Nagaland chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu on Tuesday made a clarion call to the people of Nagaland to seek for an early and honourable settlement to the decades-old Naga political issue.
“Nagas have been suffering for too long, we hope that the Naga political problem could be solved honourably and amicably,” Dr. Liezietsu said this while addressing a mammoth gathering here at Imkongmeren Sports Complex as chief guest in the occasion of Moatsü, the premier festival of the Ao Nagas.
The festival this year had a unique feature wherein for the first time in the history of Moatsü festival, the Ao community had invited the Angami community to take part in the festival. Over a thousand Angami tribesmen clad in their unique cultural attires joined in the celebrations. The celebration was a significant and a historic one as it marked a new era of peace and unity among various communities in the state. The celebration was held under the aegis of Ao Senden with the participation of APO. The APO represented by all four ranges numbering around 1200 members attended the celebration today. The celebration was also graced by APO president Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi as guest of honour.
In the historic occasion, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu lamented that the society including the Naga political groups were fragmented. “Let’s do our best to be in a position of a civilised state because fighting for supremacy in a family can never help a family to move ahead and it can never compete with other peoples of the country,” he said.
“Each one of us needs to contribute our best to see that our problem (Naga political issue) is solved once and for all, each one of us has a role. If there is no peace, there cannot be progress and development,” he said echoing his party’s slogan of Development for Peace, Peace for Development.
He called upon the citizens to examine whether “we can stand on our own feet, whether we can survive as a people.” He said people needed to be more serious and see that peace comes to our land. Dr. Liezietsu acknowledged that the Ao community were the most fortunate among the Naga tribe to have first received the Gospel and education.
Therefore, he went on to state that “if Aos were the first among the Nagas in many fronts, Nagas expect you to play the role of a big brother among the Naga community.”
In this regard he called upon the Ao community to shoulder the special responsibility and lead the Naga people.
He also said it was incumbent on the part of advanced tribes to “spread the message of love through our Lord Jesus Christ”. On the occasion, the chief minister also exhorted the Ao community to continue to be the torch bearers in spreading the message of Christ and Naga brotherhood.
He said “Aos must be the bulwark against outside forces which are relentless in trying to take our society back to the pre-Christian days.”
Dr. Liezietsü maintained that as both the Ao and Angami community exchanged the vows of brotherhood on the occasion, the message should be spread to all the communities of Nagaland. “Let this be a milestone and beginning from this milestone let us see that we are bringing different communities closer to one another and closer to God. Let us all move together to spread the news of peace,” he concluded.
APO president Dr. Velhusa Seleyi also spoke on the occasion. On behalf of the APO, Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi presented a shield and a spear to the Ao senden and said that coming together of the two communities was not to dominate or manipulate others but to lead our society to a brighter future. He said that the exchange of gifts would foster brotherhood between the two communities thereby making history for posterity.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Ao Senden president, C. Angang Jamir, while Moatsü greetings were delivered by minister, Imkong L Imchen; Addl. chief secretary, Temjen Toy; CNTC president Hokhiye Yepthomi, ENPO vice president Mongko and Watsü Mungdang president Moachila. Cultural items were also presented by Northern Angami Public Organization, Ongpangkong Mungdang, Asetkong Mungdang, Southern Angami Public Organization, Jangpetkong Senso Mungdang, Western Angami Public Organization, Kosasanger Salokum Roko, Ungma.
The program also witnessed exhibition tug-of-war initiated by the All Ward Union Mokokchung Town. The vote of thanks was delivered by M. Bendangnukshi Longkumer, former President Ao Senden. The chief minister was also accompanied by NLA speaker, host of ministers, legislators, officials and tribal representatives.
Joint resolution of APO and Ao Senden
On the occasion, presidents of APO and Ao Senden also issued a joint resolution wherein both the apex bodies agreed to: 1. Work for peace, tranquillity and integrity of all the Nagas.
2. It is our steadfast endeavour to approach all the tribal bodies to renew the effort to unify our people. We must shed our tolerant ego and tribalistic character that has plagued our people and society. The inherent spirit of love that man should love his neighbors as himself is the approach towards a brighter future of our people.
3. With conviction, we also recognize that our unity is the only process to bring healing and development.
4. Nagas are one and can never be otherwise. And believe that building bridges towards internal peace is the first essential step for achieving long term and sustainable peace in Nagaland.
5. It is an established fact that our political situation is at a very complex state which requires all Naga communities to give effort towards finding solution to the many issues and challenges our society is wrestling with.
In this regard, the apex bodies said that “this festival embodies the fostering of unity of Nagas beyond Ao Senden and APO.”