‘North East people must unite’

3rd CNSA general conference cum cultural programme held

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 21

The 3rd General Conference cum Cultural Exchange Programme of the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) was held at Wokha Village from November 19-20, hosted by the Lotha Students’ Union. The conference was held under the theme, ‘Towards a self-reliant Society.’  

Addressing the conference as the theme speaker on November 20, Secretary, Finance and Land Resources Department, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS said the time has come to come together as one people and called for the North East people to remain united. He also called for the NE to forge a common goal towards self reliance without having to depend too much on the central government. He added that self-confidence to decide one’s future is a requirement for self reliance.  

The speaker meanwhile lamented the bickering within Naga society compounded with division created by others as well as Nagas themselves. According to him, Nagas were divided into two countries during the time of Indian independence and further divided into four states during the time of Nagaland statehood followed by division into several factions within the Naga national political groups. He said divisionism has not stopped, owing to which the Naga people have not been able to be achieve self-reliance.

He further stressed on the need to have good relations with neighbours, stating “at this stage, we cannot afford to hate anybody but love each other as well as our enemies.”  

Kikheto also pointed out the high ratio of population and government employees standing at 1, 40, 000 resulting in 12:1 ratio. He said the government would be spending Rs 7000 cr on salary and pension this year. Sema said that the high number of government employees reflects the dependence of Naga people solely on the government.  

Exhorting the gathering, President of Ao Senden, Chubawati recalled that the coming together of the three communities existed during statehood when Wokha and Zunheboto also came under Mokokchung district.  

With the formation of separate districts, Chubawati observed that this bond had loosened. At such a juncture, he lauded the CNSA for bringing together the three brothers under one umbrella and expressed hope for a brighter future together.  

The CNSA is comprised of Lotha Students’ Union, Ao Students’ Conference and All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK).