Staff Reporter
Minister for Higher Education & Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along on Monday categorically stressed on the need for Nagas to have greater unity in order to go forward.
Addressing the introductory session of the two-day Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) 4th general conference, which commenced here at Agri expo site, 4th mile on the theme “Beyond boundaries”, Along said: “To make our presence known, we need to make sure that greater unity is achieved traditionally, economically and culturally.”
He also said that “if we take the right path, we will be an epitome for all tribes.”
Expressing regret on division within the society, the minister called upon CNSA to foster the spirit of unity among the Nagas.
He also asserted on building better narratives of the Naga society in order to usher in a new Nagaland.
“We need to update the narratives in the right way taking guidance from our elders, so that we all be able to exist in prosperity, peace and unity,” he stated.
Along also suggested organizing conclaves that would provide platform to speak about new narrative and also focused on digital Nagaland and tribal rights of the people.
The minister encouraged CNSA, that being leaders of the future they needed to shoulder the responsibility to build a new Nagaland. In his opening remark, organizing committee convener S Zhevihe Sumi explained about the objectives of CNSA.
Zhevihe said that CNSA was formed to strengthen and create a bond of cordial relationship between the three brothers– Ao, Lotha and Sumi.
Meanwhile, the foundation report was read out by former NSF president NSN Lotha wherein he asserted that the association was formed solely to bring about unity and not to create any differences.
He called upon the three brothers to continue to endeavor towards progress and to ensure the platform was not misused for self-interest.
The invocation was offered by Diphupar Sumi Baptist Church pastor Jacob Achumi, welcome song was presented by All Sumi Students Union (SKK) and greeting message was delivered by Lotha Hoho representative.
The programme was chaired by Bito Yeptho and K Lereni Lotha.
The inaugural session will be held on April 19, with deputy chief minister Y Patton as chief guest and Imkong L Imchen, MLA as special guest.