Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 26
Nagaland Youth Summit 2016, a two-day event, kicked off today at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima under the theme ‘Celebrating Young Nagas; Preparing the Next Generation’.
The event is being put together by YouthNet in partnership with the state government and under the patronage of the Chief Minister, TR Zeliang. The summit also commemorates the 10th anniversary of YouthNet, celebrating a decade of its efforts in empowering young Nagas.
Addressing the gathering in a jam-packed hall, Shasha L Menhau, President ENSF said, Nagas have a serious challenge ahead, which we need to understand as we move forward into the new generation. Comparing the present scenario of Nagaland as old clothes patched with new pieces, Shasha called upon young Nagas for a change, ‘if we are to safeguard the future of the next generation’.
He maintained that the system in the state needs to be upgraded for progress like other states.
Emphasizing on the need for clean election, he minced no words when he said, ‘in Nagaland, election is a harvest time for money’ wherein many of the voters make money for the next five years and thereby creating the problems of unpaid salaries of the employees.
Shasha said the educated youth of Nagaland who should shared responsibility to educate the people about the power and the values of voting rights, can change the face of the state.
‘If we are here to prepare the ground for the next generation, then it’s high time for us to shoulder the responsibility to change the old system of election in the state’ said Shasha. He appealed to the eligible voters not to sell out their voting rights for money, while also challenged the political leaders to let the people judge them by their works.
He also stressed the need to do away with the primitive way of lynching, killing and the feeling of tribalism, saying Nagas take the law into their hands when situation arises, forgetting the Christian values.
Citing instances of many backdoor appointments, ENSF president asserted that the new generation is here to bring changes, and it cannot allow old system of backdoor appointment. He also informed that ENSF has appealed to the state government to set up State Commission to look into employment aspect, so as to maintain equal share of opportunity for all the Naga youth.
He informed the ordinance shall be discussed and passed in the upcoming Nagaland Legislative Assembly session, which will be a solution for many young Naga job hunters.
Also commenting on the Indo-Naga political issue, Shasha hoped that government of India is committed to solve the Indo-Naga political issue. While acknowledging the contribution and sacrifices of all the Naga political leaders, he is optimistic that the solution will not only heal the wounds but also resolve the problems.
Referring to the statement made by RN Ravi, Interlocutor to Naga Peace talk, during his visit to Nagaland and on several occasions that the solution to Naga political issue and the demand for of the Eastern Nagas for separate statehood ‘Frontier Nagaland’ are two separate issues, Shasha hoped Nagas will understand their problem and support them.
He also congratulated YouthNet led by its dynamic director, Hekhani Jakhalu for shouldering the path breaking responsibilities in the state, and also connecting the minds of the wandering potential young Nagas to diverse fields by preparing them to face the global challenges with optimism.
Today’s programme also saw plenary session on the topics ‘Role of entrepreneurs in building the economy of the state’; ‘Role of young government officers in good governance’ and ‘Young Nagas in entertainment, sports and music’ with imminent personalities from various professions as panelists.
Tomorrow’s programme will have plenary session on various topics and thematic sessions on skills building, good governance and entrepreneurship. The programme will conclude with recommendation to the government of Nagaland.
