A culture troupe performing during the Ahuna cum Mini Hornbill Festival held at Zunheboto on November 14. (Photo Courtesy/ Media Cell CMO)
Zunheboto, November 14 (MExN): Zunheboto, November 14 (MExN): The Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today called upon the Sumis to be warriors of unity, peace, reconciliation and all-round development and play a leading role in bringing permanent peace.
“You are special, you are hardworking. The story of the Sema Naga Labour Corps 1917-18 is known to all Nagas. Out of about 2000 Labour Corps, about half of that were Sumis. This means you are warriors, adventurous and hard working, he said addressing the last day of the the Ahuna cum Mini Hornbill Festival in Zunheboto today.
According to a press release from Media Cell, Chief Minister’s Office, Rio further said that the throughout history, Nagas were known to be independent with their own system of democracy in the form of village republics.
“Even though the British colonials came to Naga country, they did not disturb Naga culture, tradition and way of life,” he said adding, “Over time, the Nagas understood that their culture, tradition and identity were different and so the Naga national movement started.”
The Chief Minister recalled that the Government of India had recognized Naga history as unique and that the Naga issue is a political issue which needs political settlement. He therefore called upon the people ensure that our rich cultural heritage, tradition, songs, dances, attires, motifs, arts and crafts and cuisine are not only preserved but promoted so that the younger generations do not lose touch with our history. Keeping these in mind, he said that Government decided to have mini Hornbills in the districts coinciding with the respective tribal festivals so that true meaning can be brought to the phrase ‘Nagaland – Land of Festivals’.
The Chief Minister expressed delight to read in the newspapers recently that about 200 species of butterflies had been recorded from Zunheboto area. He encouraged the people to work together to preserve the fauna and promote butterfly tourism so that Zunheboto can be a destination for lepidopterists, butterfly lovers and tourists.
Calling for preservation of the environment to check climate change, the Chief Minister stated that the Government of Nagaland decided to ban the use of Single Use Plastics. “We have to be plastic-free. We have to come out with alternatives such as bamboo and cane baskets, carry bags and containers” Rio said an called upon the Deputy Commissioner and the elected Members of the District to work together to identify villages and persons who are expert in bamboo and cane crafts/weaving so that alternatives to plastics can be promoted and used.
Rio further assured that the Government will work for the people and assured to construct a multi-purpose hall in Zunheboto town as appealed by the Sumi Hoho through a representation which was submitted to the Chief Minister at Zunheboto today.
