Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio called upon the Nagas to seize the opportunity of settlement of the long pending Naga issue so that there could be peace in the state, to enable the people to progress and develop in all aspects.
Speaking at Ngada Mini Hornbill Festival at RSA ground, Tseminyu Old Town on Wednesday, Rio said the government on India and Naga political groups had concluded the negotiations on October 31. He reiterated that Nagas needed to be united and accept whatever was possible within the ambit of negotiations for the time being.
Stating that Nagas could continue to pursue other aspirations and rights in future, he added that the Centre had recognised their unique history and accepted the Indo-Naga issue as a political issue.
He admitted that discussions remain inconclusive over certain issues, which would require further negotiations, but expressed the hope that an agreement would be reached soon.
Referring to the festival, the chief minister said “our forefathers” had toiled hard to celebrate their harvest and urged the younger generation to work harder to fulfil their needs.
He also called upon the crowd that gathered on the occasion to rededicate themselves for the community, besides putting efforts to contribute towards the State’s welfare.
He stressed on preserving the unique cultural identity of the Nagas.
Rio remarked that members of the Rengma tribe were peace loving and hardworking, adding that majority of them in the area were into horticulture and agriculture as the land was fertile.
He urged the community to work even harder and produce more, which could bring more economic prosperity to the town.
“The surrounding rural areas are also rich in agri-horti products. And if this potential is tapped well and the produces are scientifically marketed, economic prosperity will follow,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Rengma Hoho president Kenyuseng Tep said the festival was celebrated in the month of November every year to celebrate harvesting of crops.
To mark commencement of the festival, Tseminyu village elders sounded the Ngada call, even as a folk song was presented by Tesophenyu group and Ngada dance performed by Kandi Public Union.
Animal husbandry & veterinary services and women resource development adviser R Khing extended Ngada greetings to the people.
Tuophema cultural troupe gave a cultural presentation, while cotton spinning song was sung by Zisunyu villagers and folk dance performed by Kasha Daho.
The concluding day on Thursday will be marked by indigenous games competition.
‘Govt examining Rengmas’ demand for separate district’
Stating that the State government was seriously and sincerely examining the demand for a separate district by the Rengmas, chief minister Neiphiu Rio has announced that a decision in this regard would be taken that would be in the best interest of all.
Rio said he was aware of the aspirations of the Rengma people for a separate district.
“You (Rengmas) have struggled for many years to create awareness and garner support for this cause. Normally a district is carved out purely for administrative convenience and not for other reasons. Further, the size of districts in Nagaland is very small compared to districts in other parts of the country. However, in deference to your wishes, we are examining it,” he added.
Animal husbandry & veterinary services and women resource development adviser R Khing, who too was present on the occasion, extended golden jubilee greetings of Tseminyu New Town to the people, besides conveying to PDA ministers present on the occasion about the desire of the Rengmas to have a separate district headed by a district commissioner.
He hoped that the PDA government under the leadership of Rio would fulfil the desire of the Rengma people.
Tenyimi People’s Organisation president Timikha Koza, who also spoke on the occasion, pointed out that Rengma people had stood firm and contributed immensely towards the cause of Naga national movement and struggle but regretted that when the opportunity came, the Rengma Nagas were left out.
As such, he said the community’s demand for a separated district was genuine and they deserved it even as he urged the chief minister on behalf of the organisation to consider the demand graciously.
Kechyegi Kent, a student of Baptist Higher Secondary School of Tseminyu, who too participated in the proceedings and spoke on “The Tseminyu of my dream”, said the Rengmas had been deprived of a district for too long.
“I am a proud daughter of Tseminyu and strongly feel that the Rengma people deserve a district. We all deserve it. People will know about the Rengmas and about Tseminyu when we have our own district on Nagaland’s map,” she stressed.