CM urges unity among all sections for settlement

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio speaking at the unveiling of the Tuophema Village foundation memorial monolith on November 22.
 

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 22

Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today said that final settlement of the Indo-Naga issue may elude the Nagas for sometime due to division and disunity among the various political groups.

He said the negotiations for the Naga issue, which has been going on for decades had ended on October 31; however, the competencies of the negotiations are yet to be inked into an agreement, added Rio.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Tuophema Village foundation memorial monolith, comprising of the Kense and Kaco clans of Tuophema village on November 22 at Tuophema village, Rio insisted that all political groups must be united adding that the Nagas are one and the Naga issue will also end with one agreement.

To bring the final settlement at the earliest, he said Nagas must reason together, have better understanding and stand united. 

He meanwhile stressed on the need to be aware of one’s history and roots. The Chief Minister stressed on the need to preserve and promote the unique culture and traditions of the Nagas, which he said reflects and shapes Naga values and beliefs, and also defines the unique identity of the Nagas from the rest of the world.

Rio insisted that the present generation must imbibe and inculcate the good values that their ancestors have left them with, and live in unity amongst themselves and neighbours as well.

Addressing the villagers, Rio pointed out that the people of Tuophema village have huge responsibilities upon them as the village is a ‘Tourist village’ where people from all walks of life, from near and far come to witness the beauty and essence of the village.

As a tourist destination village, the CM lauded the villagers for their efforts towards cleanliness. He further opined that the people can learn the art of hospitality by being more courteous, cordial, gracious and attentive to guests. To make an impact in the society, Rio said everything must begin from the home itself and urged the men and women to teach and bring up their children with good values and morals.

Highlighting the history of the foundation of Tuophema village, Head GB, Thekrucha Kaco and GB, Salieo Kense narrated how both the clans of Kense and Kaco wanted to establish a new village.

It was told that the Kense clan used to come from the present Gariphema village while the Kaco clan from Phenwhenyu village and met up at the present Tuophema village a number of times. However, since it was during the head-hunting days, and they didn’t know each other’s intention and language, they pointed their spears at each other and would depart to their respective villages.

One day through sign language, they both understood that they wanted to establish a new village; hence, after counting their fingers to seven, they both returned on the seventh day and laid the foundation of Tuophema village. Initially, the village was known as Hutuophema but during the British colonial era, the name of the village was shortened to Tuophema, by which it is known till today.