Yitachu urges Nagas to hone their potentials

Minister for School Education and SCERT, Yitachu has called upon the Nagas to focus on honing their potentials and make use of the natural resources thus developing their respective areas.
He said this addressing the inaugural function of 5th Cultural Festival of Phokhungri Area Cultural Society (PACS) on February 3 at Shilloi Lake, Lütsam under Meluri Sub-division, Phek district.
Calling upon the Nagas to be united, Yitachu reminded that unless Nagas unite nothing could be achieved. He then urged all to come together to work for the betterment of the Naga society.
Pointing out the potentials in Pochury area, Yitachu said power generation was possible in the area adding that the people could convert the area into “industrially progressive zone”.
He called upon the people of Meluri sub-division to extend support and cooperation to the government for hydro electric projects, which Yitachu said would meet the power requirement of the state.
The minister said it would not only help to generate revenue but would also lift the area economically.
Expressing concern that the people of area have resolved not to sale their land to outsiders, he said, even if land was available, without investors coming from outside no proper development could take shape with the available resources of the local people.
He, therefore, said that people should be willing to give land so that investors can wilfully come and invest for industrialization and other developmental activities, including rural tourism.
Yitachu also challenged the villagers by asking “whether it would be better to remain landlocked or share our potentials with others and be progressive”.
Asserting that the biggest concern was road connectivity with neighbouring country Myanmar, Yitachu said if the area is connected with Myanmar then it would help in promoting trade and commerce, culture and tourism  other Southeast Asian countries. He also assured the gathering that the government would construct permanent structure in the newly developed ground at Shilloi Lake with an aim to convert it into an international cultural hub.
Yitachu also encouraged Phokhungri Area Cultural Society to continue to celebrate the festival annually on the same days (February 20-15). He also asked them to approach the tourism department so that the festival could to be included in the annual tourism calendar.
The minister also asked PACS to invite other communities across the border to this festival in the coming years.
Also congratulating all the newly village council chairman within Meluri Sub Division, Yitachu said their responsibility was huge and asked them to work for the welfare and benefit of the villagers. Conveying solidarity, Pochury Hoho president Penthü Pochury called upon the people to unite in God and take the cultural activities forward. He also urged the people to maintain unity and peaceful co-existence.
 Earlier, PACS vice president K. Tsathvü delivered welcome address, PACS president Thimu Feedhu delivered presidential address. The three day long festival was marked by folk song, folk dance, archery competition, indigenous games, unity dance etc.
 Phokhungri EAC James Renbi Kikon, 20th Meluri A/C president T. Kamsang, APO RD Block Meluri K. Asetsü and Deychamthvii Pethüry were the patrons of the cultural festival.
  General secretary and assistant PRO and nodal officer to ECI NPF Central, S. Akho Leyri graced the closing ceremony as guest of honour on March 4.