Nagaland govt. ready to help promote Naga culture— Rio

Our Reporter

Dimapur, Jan. 27 (EMN): Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, on Friday, asserted that it is the responsibility of all citizens to promote their own culture, and the state government is “ever ready to help” fulfill this aspiration.

He was speaking as the special guest during the 16th Bishu Mini Hornbill Festival -- a post-harvest festival -- on Friday, at Kachari Community Playground, Kushiabill.

He shared that Nagaland is a small state but there are many tribes and congratulated all the tribes for preserving their own tradition, culture, customary practices and keeping their identity.

Citing the Hornbill Festival, which is celebrated at Kisama every year, he said that ‘if we imitate others, no tourists will want to come and visit, but it is because of the unique tradition, food and other traditional practices that attracts lots of tourists from across the world’.

 He also stressed on the special provision of the tribals from the British times. He advised everyone to respect the historical truth and the rich culture, traditional and historical kingdoms and ruins by protecting them.

Meanwhile, with regard to agricultural products, he said, ‘we should be self- sufficient instead of buying from other states. The meaning of the celebration is to harvest good with our sweat and hard labour’.

Further, he mentioned that in Nagaland, there is no Panchayati Raj but there is village council and customary court; stating that Panchayati Raj has an election system, he added that the Nagaland tradition of selecting the village council is also done with transparency.

He said there is ‘less issue and problems’ because of this practice and therefore urged every community to strengthen it.

During the programme, Bishu greetings was delivered by Ramesh Hasnu, president of Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland; and cultural presentations by Dhansiripar Cultural Troupe, Sumi Cultural troupe, Lotha cultural troupe, Garo cultural troupe and Dimasa Cultural troupe.