Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda is on a three-day visit to Nagaland. Munda who arrived in the state today inaugurated the Kuda Sports Complex in Dimapur. The project is funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and implemented by the Nagaland State Department of Tribal Affairs, with the vision to promote sports in the State. The Union Minister also visited the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun at Medziphima. He met the officials and discussed various factors associated with animal husbandry. The Union Minister was accompanied by Nagaland Minister of Higher Education & Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along, State Minister Kashiho Sangtam and Tribal Affairs Department officials.
Later, the Union Minister laid the foundation stone of the Kohima Village Multipurpose (KVM) building at Kohima Village Ground, Ziekezou.
Munda stated that it is the vision of the Prime Minister to see that the North Eastern states come to par with the developed states of the country. He added that the Government of India is putting in a lot of effort to see that development in all the areas are looked into so the people of the region do not feel left behind.
The Union Minister said that there are over 700 tribal groups in India with their own unique identity, tradition, culture and language. Being a tribal himself, he said that where ever one goes in the midst of tribal people, they see the characteristics of the tribal people.
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio speaking at the program called Munda “a friend” who has a deep concern for the tribal people. He stated that the Union Minister laying the foundation stone was a blessing. Rio urged Munda for release of fund for the building on time so that the building will be completed as scheduled.
Minister, Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along, who also spoke at the function, informed that the first phase of funds has been released by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to the Department of Tribal Affairs, Government of Nagaland. He urged the village leaders to issue land certificates and other papers, and for construction to start early so that the Department of Tribal Affairs can co-ordinate with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to get the remaining funds early.
People come to Nagaland to see the rich traditions and culture: Rio
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that people come to Nagaland to see the rich traditions and unique cultures of the Nagas. The Chief Minister was speaking at the Foundation Stone laying program of the Kohima Village Multipurpose building in Kohima today. He expressed pride that the Nagas continue to preserve their traditions, cultures and customary laws, saying that they are what make the Nagas different. Rio emphasized that along with modern buildings and amenities, Naga motifs and Naga designs can be added, so that in the near future Nagaland can become a heritage city.
MTNews (with AIR/DIPR inputs)