wokha town, the governor said that spirit of ‘senchumta’ (Lotha/Kyong word for unity, reconciliation) has been reflected through the festival.

Ravi said that by cultivating the spirit of ‘senchumta’, Naga people can overcome the bitterness and the ‘bad memories’ of the past; to forgive one another and embark on a new beginning together.

By being ‘on the cusp of history’, he said, a new dawn, a new era of peace, unity and prosperity awaits the Naga people.

Referring to the venue, Ravi acknowledged that he was standing on a historical ground. ‘I can feel the vibration of history because on this very ground Naga people have taken several momentous historical decisions,’ he said.

Ravi thanked the Lotha Hoho as well as the Lotha community for their ‘immense support’ even as he worked towards bringing peace to the land ‘in my modest way’ and hoped that they will continue to do so in the ‘very critical’ days to come.

He also encouraged the people ‘as inheritors of a very rich culture and civilisation’ to keep it safe from the onslaught of modernity. The governor urged them to continue performing and observing festivals, which bind the community together.

Advisor to the chief minister, Science and Technology, Information Technology, New and Renewable Energy, Mmhonlumo Kikon, as the chief host thanked Ravi for gracing the occasion and, on behalf of the Lotha community, assured ‘fullest support’ and cooperation while working for peace, unity and reconciliation for just solution of the vexed Naga political issue.

Kikon also stated that Wokha district is the highest revenue contributor in the state because of its rich natural resources and appealed to the governor to take up the Wokha-Merapani Road on priority basis as this route is the only economic lifeline of the Lothas and other neighbouring districts.

Also, the Lotha Hoho also submitted a representation to the governor containing a request to hand over the Wokha-Bokajan road project to the Border Road Organisation.

Thousands of people, both young and old, dressed in their beautiful and colourful traditional attire attended the festival. Greetings were also delivered by the respective presidents of United Sangtam Likhum Punji and Ao Senden.