Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir said that Article 371A should not be misinterpreted and misused for selfish interests, which would in turn hamper development activities in the State.
According to DIPR report, Metsubo, while speaking as the chief guest at the Annual General Meeting of the Kohima Ao Union on Saturday at Molu Ki, Kohima, reminded that Article 371A was incorporated into the constitution solely to protect the rights of the people of Nagaland from being exploited by people from outside the State.
He, however, lamented that several developmental activities in the State have been hampered due to land issues and conflicts with land owners, who often put various agencies in tough spots due to unreasonable compensations by claiming their rights citing Article 371A. Highlighting about unemployment issue, Metsubo further stressed on the need for fast-paced economic development to provide more avenues for the people to be employed.
He further encouraged the Ao community settled outside Mokokchung to make positive contributions towards the development of Mokokchung and ensure that it develops into a business hub which will cater to the needs of the nearby districts such as Longleng, Tuensang and Zunheboto as well.
The minister also congratulated and appreciated the efforts of the leaders of the union, both past and present, for keeping the union strong for more than four decades. He encouraged the present leaders to train the younger generation well so that they can carry on the legacy of the union for years to come.
Senior advocate Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench C.T. Jamir while exhorting the gathering said that the name given to Mokokchung and its people as ‘the land of Pioneers’ was an honour as well as a responsibility which every individual Ao must take seriously and ensure that the tribe lives up to the honour bestowed upon them.
He said that the time has come for the Ao people to retrospect and know their weaknesses and work hard towards making positive changes to the society as a whole.
CT Jamir also said it was time to provide equal platform to women in all walks of life, asserting that a society can only move ahead when both men and women work together as equals and make equal contributions in accordance to one’s capabilities.
In his brief speech, advisor Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation Imkong L. Imchen said that Mokokchung and the Ao people in general were blessed in more ways than one and that the Aos should be grateful for the opportunities given to them.
Earlier outgoing president of Kohima Ao Union L. Cubalepzuk Ao delivered the welcome address while vice president T. Chubayanger Ao pronounced the vote of thanks.
A new team was also elected for the tenure 2023-2025 to be headed by T. Chubayanger as the president, vice president Moanungsang Jamir, general secretary Temjen Pongen and asst. general secretary L. Sashi Imchen.
Saturday, May 2, 2026