Unity is the need of the hour for the State to survive: Neiphiu Rio

Kohima, November 30 (MTNews): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that unity is the need of the hour for the State to survive as a community. Speaking at the Kohima DPDB meeting, Rio said that after a thorough study in 2006, the State Government logo was changed from Ashok Chakra to Mithun as ‘the unity Government of Nagaland’ since the Government of India is recognizing the uniqueness of Nagas.

Therefore, keeping in line with this, Rio said that the Hornbill Festival is a celebration of State day where all the cultural troupes of the Naga tribes come together to participate in the celebration. He said that it is a festival of cultural extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of the Naga heritage. Over the years, he said the festival has become a unique platform for tourists from around the world to witness the cultural diversity not only of the Nagas but also the other states of North East India.

Rio also commended the Village/Ward Adoption Committee program under the aegis of Kohima District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) is an innovative program. Rio lauded the Kohima DPDB for coming up with the innovative program of village/ward adoption for the welfare of the villages and farmers. “In the context of Nagaland, if the villages are not developed, then Nagaland can never be developed and our target was to double the income of farmers and make village life more comfortable,” added Rio.

Appreciating the district officers for taking active part in the board and carrying out the government’s policies and programs, Rio encouraged them to share the important responsibilities amongst the members and to help out the public towards the development of the district. He also challenged the district officers to take keen interest in bringing innovations and adopt good policies and set an example to other districts.

Rio felt that the day was one of the most important DPDB meetings as Christmas has brought the members together in the year’s ending. He said that Christmas is a time when most of the people go back to their respective villages and socialize with villagers, meet families and friends and get involved in Christmas activities. He therefore said that one should keep the village clean, healthy and be engaged with activities during this festive season.

Rio also spoke on the unemployment issue, where he pointed out that one must work more to earn more citing that the business community and shops that are being taken up by non Nagas coming from outside the state. He also pointed out that Nagas should come out from individualism or tribalism and get up to the level of Nagaism and work collectively for Naga people so that everybody would succeed.

On the matter of issuing Indigenous Certificates to indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland, Rio said that the real responsibility lies with the grassroots i.e. the Village Council and the nearest administrative officer who will be certifying the person for issue of Indigenous Certificate from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. He said that the responsibility is therefore with the village council to give the right certification of the person to avoid any penalties and the administrative officers should be aware of the amendment of the Village Council and Tribal Council Act and guide the district people.

Kohima Legislators, Advisor, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire; Advisor Youth Resource & Sports, Zale Neikha; Advisor Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhokha; MLA & Chairman, DPDB Kohima, Keneizhakho Nakhro and MLA Khriehu Liezietsu also attended the program.

The Kohima DPDB Day Out cum Advent Christmas event was held at Youth Recreational Hall, Pfuchama, Kohima on November 29.