Peace can’t be forced but earned: Governor

Nagaland Governor Prof. Jagsidh Mukhi maintained that peace cannot be forced upon but should be understood and accepted by all and for which people wielding power need to shake off their vain pride and work for peace.
The Governor said this at a programme commemorating 70 years of peace (triennial summit of the Phoms) under the theme: “Proliferating Phom Day Beyond”, at Longleng public ground Monday.
Prof. Mukhi said a broken society can only be healed when people stop abusing power and opportunities and start working for sustainable peace alongside sustainable development.
The governor mentioned that the declaration of June 6, 1952 as Phom Day, marked an important event as Longleng district was flourishing due to the spirit of universal brotherhood, DIPR report stated.
Emphasising that peace was the urgent need of the day, Prof.Mukhi said he was deeply inspired to learn that leaders and peace heroes of Longleng had persuaded village elders of the tribe to shun the evil practice of conflicts, take an oath to end the head hunting, pledge to be peaceful and remain loyal to the government.
He said Phom Day should not only be about laying down of arms, which remained buried below the peace monument now, but also about laying down pride, greed, isms, misunderstandings and prejudice. He commented that it was also about giving up superiority over the weak, the poor and the environment at our disposal.
He said India was on a transformational path and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) was a major initiative taken by the Central government. He however clarified that India’s quest for self-reliance did not mean isolation but rather in creating capabilities that would help the entire humanity in the true spirit of world as one family.
The governor said he eagerly look forward to the platinum jubilee year of Phom Day and appealed to the peace-loving Phom community to bury egos and pursue a common dream of lasting peace.
He called upon the gathering to join the peace movement within the community and beyond with other tribes.
Principal chief conservator of forests and head of Forest Force Dharmendra Prakash, who too was present on the occasion, gave a speech on “Peace with Environment”.
Short speeches were also delivered by health & family welfare minister S Pangnyu Phom, and Longleng District Planning & Development Board chairman BS Nganlang, MLA, DC Sivasagar district, Kuki Tribal Union (KTU) president and United Sangtam Likhum Pumji president.
Invocation was proposed by Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) woman secretary Angbhen, while welcome and introduction was given by Phom People’s Council (PPC) president Shami Angh, acknowledgement by PPC vice-president Shasha, greetings by Longleng DC M Shayung Phom and significance of Phom Day was explained by T Imdong Phom.
Highlights of the daylong celebrations included peace folk dances by Hakchang village, Tuensang and Kongan village, Mon district, presentation of NI Jamir Academic Award and Phom Day Award by Association of Phom Graduates and Officers (APGO) president, affirmation and reaffirmation of Phom Day pledge, prayer of blessings by Phom pastors led by PBCA executive secretary Tialemba Phom, a play on significance of Phom Day by Christian School, cultural dance by Tamlu village Bahadhu and Oushok Nyuhadhu, inauguration of exhibition stall and peace promoting games – Peace Marathon and volleyball for both men and women.