State chief minister Neiphiu Rio extended greeting to the Lothas on Tokhu Emong celebrated at Wokha where he stressed on promotion of progressive culture that embodies the anticipation of a bountiful harvest and encourage work culture among people for economic progress to the state.
Speaking at Wokha town, Rio appealed to Lothas to take up responsibility for preserving forests and bio-diversity. He said bio-diversity should be preserved as climate change was being experienced globally.
Dwelling on tourism potential in the “land of plenty”, Rio said Wokha district was fortunate to have amur falcon roosting site and urged people to preserve the birds and assured help of the state government.
Rio said the Tragopan Sanctuary at Khonoma village in Kohima district was well maintained and which has made it an international tourist attraction.
He also spoke of discovery of around 200 varieties of butterflies that migrated to Zunheboto district. Rio said all these– Amur falcon in Wokha, Tragopan in Khonoma and butterflies in Zunheboto are rich in bio-diversity and will benefit tourism in Nagaland.
Quoting an environmentalist, Rio cautioned that too many activities in amur falcon roosting sites could disturb the birds . He urged tour organisers to ensure that the birds were not disturbed. Rio said the State government has decided to declare Nagaland “plastic free” by offering an alternative and mulled distribution of Rs 10 lakh each to all the districts under Chief Minister’s corpus fund for production of paper, jute and bamboo bags. He also encouraged people to take up mass production of paper bags. Rio also stressed on promotion of Naga cuisines while highlighting Naga culture etc and also on the objective behind mini-hornbills in all districts. Rio said the participation of Assamese, Rengma and Ao cultural troupes at Tokhu Emong, reflected cordial relationship and brotherhood among them.
Deputy Chief minister Y. Patton thanked the Assamese, Rengma and Ao troupes for their participation and called for maintaining lasting peace between people of the two States.
On the occasion of Tokhu Emoung, Patton on behalf of all four Lotha legislators, appealed to people to forgive, forget past mistakes and strengthen the community and march with unity. He also scotched rumours of political instability saying such talks from the opposition was “quite natural”. Patton assured people that the PDA government will provide good governance and a stable government.
Horticulture adviser Mhathung Yanthan delivered greetings on the occasion, while Rev NT Murry spoke on the significance of the festival. Ministers G Kaito Aye and S. Pangnyu Phom, advisers Pukhai and Kashito, senior government officials, representatives from Ao Senden, Rengma Hoho and others also attended.