Our Correspondent Longpa (Mokokchung) | January 14 The 68th Asetkong Mungdang (Asetkong Citizens’ Conference) is currently underway at Longpa village, some twenty five kilometers away from Mokokchung town, which is being attended by nearly 300 delegates from the different villages and affiliated units under the Asetkong range of Mokokchung district. On the first day, the main speaker, Dr Benjongkumba Imchen – Assistant Professor, Government College Dimapur – who spoke on the topic, “The role of the community in the preservation of environment” highlighted on the different problems being faced by the people both in the local, national and global level. The academician, while highlighting from a Biblical point of view, pointed out that the biodiversity – the land and its resources, the flora and fauna – has been entrusted by God to man to take care of them. However, humans have been exploiting the natural resources, without giving much thought about the future, and therefore, there are different environmental issues facing the human kind today. Saying that conservation of biodiversity had been discussed even in the society centuries back (for instance, Ashoka who preached about non-violence etc), Dr Benjongkumba said that the environmental or biodiversity issues are not a new topic today. But, environmental issues has become a burning issue because of the imminent threat of global warming or climate change, the extinction of flora and fauna, the loss of habitat of wildlife, the pollution of land, water and air etc. In this connection, Dr Benjongkumba questioned what role the people of Asetkong range can play in the conservation of the biodiversity in the society. Speaking from a global perspective, Dr Benjongkumba said that it is the role of each and every citizen of the world to be aware of the environmental issue and play a part for a cleaner world. He therefore suggested the gathered Asetkong citizens to adopt sustainable farming and strongly discourage the large scale destruction of forests for cultivation. He also suggested concerted afforestation activities to make the deforested areas lush with trees. Besides, he also suggested a ban on the use of pesticides in the fields, and to control the use of air-guns and catapults by youngsters in the villages. Moreover, he also strongly suggested for scientific methods of garbage disposal and also to ban the use of chemicals, batteries, bombs in the rivers and water bodies. If these activities can be adopted, Dr Benjongkumba maintained that Asetkong people would be playing a great role in the conservation of the environment in the society. The Asektong Students’ Conference (AKTM) president Rongsennukshi Aier, who also spoke at the function, expressed happiness that the Asetkong Mungdang, as a fatherly figure, has always been there for the Asketkong students’ community, and thus far, has rendered their great support to the AKTM. While exhorting the Asetkong Mungdang, Rongsennukshi pointed out in these modern times, the world is actively looking at ways for youth empowerment; he therefore urged the elders to look for the uplift of the youths and to render their help for the empowerment of the youths in every field. He also pointed out that the youths understand and honor their parents, and the youths always follow the footsteps of their elders; however, he maintained that the elders should also understand the aspirations and acknowledge the views and opinions of the youths. Meanwhile, the Longpa Village Council Chairman delivered the welcome address while the pastor of Longpa Baptist church invoked God’s blessings. The council chairman of Longjang village also exhorted the audience. During the function reposts from the different departments like finance, general secretary and development committee were also presented. The 68th Asetkong Citizens’ Conference will conclude on Friday, with Dr Imtiwapang Aier, parliamentary secretary for geology and mining as the chief guest.
