With an objective to address the unique challenges faced by Eastern Nagaland and promote harmony among its diverse tribes, the Eastern Nagaland Students’ Leaders (ENSL) consultative meeting and cultural exchange was held on November 14 at Eden Resource Centre, Tuensang town.
The event was a collaborative initiative, co-funded by the European Union and orchestrated by the National Foundation of India (NFI) in partnership with the Dolen Thangjam Society, Tuensang, and Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF).
A press release by NFI stated that the comprehensive consultation not only addressed the pressing issue of conflict resolution but also laid the foundation for initiatives supporting minority rights, empowering women, fostering sustainable socio-economic development, promoting education, and encouraging cultural cooperation among the participating communities.
NFI said the consultative meeting and cultural exchange served as a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey towards peace, understanding, and collaborative development in the region.
During the event, ECS secretary, Rev Dr Chingmak delved into the intricacies of “comprehensive understanding of peace”, while Chang Baptist Lashing Thangyen (CBLT) executive secret
ary, Rev. Achu Chang shared profound insights on the vital aspect of “leadership.”
Visiting Professor Ian from Sydney, Australia, spoke briefly on peace and leadership, broadening the horizon of the discourse.
NFI informed that 50 youth leaders from the eastern districts of Nagaland, representing seven distinct tribes—Chang, Phom, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, Konyak, and Tikhir attended the event.
It said the primary objective of the consultation was to establish a conducive environment for dialogue built upon mutual trust, with a specific focus on socio-political inclusion in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
The consultation also aimed to identify any gaps or shortcomings in achieving a common ground for conflict resolution.