State deputy chief minister, Y. Patton Tuesday lamented that Naga society has been affected adversely due to tribalism.
Addressing the Sükrünye festival, Patton said: “Tribalism has hijacked our society and it is our own fault.” He however hoped that such festivities would help the Nagas remove the feeling of tribalism and work for oneness and togetherness. Organised by the State government in collaboration with Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), the three-day Sükrünye 2019 Mini Hornbill Festival got underway here on Tuesday with Planning & Coordination and Land Revenue minister, Neiba Kronu as the chief host. Patton remarked Chakhesang community had contributed to the best of their ability towards progress of the State in the socio-economic and political spheres. He hoped the community would continue to lead the society towards achieving the “common goal and objectives”, besides reaping the fruits of sacrifice of their past leaders as well as those who were holding high positions today.
Mentioning that Phek district had been named as the land of traditions, he said it was only apt for the Chakhesang community to show and lead the way to rest of Naga people on the importance of research and preservation of rich cultural tradition and heritage. Patton explained that the main objective of the Mini Hornbill Festival was to give a boost to tourism and give equal opportunity to all Naga tribes to showcase their beautiful and rich cultural heritage, besides benefiting local entrepreneurs.
Stating that there were lot of developmental projects in the pipeline for the people of Nagaland, he called upon the people to lend their support and cooperation towards the developmental activities undertaken up by the PDA government.
Further, Patton claimed that the PDA government was stable and asked the people to discard the propaganda doing the round and develop a sense of integrity for all-round development of the State.
Observing that Sükrünye was the most important festival in the district, he appealed to the people to celebrate the festival for purification and sanctification of the present society in order to foster more unity and brotherhood among neighbours and various communities.
Commenting on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Patton pointed out that the State cabinet had on January 7 decided to appeal to the Central government for its review. He hoped that “good sense” would prevail on the issue in keeping with the interest of the people of the North-eastern region.
On his part, Kronu remarked that festivals were celebrated for thanksgiving and seek blessings from the God.
He claimed that the PDA government was focused on developing road connectivity and power sector, while calling upon the people to lend their cooperation for overall development.
Earlier, the inaugural programme was chaired by Phek deputy commissioner Orenthung Lotha, while Sükrünye was blessed by Zhetoi Lohe, Chakhesang Cultural Research Institute, Chetheba gave a special presentation and CPO president Kekhwengulo Lea spoke on the significance of Sükrünye.
In the cultural extravaganza, Pochury cultural troupe, Kivikhu village cultural troupe, Tizu women cultural troupe presented folk dances, while indigenous games like bamboo stilt race and bamboo pushing game were also organised on the occasion.
Host of PDA legislators also attended the festival.