PHEK DISTRICT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF EXISTENCE
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio emphasised that even if the Naga tribes were demarcated into respective districts, the spirit of oneness should be kept alive. He said this while addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of Phek district on the theme “Transcending in Truth” held at Phek town local ground on Thursday.
Rio appealed to Nagas to uphold unity and work towards building better relations with each other, adding that Nagas were one family.
He described Phek as one of Nagaland’s most progressive districts, noting the district’s advancements in education and sports. He praised the hardworking and honest people, highlighting their achievements at the national and international levels. Rio urged the Chakhesang tribe and people of Phek district in general to persist in their pursuit for excellence.
Stressing that reaching the 50-year milestone was a time to remember and be grateful to the pioneers and leaders who worked for the benefit of the people, Rio mentioned former leaders, including N Theyo who inaugurated the district in 1973, Vamuzo, Melupra Vero, L Mero and others who had been instrumental in leading not just the government but the civil society.
He said their contributions had to be honoured and the people should thank them for rendering their services. While looking back at the achievements and be thankful for the past, he mentioned that they should at the same time think for their future and set goals in order to move forward. The chief minister hoped and prayed that the district would continue to progress.
He admitted that while creating new districts, certain tribes had to be clubbed together based on their compatibility, adding that it was being done even today when creating new districts.
He said the letter from Pochury Hoho seeking a separate district along with endorsement letters from neighbouring people were currently with the government, hoping that in due time necessary steps would be taken in this regard.
Drawing attention to the theme “Transcending in Truth”, Rio said it was very appropriate as the Chakhesang tribe was following it to the fullest.
He regretted that Naga society currently was fragmented into many groups and divisions where even siblings, parents and their children were unable to understand one another. However, he expressed happiness that Phek district was united and working in cohesion with one another. He said given the current situation, even while having any serious discussion, Nagas were too afraid or unable to speak the truth and often brush it aside.
He remarked that the reason there was no peace among the Nagas was because people were indecisive, put up a facade in order to not displease each other and were untruthful. Rio said people should make truth their core principle and uphold the moral values taught in Christianity.
He pointed out that when people were honest, hardworking and truthful, they would be rewarded with success and happiness.
He noted that Chakhesang and Pochury people living in Phek district were diligently upholding the moral values of honesty and truthfulness, and preserving their traditional song and dances, for which the district was rightly being called the “Land of Traditions”. He said the Village Development Board (VDB) that started from the district had now reached the entire state.
Even in competitive exams conducted by the UPSC, NPSC, NSSB, etc, and board exams, people from the district, even though categorised as backward, came out in flying colours and secured top positions. He also noted that the district had produced an Olympian 50 years after Dr T Ao.
He commented that if the Naga issue was resolved, then the people would be in a much better place. He admitted that the vexed issue had hampered development, leading the state to lag behind, while talented youth were also unable to fully express themselves.
In his welcome address, programme committee convener and NPF legislator Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu expressed gratitude to pioneers and former chief ministers who had contributed to the district’s development. He also credited Rio for infrastructure advancements in the area.
In his speech, minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye acknowledged the contributions of pioneers and civil society in reaching the important milestone. He expressed gratitude to the officials that had served the district since the time it was a sub-division.
New & Renewable Energy and NSDMA adviser Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, CAWD and Taxes adviser Kudecho Khamo, MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero, Pochury Hoho president Chonpa Jurry and Chakhesang Public Organisation president Vezuhu Keyho also spoke on the occasion.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Phek, Kuko Mero chaired the programme while CBCC executive secretary Rev Dr Chekrovei Cho-o pronounced the opening prayer.
The programme included prayers by Rev Dr Chekrovei Cho-o and special songs by Jubilee Choir (Phek Town Baptist Church) Nievolu Soho and a folk song by the Pochury Hoho. Cultural exhibition, lighting of the anniversary bonfire, anniversary fusion, and a thanksgiving prayer by Rev Rumatho Nyusou of Pochury Baptist Church Council marked the celebrations.
Earlier, Rio also unveiled the 50th anniversary monolith and released the jubilee souvenir. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex. The celebration was chaired by DC, Phek-Kuko Mero while executive secretary, CBCC-Rev Dr Chekrovei Cho-o pronounced the opening prayer. Special numbers were presented by jubilee choir from Phek Town Baptist Church, Nievolu Soho and Pochury Hoho.
Highlights of the programme included cultural exhibition, lighting of the anniversary bonfire and anniversary fusion. Thanksgiving prayer was pronounced by Rev Rumatho Nyusou of Pochury Baptist Church Council.
During the monolith unveiling, Rev Zupelhi Mero pronounced the act of blessing while blowing of trumpet was done by Dusuta Venuh.
Phek DC office complex inaugurated
DIPR adds: The chief minister also inaugurated the Phek DC office complex at Phek town, unveiled the commemorative plaque and released the jubilee souvenir during the day. Rio acknowledged the collaborative efforts of parliamentary colleagues, the CAWD, and tribal leaders in establishing the DC office complex.
He expressed the hope that the office would play a pivotal role in bringing development to the grassroots level and serving the general public. The programme was presided over by the Phek DC and included a brief technical report presented by CAWD assistant chief engineer Sungtiba Amer.