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Neiphiu Rio addresses the gathering at the Ngada Festival on Wednesday, at RSA ground, Tseminyu Old Town.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 27 (EMN): The Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday urged the Nagas to unite for an early settlement of the Naga political issue, now that negotiation between the Government of India (GoI) and Naga political groups had concluded on October 31.
The chief minister was speaking at the Ngada mini-Hornbill Festival at RSA ground in Tseminyu Old Town, on November 27.
Rio asserted that there were some inconclusive discussions that needed further negotiations while expressing the need for early inking of the final deal. He maintained the GoI had recognised the unique history of the Nagas. India being a democratic country, eventually we shall pursue the rights and political aspirations of the Nagas, he stated.
The CM said that Ngada festival, which was celebrated by the forefathers of the Rengmas with traditional song and dance, was to show gratitude for bountiful harvest and to ask for protection and look forward to new blessings.
“Today, even though we are Christians, we have gathered here to celebrate the festival and follow the ‘good traits’ our forefathers have been practicing and I am grateful to the organisers and leaders,” he said.
Describing the people of Rengma tribe as hardworking and peace-loving, he lauded the community for preserving their culture and adhering to the law and order of the government. He also expressed happiness at progress and ‘great administration’ seen even in the new town that was expanded due to population expansion.
“Tseminyu is a small town in Naga society but I am thankful for your support in the Naga cause,” he said.
Rio also mentioned that the Rengmas were fortunate because their area is in national highway area and the possibility of becoming a centre for production of agriculture and horticulture products as the land is fertile. This will improve economy in the town, he said. “I believe that you can progress in this matter and extend your economy,” he said, adding that proper planning is needed and amenities taken into consideration while creating a new town.
He further said that he was informed about the Rengmas’ demand for a new district.
“Population is less but depending on the progress and development of the town, the government will determine and see to it,” he stated while citing India’s biggest district situated in Gujarat that is three bigger than the size of Nagaland. “But in our state, there are many tribes and areas which make it difficult to administer and that is why there are so many districts in our state,” he added.
He mentioned that they have the right to demand and encouraged them by saying that “the quality of the community matters and you should excel and show something extraordinary” to others. He informed that the government would study it and see what they could do.
Rio urged the scholars to “research on our history and culture, preserve our own identity”. He asked the community to produce more agricultural products like their ancestors, as their lands are fertile, and requested the young generation to work hard. “Let us rededicate ourselves, be intellectuals in our tribe and also contribute to the society and the state,” he added.
