New Reserve Youth Organisation celebrates silver jubilee with calls for reservation policy reform by Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso and community unity.
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DIMAPUR — The New Reserve Youth Organisation (NRYO) began its silver jubilee-cum-sports meet at the Police Drill Shed, New Reserve, Phesama, on Wednesday on the theme "Honouring the past, embracing the society".
Addressing the inaugural programme, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA, expressed the need to bring reformation to the existing reservation policy, stating it benefits the "creamy layer" rather than genuinely underprivileged and voiceless communities.
According to an update, he questioned whether people are really benefitting from reservation or if only the deserving are missing out.
"Reservation is being availed by the well-to-do. Those residing in Kohima, Dimapur, Bombay, Delhi. Those who belong to those tribes under reserved category but are children of officers, directors and not deserving candidates," he said speaking against these deficiencies.
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"Today, my tribe, the Angamis, are not under those tribes that enjoy reservation, but there are also many Angamis who struggle to afford two meals a day. Similar with other tribes that do not enjoy reservation. Just because you belong to a certain tribe, you do not have the privilege of enjoying reservation," Dr. Rhutso added.
He expressed belief that in a decade or two, equal status can be achieved if the reservation policy is properly strategised.
On the Chief Minister's Mobile Operation Theatre (CMMOT), Dr. Rhütso underscored the purpose and success of the initiative in reaching every nook and corner of the state. "This is the service and contribution I can give back to all the tribes," he said.
The CMMOT has so far visited 21 health centres and undertaken over 1000 surgeries. The team aims to cover 25 places by January 26, when it will attain one year.
On the 25th anniversary, he called for dedication and encouraged the attendants to remain united. "Government is ready to help if there is honesty and participation of the public with a mindset of ownership of all the infrastructure and public amenities," he added.
Rupin Sharma, DGP Nagaland, said that the road condition in the New Reserve Colony remains a cause for concern. Despite the colony being prominent for housing police personnel and their families and being home to institutes like the State Cattle Breeding Farm and Police Engineering Unit, the road condition has been in a dilapidated state for many years.
"Despite efforts being put in by different individuals, these funds are not adequate for whatever is required to be done. The DGP lauded the NRYO for being involved in many big positive activities," Sharma said.
Speaking on policing in Nagaland, he called on the people not to take the law into their own hands. On the need to tackle substance abuse, Sharma pointed out the presence of liquor and drug use, which needs to be wiped out. He asked the public to consider formal procedures and urged them to support the police by reporting any involvement in substance abuse.
Vikuosalie Zashümo, president of NRYO, said the approach to the theme involves learning from past successes and mistakes, preserving heritage, and transforming lessons into practical insights.
Vikehiekho Kintso, panchayat chairman, noted that the colony, clubbed together with the police quarters, has been considerably peaceful.
Greetings were delivered by Avuno Vizol Liezietsu, chairperson of the New Reserve Women Organization (NRWO), and James Liezietsu, first president of the NRYO. Rev. Tho-o Neihu, pastor of Nagamese Union Christian Revival Church, pronounced a special prayer for the youths.
Earlier, the special guest unveiled the jubilee monolith at the New Reserve Panchayat Hall.