Our Correspondent
Diphu, Nov. 17 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday extended greetings to the people of Karbi Anglong on the occasion of the 71st Karbi Anglong Day.
Speaking at a programme at Taralangso as chief guest, Rio said, “It is very heartwarming that we are living in this part of the world. We can change our friends, we can part ways as friends, but as neighbours, we cannot change our neighbours. It is a privilege and we must live together. When wealth is lost nothing is lost, when health is lost something is lost, when our character is lost everything is lost. On Karbi Anglong Day, the anniversary of the district of Karbi Anglong, we have to remember the rich tradition, the culture, the customs, protect our identity and dance.”
The CM said Karbi and Nagas have been living together for generations, while there is a Karbi Morung at Kisama in Kohima.
They exhibit their rich culture and traditions and are always a part and parcel of the cultural troupe and dances for tourists at the Hornbill Festival, he said.
‘We have some boundary dispute between Assam and Nagaland but no big issue has come up and today we have much more understanding; we have excellent people-to-people relationship and the spirit of the neighborhood continues. We must coexist and remain good neighbors; and if any dispute arises, we must resolve it among ourselves amicably,’ he added.
Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC),Tuliram Ronghang said, ‘The celebration of Karbi Anglong Day is related to our history. We have been celebrating it ever since we got Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and today we are here. We got our land, culture, custom and usage. People have been leading Karbi Anglong; I am blaming no one but they were missing something. With the advice of people like Dharam Teron and others we have decided to celebrate the 71st Karbi Anglong Day, the day the district was founded.’
He further said, “Karbi Anglong is home to many tribes and communities. Karbi, Dimasa, Kuki, Rengma, Garo, Nagas, Khasi, Ahoms and many more have been living together since time immemorial. It is a combination of tribes, culture and language making it unique, colourful and beautiful. I have a vision for Karbi Anglong. Rise above the circumstances and make it the epitome of progress and happiness.”
Further, stressing on the demand for autonomous state, he urged for unity and fight for Autonomous State under Article 244 (A) as one.
Meanwhile, Minister of Hills Area Development, Jogen Mohan said that the Assam government is with Karbi Anglong in its aim for progress.
He said,’Peace has prevailed in Karbi Anglong. Peace means development and progress. Medical college is there and many other projects are going on. There is support for the progress of the district. If we work together we can make Karbi Anglong go a long way.’
Earlier in the morning, Ronghang hoisted the national flag at KAAC Secretariat and remembered the founders of Karbi Anglong.
BTC’s Deputy CEM, Gobinda Basumatary; MP Horen Sing Bey; MLAs of Nagaland, Picto and Azeto; former Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of United Democratic Alliance, TR Zeliang and others were present at the day's event.