Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 8
Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) celebrated its 5th anniversary here at Town Hall on Friday, with leaders of the three constituent tribes (Ao, Sumi and Lotha) addressing the celebration.
Alemtemshi Jamir, retired Nagaland Chief Secretary, said CNTC has been acting like a bridge in three ways – a bridge between the three tribes, between other Naga tribes, and between tribal blocks.
The former Chief Secretary said CNTC, which was formed amidst controversies, suspicions and mistrust, has matured over the years and successfully highlighted issues of common interests including the Foothill Road, Tuli Paper Mill, Nagaland University Lumami Campus, oil and natural gas, Rongmei recognition, border issue and inclusion of Naga Political Groups in the peace process.
Jamir was of the view that one of the CNTC’s focuses should be how to garner resources to build cultural links and synthesis among the various Naga tribes. Though Nagas have a common history and cultural affinity with each other, he said, Naga people tend to look for “differences” instead of “similarities.”
Jamir further said that since the Almighty had blessed the three tribes in the form of being the first among the Naga people to receive Christianity and western education, CNTC should take the lead role in building a “bridge to the future” for all Nagas. One way to build the bridge is to help other Naga tribes to catch up with the world in field of education, he added.
HK Khulu, retired Additional Chief Secretary, commented that Nagaland state is passing through very trying times with political instability, lack of visionary leaders, unresolved Naga political issue, lack of development, issue of illegal immigrants and, to top it all, the all-pervading tribalism.
“I believe CNTC is trying its best to bring Nagas together, not further divide,” Khulu said and added CNTC as a social organization should be clear of its vision and strive to bring positive change. He also said since every Naga citizen wants a better future, CNTC should support settlement of the Naga issue.
K Nzimongo Ngullie, retired Commissioner, said while there are too many unions in Nagaland, he appreciated that CNTC comprising of three tribes with close cultural affinities, was formed to help each other and other Nagas as a whole. He urged upon CNTC to have clear vision and objectives, accommodative spirit, and love and respect for one another. Ngullie further said the council’s approach should be “inclusiveness” of all Nagas and to avoid parochialism.
President, Ao Senden, Imliyanger Jamir, termed Nagaland as a “deficit State” not only in terms of financial but also deficit of trust, honesty and hope. “CNTC has faced many hurdles but prevailed... CNTC has to be the hope of our society,” he said.
Chairman, Lotha Hoho, Mhao Humtsoe, called upon CNTC members to collectively address problems of common concern including border issue and encroachment along the border by illegal Bangladeshi immigrants (IBIs).
President, Sumi Hoho, Hekhushe Shikhu, said CNTC should not be used as a political platform but a social platform to further the welfare of the three tribes and Naga people as a whole. Earlier, CNTC president, Hokiye Yeptho, delivered the welcome address.
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