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Neiphiu Rio addressing during the Tokhu Emong festival at Wokha on Nov. 7.[/caption]
Dimapur, Nov. 07 (EMN): The Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Neiphiu Rio today said that decades of Naga struggle was not a failure but a success story. The recognition of the uniqueness of Naga history, culture, identity and tradition was a great achievement and that when our issue is recognised as a political issue, it is time to come together, take what is available and practical.
The MP said this while speaking as the chief guest of the Tokhu Emong celebrations at Wokha town stated a press release from the MP's office.
He said that that the Cabinet led by Chief Minister TR Zeliang accompanied by the MP (Lok Sabha) Nagaland, recently met with the representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office, Union Home Minister, Interlocutor of Naga talks , National Security Adviser, NSCN (IM) leadership, and the Working Committee comprising 6 NNPGs at New Delhi. Rio congratulated both the NSCN (IM) and the Working Committee for undertaking dialogue with the Government of India. He termed it as a good beginning and urged the Nagas to pray and support the peace efforts.
“If we are integrated emotionally, socially culturally and politically, a day will come for the Nagas to come together. So I would say this is a good beginning and therefore let us continue to pray. Our prayer was that Naga settlement should come before the General Assembly Election which is due in February 2018. We have spoken our mind to Government of India, and we have also heard from NSCN (IM) and Working Committee that if settlement cannot come, we must speak for postponement of the General Election to find solution,” he stated adding that it would depend on the Naga populace.
While expressing happiness over the joy and fervour with which our cultural festivals are celebrated, the chief guest however stated that to have a true spirit of festivity, we need peace and tranquillity; good health and work culture; and economic wellbeing. It is these qualities that make the people prosper. He added that it is the common dream of Nagas for Nagaland to be a land of peace, work culture and prosperity.
Terming Wokha District as “plentiful” with fertile soils, rich natural and mineral resources, hardworking people, the MP lauded them for having a literacy of about 90% and the highest per capita income after Dimapur District. “Lothas are not lacking behind anybody and the District has become more or less a model to be reckoned with the other Naga tribes. Lothas have been recognised with the beginning of British advent to our land. History says that the British established an administrative centre in 1876 in the Naga Hills and that happened here in Wokha. That goes to show that we have rich history.” He further lauded the community for producing notable personalities in all spheres of life especially in Government (both officers and elected leaders) and acknowledged their “immense” contributions.
Rio further expressed concern for the youth and expounded on how they should be given opportunities to realise their talents and potential – sports being one of the important avenues in this regard. The MP, who is also president of the Nagaland Olympic Association, informed that after 41 years of attaining Statehood, Nagaland got affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association. He mentioned about the upcoming Nagaland Olympics (inter-district) which will be held in December this year at Dimapur and encouraged the youths to participate. Out of the participants, the State teams of various sports disciplines to the National Games scheduled for next year in Goa will also be selected. The chief guest stated that excellence in sports was one of the quickest ways in getting recognised all over the country and even beyond.
