CM hopes for generous 14th Fin Comm; Politicians/officers protect lawbreakers; Splinter groups not good for political struggle
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, APRIL 2
The rain gods opened up their blessings in bucketful to the Phom community here in Dimapur even as they converged Thursday morning at the DDSC stadium to celebrate Monyiu, the traditional festival of the Phoms that announces the arrival of monsoon. The rains decided to make their entrance right when the traditional act of pulling of a log drum, which marks the beginning of the celebrations, was in process. In tribal wisdom, showers during festive occasions are interpreted as blessings from the gods.
Chief Minister TR Zeliang, invited as the chief guest of the occasion, also echoed similar sentiments when he interpreted the rains as “a good sign.” He hoped that it was an indication to “a year of god harvest” not just for individual farms but also for the “common Naga khedi (field).”
He cited that the previous harvest, under the 13th Finance Commission, has been hard on the Nagas while hoping that the crops would be more bountiful under the 14th Finance Commission. Conversely, he underscored that Nagas must learn to feed themselves from their own harvest as opposed to purchase from others.
Self-sustaining family/individual leads to a healthy state economy, Zeliang shared while maintaining that Nagas could stand on our own feet only when we are able to sustain ourselves. He reminded the gathering that as citizens they have a responsibility towards government schemes and policies, and that they should support the same.
On our Naga cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said that the traditional dresses and dances are our unique selling point (USP). “And only when we preserve our USP, we can sustain and people will respect us,” he said.
Zeliang said that the state government recognizes the importance of preserving the Naga cultural heritage and thus provides monetary aid of 10-15 lakhs, depending on the size of the tribe, during their festivals. He suggested that the money could be used to write and publish books on the importance and significance of the respective tribes’ culture and practices.
He reasoned that the present generation’s perceived indifference towards their own cultural heritage would result in loss of our unique history and rich culture.
“Politicians/officers protect lawbreakers”
The Chief Minister minced no words in stating that the politicians and high ranking officials of today would go to any length to protect lawbreakers from their own community. Such ugly practices only breed more criminal activities in the state, he reasoned.
Zeliang reminded that our forbearers, even before the arrival of democracy in our lands, followed the practice of collectively reprimanding or even punishing lawbreakers from their own khel/village or community. Such noble practice of reining in their own, he said, enabled our forefathers to maintain harmony in the community.
But today the scenario is completely reversed, Zeliang rued. He stated that only when those in power stops protecting criminals from their own community would the crime scene in Nagaland take a turn for the better.
Splinter groups not good for Political struggle
Zeliang also shared that too many splinter groups within the Naga political movement is not good to our struggle for a political solution. He underscored the need for unity among the numerous groups while stating that his government’s “number one agenda is the Naga political solution.”
The Chief Minister regretted that Nagas’ struggle for a common political identity has instead caused division within the Naga family. This division, he said, was the handiwork of “outsiders” who do not want to see unity among the Nagas.
Pic: Chief Minister TR Zeliang addressing the crowd at DDSC stadium during the celebration of Monyiu festival, organized by the Phom Union, Dimapur. (Sorei Mahong)
