Kohima, August 28 (MExN): Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen today reminded that unless the Nagas tide over and do away with tribalism, the situation in Nagaland and the Nagas’ society will go from bad to worse. The programme he spoke in, an officers’ program, saw various senior speakers calling against tribalism and the change mindsets to acknowledge what women has done for the society.
Speaking as the chief guest of the 4th general meeting of the Kohima Ao Gazetted Officertem Telongjem (KAOT), Imchen lamented the existing tribalism among the Naga communities. He also referred to the tense situation between the Sangtam and the Yimchungru in Kiphire, and also the Tobu situation. The Home minister affirmed that it is a burden for all to make the Nagas one. Saying that it is necessary to make the Nagas as a family, he maintained that the Nagas are a family “emotionally”. Imchen urged the KAOT to work for the entire Nagas and challenged them to introspect what it can do for the people.
Additional Chief Secretary & Commissioner Banuo Z Jamir also exhorted the Ao officers. She broached issues of gender and gender equality facing the modern Naga society. Banuo Jamir reminded that the time to acknowledge the contribution of women in the society has come. She urged the need for gender equality and to find a way forward for men and women to compliment each other. Women should be treated as equals in decision-making and implementation, she said, and called for sensitization and the need to re-look at customs and traditions.
She also maintained that the law of inheritance among the Nagas should be modified so that girls can also inherit landed property of their parents. Pointing out that society needs to think of the girls in general when it comes to gender issue, the senior official suggested that the Aos can perhaps give the leadership with regard to the matter. She hoped that the Aos would bring progressive and fruitful development to the Naga society.
Speaker, FAC Lecturer Akok Walling spoke on the topic ‘the vision of the youth for the Ao people’ and on the changing scenario in Mokokchung. Saying that there are many inimical forces in the form of alcohol, immorality and lack of direction, the teacher said that despite everything, there are many talented and enterprising youths coming up in the society. He also suggested that the KAOT extend help for the development of Mokokchung district especially in the field of education, healthcare and economy.
Also TN Mannen, IAS (Rtd), said the evil of tribalism needs to be done away with and should instead promote unity and common interest of the Nagas. He said that the time has come to change the mindset.
