‘NI Jamir Award for Excellence in government service in Eastern Nagaland’ presented to government servants
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 2
Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Longon, today called upon the Eastern Nagaland tribes to foster peace and brotherhood among themselves so that they remain strong and united.
“My observation is that we (Eastern Naga tribes) have to build our house together so that we can call it home for all of us,” the Minister said in his address at the 19th general conference of the Eastern Nagaland Gazetted Officers’ Association (ENGOA) held here at Niathu resort, Dimapur.
Stressing on peace and unity as pre-requisites for the Eastern brethrens to march ahead in all fields, Longon said even in the development sector, Eastern Nagaland is lagging behind due to lack of unity and common vision of the people, and that the government cannot always be blamed for backwardness of the region.
He said the Eastern Nagas themselves must take the initiative to usher peace and unity among themselves as the government cannot provide peace and unity like development projects. The minister said many a times, petty quarrels among Eastern brethrens lead to larger conflicts on tribal lines, endangering the fragile peaceful co-existence. When such tribal conflicts occur, “we approach the government” to solve the issue, but Longon reminded that fostering peace, unity or reconciliation is the duty of the people themselves and should not be entrusted to the government.
Acknowledging the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) as the apex and ‘Father’ organization of the Eastern Nagaland people, he said ENGOA, Eastern Nagaland Women Organization (ENWO), Eastern Nagaland Student’s Federation (ENSF) and Eastern Nagaland Legislature Union (ENLU) all extend solidarity and support to ENPO for overall welfare and development of Eastern Nagaland.
Longon also said since the ENGOA members are the elite and responsible section of the society, they are liable to the society, themselves and to God. They must therefore be sincere, dedicated and hardworking. “To transform society, we should transform ourselves first and lead an exemplary life,” he added.
ENPO president, S Khoiwang, the guest of honour in his speech said ENGOA is the backbone of ENPO and also said the association should give suggestions and guidance on important issues confronting the Eastern Nagaland people including the current border fencing along the international border a Pangsha and the Eastern (Frontier) Nagaland demand.
ENSF president, Sepili Sangtam, highlighted on two issues facing the Eastern Nagas: that even after 37 years of statehood and the job reservation policy, the number of state government employees from four districts of Eastern Nagaland is less than 10%; the need for a separate ‘Vision document’ for Eastern Nagaland areas to close the gap on the huge developmental disparity compared to other districts.
ENWO president, Birila Tokiu, in her address lauded ENGOA for taking the lead concerning the welfare of Eastern people as a whole and said the common Eastern citizens and villagers look upto ENGOA as beacons and lanterns to lead and guide them.
Earlier, ENGOA president, Er. S Changkei Konyak, in his address urged ENGOA members to come out of their comfort ones and to educate and guide their fellow brethrens. He also observed that for a progressive society, the Eastern Nagas need to do away with jealousy and selfishness and embrace the joy of giving.
Legislators from Eastern Nagaland, parliamentary secretaries R Tohanba and EE Pangteang also graced the event. On the occasion, the ‘NI Jamir Award for Excellence in government service in Eastern Nagaland’ was also presented to four government servants serving or who had served in the region. The awardees include Nikesono Kevichusa, SDO (C), Kohima; Er. T Lithrichum Sangtam, EE Electrical Store Division, Dimapur; RY Moses Sangtam, assistant professor, Zisaji Presidency College, Kiphire, and S Mantheila Phom, assistant photographer, DPRO Longleng.
