Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio as the special guest for the one-day seminar held at CPO hall, Chümoukedima on September 28. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 28
A one-day multi-themed seminar on legal, social and political matters was held at CPO Hall, Chümoukedima on September 28. Organised by the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) the seminar is part of a series of events organised to commemorate 150th year of formation of CPO expected to be held in November.
Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio as the special guest appreciated the CPO for organising and planning the jubilee and co-events leading up to the main day.
He mentioned how in the past, the plains of Dimapur and beyond was dominated by the Chakhroma Angamis. At present, there has been the establishment of many other Naga villages as well in both Dimapur and Chümoukedima, he said. Due to which he stressed on the need for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among the communities.
The Advisor noted that when Dimapur district was created in 1997, Chümoukedima was to serve as it's District Headquarter, however due to various reasons it could never materialize. Nonetheless Chümoukedima has been developing rapidly for last 30 years despite of all the hurdles, he added. He clarified that Chümoukedima as a district was created purely considering the administrative convenience and there should be no misconception regarding the creation.
First speaking for the seminar, Kevithuto Sophie, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur put forward three key challenges placed before Naga society which needed to be addressed. These were tribalism, corruption and unemployment.
According to the CP, tribalism has multiple facets including groupism among different regions, villages, khels and even clans. He noted that an unfortunate consequence of progress and advancement has been the further division of society, losing social cohesion and being more individualistic.
On corruption, the CP viewed that politicians were not to be solely blamed rather that the practice flows both ways. "If the public continually keeps nagging the politician to offer money, then they are likely to siphon public money," he exclaimed.
Sophie also opined that in our society, there are many organizations that come to politicians or high ranking individuals for donations as though it is an obligation for the latter.
The CP further highlighted that the public’s concept of unemployment/ being unemployed is extremely wrong. He said that employment goes to the extent of anyone who has the ability to earn a living for themselves. "We have to strive towards what best we can do,” he went on to state, adding that despite being highly educated, “our people are not willing to gain skills and be self-employed." He remarked that the present education system needed to be reoriented with skill based curriculum be given more emphasis so as to produce more career oriented youths.
The other resource persons were Kenny Khing, Fire Prevention & Audit Officer, Nagaland Fire & Emergency services who spoke about ‘fire safety.’ CT Jamir, Senior advocate, Guwahati High Court Kohima on ‘Legal Rights & Responsibilities,’ Meren Chenth, NPS DCP, Traffic, Dimapur sharing on ‘traffic safety /rules,’ and Kezhangulie Yimchinger, Designated Officer, Department of Health &Family Welfare (DoHFW) addressing the issue of ‘food safety.’
