Nagas do not need political sovereignty, says Nuklutoshi

Minister of National Highways & mechanical, Election, Nuklutoshi while asserting that time has come for economic sovereignty said, Naga society require economic sovereignty and not political sovereignty.
He was speaking at the 67th general conference of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) on Thursday at Changtongya as chief guest.
Nuklutoshi encouraged the students gathered saying that it is now a time for economic sovereignty adding that education was very important for economic development. The minister however lamented that in Naga society today, unemployment problem has become the biggest economic problem.
Stating that youth should have social and political awareness, the minister said they should not just be “silent spectators” but voice out what is right and wrong thus echoing the need of the present Naga society.
Maintaining that Nagas, today, need peace and unity, Nukluktoshi lamented the present condition of Naga society saying “divisions” has plagued the Naga society.
Pointing out the need for change and development, the minister said this could be brought about by youth and gave a clarion call to the youths to stand up and raise their voice in truth for the society and pave way for the coming generation.
Urging upon the students to do away with “old mindset”, Nuklutoshi said education should not be limited to just acquiring certificates or degrees. He said to be compete with the rest of the world, one need study to become professionals and be skilled in various trades so as to be self sufficient.
Encouraging the youths to broaden their horizon and go beyond Nagaland, the minister said employment opportunity in Nagaland has become very limited with 64% state budget being used for salary alone.
He also said that a society should be an economy based society where entrepreneurship and skill development should be the viable options as base for the society so that a society becomes self sufficient and an income generating society.
Expressing concern that “our” society was losing its identity, Nukluktoshi said the young generation should know their roots and preserve and protect “our” culture and traditions.
He also called upon the AKM to strive towards achieving peace in Nagaland saying that unless the Naga society stands united, peace and unity will be far off.
Earlier in the program, president AKM L. Jemti Longchar delivered the welcome address while president Ao Senden and president NSF exhorted the gathering. Special songs were presented by the conference choir and Ao Kaketshir Telongjem Delhi. The chief guest also released souvenir.
Meanwhile, the second session was held with Oriental Theological Seminary, Principal Rev. Dr. Wati Aier as the resource person.
Speaking on the conference theme “Resolute Affirmation”, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier stated at present Nagas were in need for self-criticism to rationalize a resolute affirmation.
Lamenting that Nagas “keep on looking backward instead of looking forward”, Rev. Wati urged the younger generation to look forward and bring about renaissance in the Naga society.
Earlier short speeches were also delivered by Watsu Mungdang President, Moachila and Central Nagaland Students’ Association, President Charles Lotha. The session was chaired by former AKM President, N Akok Longkumer and the interactive session on the speaker’s topic was moderated by Sakulemba Jamir. The AKM in the program felicitated two persons namely Longrangty Longchar and Aso Imsong for their contribution in authoring a book titled “The Breached Walls”, a book on AKM’s Survival Mokokchung.