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Dimapur, Dec. 13 (EMN): Western Chakhesang Students’ Union (WCSU) celebrated its golden jubilee with the theme ‘Pressing towards a vibrant sustainable future’ on Tuesday at Western Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (WCBCC) Mission Centre, 7th Mile village, Chümoukedima.
Addressing the event as special guest, Minister of PHED, Jacob Zhimomi, said Nagas have travelled quite far with “minor tussles here and there, be it in social, political or religious issues” and that the scenario remains unchanged till today.
Stating that all the students and youths gathered on the occasion were in the midst of preparation to lead the state tomorrow, Zhimomi expressed confidence that parents, teachers and elders would give guidance to the younger generation.
He said that currently, Naga society comprises of 70% youth force and the state human resource is a literate population, but many youths might have got “frustrated due to several reasons.”
While reminding that everyone cannot become what they wanted to be, he however said once a person acquires good education, he or she becomes humble, modest and an asset to the society.
Zhimomi also exhorted that economy of a family is very important and one must be aware of family per capita income and live according to the standard of their parents.
The minister added that Nagas are a fortunate people as they do not pay income tax to the central government. “Nagaland is surviving through the grant-in-aids from the central government, while 70% of the grant is used in salary and only 30% is used for development,” he said.
Zhimomi also stated that Nagaland has around 20 lakh population with above 1.45 lakh government employees. Whereas, the state requires only 15000 to serve the people and this is how the state is losing out in the grant-in-aids given by the Government of India, he said.
Lamenting on the disintegration and fragmentation of peace and unity amongst the Nagas - both over ground and over ground – he pointed out that unless they become united as one people, their long-felt desire of inclusive, honorable and permanent political settlement will never materialise.
'We all need to re- examine ourselves and work towards uniting our people and not become divided further,” he stated.
On state election, Zhimomi said, "Election is a Constitutional matter and in the event of election in the early part of 2023,” the political parties and leaders need public mandate to carry out all aspects of development.
NPCC president K Therie, the guest of honour, in his address said Nagas were feeling a sense of helplessness as the people of Nagaland cannot decide their own future but depend on others.
Therie urged the gathering to develop their minds and draw their strength from God and their ancestors, and added that strength, power and might lie with the community.
He further urged the gathering that to take the right decision and elect their representatives responsibly in the upcoming election for the benefit of the society, the upcoming generation, and the state.
President, Chakhesang Students’ Union, Avezo Kevin Kapu, general secretary, Western Chakhesang Hoho, and Zasekhoyi Ringa, also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, WCSU president, Nuvoto Lohe, delivered the welcome address.