Our Correspondent
KHONOMA, MAY 15
While stating that the Indo-Naga political issue has remained as a hurdle for many generations, Lok Sabha MP and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today pressed the urgency for the Nagas to unite and emotionally integrate in order to give a push together to find an amicable settlement of the Nagas issue.
Rio, who was addressing the 26th General Conference of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) as the valedictory guest, expressed his hope that the Government of India will respond positively once the Nagas unite and come together with one voice.
“Though physical integration of the Nagas may not be possible immediately, let us be integrated emotionally, politically and socially. It will become more affective once we give a push together,” Rio said.
Neiphiu Rio also wondered why it is taking too long for the Nagas to understand one another.“It’s time we unite as a people. If we fail to understand each other for all these years, then there is very less hope for solution. Because, if we do not come together but still stand divided, then there’s no point of bringing a political solution,” he said, adding that the Nagas cannot remain silent and allow the sufferings prolong.
Speaking to a host of student intellectuals from all corners of Naga inhabited areas, Rio also challenged them not to remain complacent but to rise up and compete with the rest of the world.
“If we are to sit and wait for the reservation or quotas as well as think no more beyond the minority rights granted to us by the Government of India, then we are not moving ahead but will move downward,” he stated. He added that Nagas are not inferior and he therefore urged the students to shape, mould and sharpen themselves to face challenges.
He also advised the students not to aim for shortcut to success, but to strive with hard work, discipline and sacrifice by taking life seriously.
Talking about the rich history of the Nagas which “we Nagas often boast of”, Rio, however felt that “it will be wrong on our part to always be proud of our past”. “Let us also be proud of our present and the future,” he added.
“I expect each one of you to live up to the rich tradition of the Nagas,” he told the students gathering while he also urged the NSF to contribute significantly to make the Naga homeland a better place to live in.
