Imperative for Nagas to come together: Patton

Cultural troupes performing at the ENPUD silver jubilee celebration held at DDSC stadium on November 23. (Morung Photo)
 

Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur celebrates silver jubilee
 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 23

Nagaland deputy chief minister, Y Patton, has said it is imperative that Nagas come together and speak in one united voice and as a family.

“Today, our Naga society needs unity irrespective of the geographical and linguistic differences... To this, our brethren from Eastern Nagaland can lead the way and show the rest of the Nagas about unity and common brotherhood at such trying times like ours,” the deputy CM said.

Addressing the silver jubilee celebration of Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) held at DDSC Stadium on Saturday, Patton said the jubilee is an opportune occasion for him to make his sincere appeal to all Naga people to set aside differences and come together in unity for the common interest of Nagas.

Conveying admiration and appreciation to the people of Eastern Nagaland for their immense contributions towards the making of modern day Nagaland, Paton said the vision and leadership provided by Eastern Nagaland is unmatched and that Nagas as a whole are indebted to them in many ways.

The deputy CM said that though there is a general perception that Eastern Nagaland is “Backward”, but he did not believe in backwardness of any people or tribe since God has created everyone equal. “At the same time, I also believe that there are some areas that need special attention and our ENPO Area is also one of those. Together, we can develop our ENPO areas at par with the rest of the State on all fronts”, he said.  

Towards this end, Patton urged all government officers posted in the Eastern areas to pledge commitment and not to consider their posting in Eastern Nagaland as a “punishment” but an opportunity to serve and uplift the people.

Fortunately, for the Eastern Nagaland people, the deputy CM said they have 20 legislators and that if every legislator adopt two villages each during their five-year tenure, and ensure that developmental activities/programmes under various departments are carried out in all sincerity, then 20 model villages would emerge in Eastern Nagaland every two and half years.

On the state political scenario, Patton appealed to the people not to become victims of propaganda and false rumours. He assured that the PDA government under chief minister Neiphiu Rio would last its full term.

Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Pangnyu Phom, who spoke on behalf of the twenty legislators representing the four eastern districts of Mon, Longleng, Tuensang and Kiphire, said like the theme of the jubilee –Unity in diversity – the six eastern Naga tribes or brethrens should foster unity and come more closer through the celebration. Pangnyu also said it was high time for Eastern Nagaland people to change their mindset and to remove “backward” tag. He urged the eastern educated youth not to depend on “reserved” or “backward” quota but to strive for excellence in all fronts.

President ENPO, Kekongchim Yimchunger, and president Naga Council Dimapur, Pangerloba, also extended jubilee greetings on the occasion.

Folk songs and dances, special numbers by various artistes from Eastern Nagaland and other cultural presentations marked the celebration.