Rio hopes tourists will spread Naga brand

[caption id="attachment_284461" align="alignnone" width="565"] Rio with Dy. CM and others at the inauguration of Angami Morung. (EM Images)[/caption] Our Correspondent Kisama, Nov. 25 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday expressed hope that visitors to the Hornbill Festival, when they go home, will be good ambassadors of Naga people and ‘talk good of us’. He reminded that it was up to the people of Nagaland to ensure the visitors leave with good impression. Rio was speaking during the inauguration of Angami morung at Kisama on Monday. He said that more people will visit the state only if those who come leave with good stories to tell. “We have a long way to go, so this will be one step forward in making this place a tourist destination to promote our culture. Let good things begin from here and spread all over. Let Nagaland be the land of real festivals where there is harmony, peace and development,” said Rio. The chief minister maintained that ‘Kisama is the place where all Naga tribes in the state of Nagaland make our respective traditional morung to showcase our rich cultural traditions’. He asserted that the government’s intention was to promote every year “in different ways, the rich tradition and culture of our people”. Speaking about morung, Rio said that it was more than just a house. “It is a mechüki, a community house.” The chief minister acknowledged the Angami Public Organisation, and community leaders for constructing a new morung; and all the Angami legislators for the contributions. The new morung was dedicated by Rev. Keviyiekielie Linyii, and traditional blessing administered by Neisa Thol. ‘Accessible tourism’ Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), Diethono Nakhro was also present at the inaugural event—which saw ramps being made (access for PwD) till the Angami morung. Interacting with media persons, she said that it was the first time she had been able to access the tribal house. She noted that efforts were being made towards achieving accessibility and requested the department concerned for more facilities, especially for PwD. Nakhro advocated ‘accessible tourism’ and urged the government to take up the matter on priority.