The five-day Celebration of the quasquicentennial of Mokokchung town, the second oldest district headquarter in Nagaland, under the theme “Pioneering Ahead” was kick-started with the unveiling of the Jubilee Monolith at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex by Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang as chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister lauded Mokokchung for producing leaders and pioneers who shaped development and civilization in Nagaland especially in the spread of Christianity and education to other tribes.
Zeliang also recalled how Mokokchung town played an important role in the historic events that shaped the destiny of Nagaland such as the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in 1959, which drafted the 16 Point Agreement of 1960 on the basis of which the Nagaland became the 16th state in 1963.
He also said Mokokchung has been the regional bastion of the state, when the United Democratic Front (UDF), the forerunner of Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) was formed and which won all ten assembly seats. Even at present, he said all ten legislators of Mokokchung are in the NPF-led DAN government.
The chief minister congratulated the people of Mokokchung for the rare unity among their legislators. Zeliang said as Mokokchung celebrates its 125th year, its people should realise how far they have travelled the path of civilisation from jungle life-style to modernisation.
Touching on economic progress, he lamented that even after 125 years of township and 52 years of statehood, people of Nagaland were yet to achieve self-sufficiency in various food items. He urged the present generation to set a target for self-sufficiency that was within reach. He also urged upon the young entrepreneurs to be mentally prepared for such ventures and assured of his government’s commitment to extend help either through state fund or central schemes.
He suggested formulation of a district plan for higher production of crops and other industrial raw materials, which could help bring a sense of development and progress.
Further, Zeliang said Mokokchung was “ the most fortunate district” as all six National Highways of the state would connect Mokokchung to provide it with a futuristic scope.
He however reminded people on the need to understand that merely being connected by several highways should not be only for public movement but for development of the district. Zeliang expressed the hope that Mokokchung would continue to set the trend for all other districts to emulate in the decades ahead towards making the Nagaland a self-sufficient state in the country.
He also released the jubilee souvenir and earlier unveiled the jubilee monolith.
Nuklotoshi: Earlier in his welcome speech, Minister of NH, Mechanical & Election Nuklutoshi recalled the establishment of Mokokchung town in 1890 as sub-divisional headquarter during the British rule in India. From being just a dot in the map, he said today Mokokchung town has progressed as the nerve centre of the Aos and centre of religious, educational, social, political, art and culture in Nagaland.
Nuklutoshi also said though Mokokchung town was founded in Ao land, yet majority of the early inhabitants were from different parts of the country who lived and coexisted in peace and harmony as testified by presence of mosques, mandirs, and churches.
He said the religious diversity added a feather in the headgear of progress and prosperity of Mokokchung.
Highlights of the inaugural function included : ‘March of Honour’ by different communities residing in Mokokchung in their traditional attire; a song “Mokokchung’ by children composed by Tiameren Aier; cultural displays by troupes from neighbouring districts from Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto besides Mokokchung; greetings by Puryapang on behalf of land owners; speech on ‘Reminiscence’ by Bendangnukshi Longkumer and special presentation on the history of the town by Fazl Ali College. DC Mokokchung Sushil Kumar IAS gave the vote of thanks.