Minister Metsubo Jamir speaking at the annual general meeting of Kohima Ao Union on April 29. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, April 29 (MExN): Nagaland Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, speaking at the annual general meeting of Kohima Ao Union (KAU) said, “Article 371A was included in the constitution solely to protect the rights of the people of Nagaland against exploitation from people outside of the state and hence the provisions in the article should not be misinterpreted and misused for selfish interests which in turn hampers the developmental activities of the State.”
Addressing the gathering at Molu Ki, Kohima on April 29, a DIPR report stated that Metsubo lamented on the fact that several developmental activities in the State have been hampered due to land issues and conflicts with land owners who often put the various developmental agencies in tough spots asking for unreasonable compensations stating their rights under Article 371A.
Further, stressing on the ever increasing unemployment problem in the State, the minister said, ‘the State must develop economically at a rapid pace to provide more avenues for the people to be employed.’
He encouraged the Aos settled outside of Mokokchung to make positive contributions towards the development of Mokokchung and ensure that it slowly develops into a business hub which will cater to the needs of the nearby districts such as Longleng, Tuensang and Zunheboto as well.
Senior Advocate Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, CT Jamir while exhorting the gathering said that the name given to Mokokchung and its people as ‘the land of Pioneers’ is an honour as well as a responsibility which every individual Ao must take seriously and ensure that the tribe lives up to the honour bestowed upon them. He said that the time has come for the Ao people to retrospect and know their weaknesses and work hard towards making positive changes to the society as a whole.
He also added that it was time to provide an equal platform to women in all walks of life “because a society can only move ahead when both men and women work together as equals and make equal contributions in accordance to one’s capabilities.”
Advisor, Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen also gave a short speech wherein he said that Mokokchung and the Ao people in general were blessed in more ways than one and that the Aos should be grateful for the opportunities given to them.
Earlier outgoing President of the Kohima Ao Union, L Cubalepzuk Ao presented the welcome address while Vice President, T Chubayanger Ao pronounced the vote of thanks.
A new team to lead the Union for the session 2023-2025 was also elected at the general meeting with T Chubayanger as President, Vice President- Moanungsang Jamir, General Secretary -Temjen Pongen and Asst General Secretary -L Sashi Imchen.
