Our Correspondent
Wokha, Aug. 30 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said that the state government is moving forward through an accommodative spirit, while advocating for a healthy society.
“We believe in God but we worship money,” he said, adding that if money goes to the wrong hands, then ‘society becomes corrupted’.
He said it is now time to teach the present generation that ‘the first institution is family, clan, village and the community’.
The chief minister was speaking at the inauguration of the Lotha Tribal Council Hall (LTC) in the presence of Deputy Chief minister Y Patton, who was the chief host of the event.
He also lamented that the state was losing huge resources and revenue through illegal activities and restrictions, adding that through the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, the state government is losing more than INR 1000 crore annually.
While expressing gratitude to the Central government of India through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for sanctioning funds for the construction of the building, he extended appreciation to the Lotha Hoho for effective implementation of the funds and constructing the multi-storey building.
He also told the Lotha community to progress and move together with the rest of the Naga community through unity, and called upon the Hoho to be good guardians of the Lotha community.
The chief minister also stressed on strengthening the culture and traditions, while urging people to remain energetic. He informed that farmers would be given due support and all benefits as per the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance scheme for micro farmers, agri-allied and entrepreneurs and urged them to avail both state and central schemes.
He also informed that the government will continue to fight in the upcoming Assembly election with the 40: 20 seat-sharing formula between the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He also informed that Wokha, having four constituencies, will share two seats each between NDPP and BJP since the present legislature Dr. Chumben Murry (38 Assembly) has joined NDPP.
Meanwhile, he expressed dismay at the differences among the Lotha Baptist Churches Association and called the reverend and various church leaders to come together to resolve the issue.
Speaking on the Naga political issue, he called for unity and to respect the decision of the Central government. He also said that the government of the day will pave the way to settle the issue and if required, the legislatures will resign to welcome the decision for the welfare and interest of the people.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, meanwhile, called for a social response, a sense of belonging and to come forward and stop depending on the government alone. He acknowledged the generosity of the chief minister in sanctioning INR two crore towards the Lotha Hoho during Tokhu Emong 2018 (Mini hornbill festival) celebration as the special guest. He lauded the chairman of Lotha Hoho for his dedication and transparency in effective and timely construction of LTC hall building.
In a short speech, Dr. Chumben Murry, advisor of Law and Justice, said that it was a happy transitional day for the Lotha community, where he appreciated the Lotha Hoho team and chief minister for his magnanimity in sanctioning the fund for the construction of the building.
The Lotha Hoho Ki, which was earlier known as Lotha Tribal Council Hall, was the first tribal council hall to be constructed in Nagaland, and will be celebrating 100 years of its existence in 2023.
Earlier in the programme, the dedication of the building was administered by Rev. Tsopemo Ngullie where the unveiling of the plaque was done by the chief minister.
Rio was accompanied by Minister of Soil and Water Conservation, Geology and Mining V Kashiho Sangtam; Advisor for School Education KT Sukhalu; Advisor Imnatiba; Advisor Zale Neikha; Chuba Chang and host of dignitaries and party officials from NDPP and BJP.