Morung Express News
Kohima | October 22
Located at the Southern part of Kohima, Lower Agri ward or colony is a residential area which comprises one of the highest mixed Naga populations in the Capital with almost all tribes, including communities apart from Nagas living in the colony. On October 22, the Lower Agri Ward Council commemorated its 25 years at its ward premise with Dr. Neikesalie Nicky Kire, Minister for Environment, Wildlife and Climate Change as the chief guest.
With a population of over 2000, the colony is home to people from various professions ranging from social activists to daily wage laborers, and from local immigrants to contractors.
“This is one of the most beautiful colonies and, one of the best colonies in Kohima town. We try to live as one in harmony and that is the beauty of the colony,” said Er. Lima Ozukum, one of the first settlers, who also mentioned how the Colony had been thickly forested area forty years back, but had sprawled into an area with increasing houses and residents, to the extent that here are hardly any space. In the name of jubilee, let us all forgive each other and make peace. “What we have achieved today is because we have all co-existed peacefully. This colony will live as one family. Let us think positive, talk positive, live positive, work positive so that our colony move forward in unity. Let us work harder and move forwards so that we can achieve our golden jubilee in a higher level,” expressed Er. Lima.
In a brief report on the Jubilee Planning committee, Neikhozo Suokhrie, Jubilee Convenor, acknowledged all the pioneers who had been torch bearers of the colony. Updating the members about the activities and trainings conducted in the colony, Suokhrie also lauded Dr. Kire for his immense contribution towards the colony who had sponsored the construction of the Waiting shed, ATM and Urinal in the colony which was inaugurated today.
“Silver Jubilee Celebration is not just about eating, but more importantly it is how to reconcile. It is a time for introspecting and retrospection,” said Dr. Nicky Kire who emphasized on the spreading good will in the name of jubilee. Stressing on the maxim of ‘Love thy neighbors’ from the Bible, Dr. Kire pointed out that such a simple line in its actual sense it is difficult to practice with many neighbours who lives in bad terms for years and arguing over garbage dumping, animals etc. The need to move forward in unity was also highlighted.
“You have all the tribes here. Let us be Nagas first, if we do that unity will be formed. Do not identify yourself by your tribe. There are many things which we can achieve together as Nagas,” asserted Dr. Kire.
Sensitizing the gathering on climate change and the need for energy conservation, Dr. Kire also informed the members on the newly introduced scheme of EESL for energy conservation, and further encouraged the colony members to avail the facilities and subsidies of the scheme. “We will save energy and reduce heat. This will directly or indirectly impact climate change,” asserted Dr. Kire.
Highlighting briefly on unemployment and youth, Dr. Kire was of the view that if one is educated one should be ashamed of being unemployed because there are many avenues to employ oneself. “We are living in a false world, a make-belief world. Owning a car does not make you big or increase one’s status,” asserted Dr. Kire.
Dr. Kire also encouraged the members of the colony to contribute in small ways such as cleanliness and sanitation. “If we want to see our colony progress, we have to do our part in small ways, then, things will progress.”
