DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday assured make efforts to bring Tuensang and Mon districts on par with other districts of Nagaland in various sectors.
Addressing the 75th Anniversary of the United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) at Longkhim town in Tuensang, on the theme ‘Honour the past, ignite the future’, the CM urged the student community to pursue quality education, while emphasising the importance of discipline and hard work in achieving personal goals.
He also mentioned that the state's literacy rate is above the national average at 80% and Mon has the lowest percentage among the districts, said an update from DIPR.
Comparing the results of government and private schools in the state, he urged for collective responsibility, saying that ‘not only the concerned departments and teachers but also tribal hohos, village councils, village leaders, and student leaders should actively contribute towards improving educational outcomes’.
Rio also described the 75th Anniversary of the USSC as a significant milestone and a monumental accomplishment, even as he “paid tribute to the pioneers and present leaders, recognizing their vision that education is the key to a better future”.
Highlighting the sacrifices and hardships endured in establishing USSC, he also emphasised the Sangtam tribe's prominent role in various activities within the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) area.
Further, the CM stressed the need to reflect on the past and present during such events (anniversaries) and to re-dedicate values of brotherhood, unity and peaceful coexistence.
He went on to encourage ‘the transformation of Nagas, historically known as brave warriors and headhunters, to peace warriors aligning with Christian principles’.
He also took to X to update about the event.
“Happy 75th Anniversary to the United Sangtam Students' Conference. Knowledge alone is not enough to transform into a civilized society; we need wisdom. Thank you for nurturing leadership and strengthening community bonds. Best wishes for many more years of growth and success,” he wrote.
Earlier in the programme, the CM unveiled a monolith and unfurled the USSC flag as part of the anniversary.
The event featured folk dance performances by male and female troupes from Sungrep, Chungtor and Tsadang villages, while Convenor of Planning Committee Imlikumba Sangtam delivered the welcome address and Samuel B Sangtam delivered the presidential address.
ENPO president R Tsapikiu Sangtam, United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) president K Aliba Sangtam and Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, also spoke on the occasion.