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Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio speaking at the ongoing NSF general conference on Wednesday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Tzurang Valley (Mokokchung), May 31 (EMN): Nagaland Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio today spoke on the need for unity and peace in the society and said that a settlement to the protracted Naga issue will come once the Naga people understand that they have to come together.
The former chief minister, who was the special guest at the ‘cultural regale’ at the 27th NSF general conference on Wednesday afternoon, asserted that the Naga struggle has not failed the people since the Naga issue has been accepted as a political problem, and the unique history of the Nagas recognised by the government of India.
He also added that the government of India is also willing to solve the issue, while lamenting on disunity among the Naga people. Nagas need to understand that they must come together and unite as one, Rio said.
“By fighting we are not going to win the mighty India, it should be through dialogue and reasoning, therefore we must come together leaving aside our differences and move forward in order to achieve a workable solution to the Naga political issue,” Rio said."Today we are at the crossroads, it is a time that requires qualities of foresight and practical wisdom to take the right decision”.
In this connection, the MP urged the Naga Students’ Federation to reach out to the Naga brethren in Arunachal, Myanmar and neighbouring states, adding, NSF is the only organization, who can bring the Nagas together.
Citing the church-led campaign for clean elections, Rio also stressed on the need for reformation and transformation in Naga society. He opined that the members of the church should act to bring the transformation desired by the Nagas.
"Unless things change your dreams and hopes are blurred and it is not clear how it will become," the MP said.
Rio also said that we are living in a generation where everything is moving at a pace, and there is a great tendency to be carried away and lose our own roots.
In this regard, he said, there arises a great need on the part of the young people to reflect on the importance of culture which is the most important ingredient of our identity.
“I hope the NSF will continue to be a beacon of light in our society as we move forward to build a future for the next generation,” Rio said.
Six federating units of the NSF: All Sumi Students Union, Thangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Angami Students Union, Maring Students Union, Chakhesang Students’ Union and Ao Students’ Conference – presented cultural items at the cultural regale programme. A cultural troupe from the All Assam Students’ Union also presented a Bihu dance.
