Kohima, July 29 (MExN): The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) today opened its office at APO building with Vilele Khamo, Class-1 Contractor inaugurating the office. AYO did not have a permanent office for a long time despite being continuously engaged in social issues in Kohima, said Neinguvotuo Krose, President, Angami Youth Organisation who chaired the inaugural programme, adding that the Angami Public Organisation (APO) allotted the office for AYO in its building. Sharing the history of the formation of AYO, Krose noted that the foundation of AYO was firmly built by ‘our leaders’ for which AYO continues to remain strong, and therefore appealed to the elders to continue to guide the youth. “AYO which stands to uphold the values of the Angamis and to safeguard the rights of its people and its territory, must continue to manifest true leadership to the society,” asserted Vilhousa Seleyi, APO President, who also urged the present leaders to continue to defend and uphold the ideals of our elders. Sharing his hopes for AYO, Theyiekielie Tacü, the first president of AYO stated that the highest ideals of the Angami elders in starting AYO was to uphold the territory and values of the Angamis. “Today AYO has become mature; it has become an organization which people know, and people can trust. People today put their hopes on this organization. But to become a trustworthy organization, one has to face many challenges and difficulties,” said Tacü who maintained that it should be prepared and well-equipped. Moving away from reactionary movements and actions, Tacü asserted that the organisation must equip itself to tackle any issue that will emerge. “When soldiers are well-equipped and prepared, the rest fear them and make attempts to build better relationship with them,” noted Tacü while also urging the organisation to establish better relationships with its neighbours. Stressing on the virtue of love for one’s people and nation, Chief Guest Vilele Khamo acknowledged the efforts and sacrifice of former leaders of AYO for which their contribution have bore fruit today. Citing the February ULB uprisings, Khamo mentioned how for a long time the public’s voice was no longer heard. However the protest where AYO and APO played at huge role in Kohima brought back the voice of the people to assert their rights, he opined. Further citing the goodwill of the Aos during the Moatsü festival where 1000 Angamis attended the festival, Khamo considered the move a significant effort for building stronger relationships with other tribes, and hoped that such initiatives will continue. He also stressed on the importance of education and exhorted all the youth to educate themselves so that they can lead the society. Most importantly, the love for one’s community and the people should always be there, said Khamo adding that when the virtue of love is present, giving begins. “Love your community, love your people, love your nation. Let us continue to instill the giving spirit in all of us. The sacrifice and struggle that the Angami youth has given comes from the love of the people and the nation,” exhorted Khamo.