Dimapur, May 27 (MExN): In the backdrop of the ongoing PM’s package controversy in Wokha district as well as various developmental activities being undertaken by the state government, Parliamentary Secretary for Soil & Water Conservation Nkhao Lotha in no uncertain terms held selfish landowners responsible for hindering development, Nagaland in general and Wokha district in particular. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the concluding day-session of the two-day, May 26 and the 27th, ‘Spirit of Community Living’ seminar organized by the Lotha Hoho Dimapur.
Mincing no words, the Parliamentary Secretary unequivocally held responsible selfish landowners and such likened vested interests in ownership of lands, for hindering developmental initiatives of the government. Citing the case of Wokha district where, according to the Parliamentary Secretary, although much developmental projects are being undertaken and more contemplated upon, self-interested landowners instead of cooperating for public good are only interested in monetary gains.
Lotha said that the selfish mindset has to change if the people has to benefit from the initiatives of the government. “These are ones of the reasons why the welfare of the people is declining. There is a need to thoroughly introspect on why we are not progressing” Lotha said. “Because of selfish landowners development is hindered; contractors cannot work and they find it difficult to put to effort what development plans the government has for a particular area” Nkhao Lotha lamented.
The Parliamentary Secretary also asked elders to cooperate more with youths/students to exact more benefit for the people. Lotha, referring to the border dispute in Wokha district said “officers and elders should support and participate in the matter. Mostly, it’s only when the students have taken the first step that others follow” implying that as experience and wisdom are with the elders, they should lead the way first and not wait for the younger leaders.
However the PS also admonished the students, albeit subtly referring to the involvement of the Lotha Students Union (LSU) in the PM’s package controversy in Wokha. “Whether it is the LSU, the DLSU or the KLSU, all should work harder along with the changing times. The LSU needs for more participation in constructive activities and unite the Lothas only then we will progress” the PS said.
Dr ML Ngullie presented a paper, ‘Lothas in politics’ at the seminar. In his presentation Dr ML Ngullie deliberated elaborately on the various changes that have undergone in politics in regard to the Lotha Naga community. According to Dr Ngullie, comparing the past and the present political inclinations of the Lothas, the present day polity of the community has now leant more towards money, character assassination, tribalism and clanism, egotism and the influence of “Limokupi Evan Etho’ (influence of underground elements).
“The consequences of all these are that, the community’s position of a victor has been reduced to the position of a conquered and also have been under-benefited from developmental initiatives and monetary matters; the social standing of the community has become stagnant both in academic and professional endeavors” Dr Ngullie maintained.
Among those who spoke at the seminar were ET Ezung, MLA, Dr Roland Lotha and Convener Ntsemo Ngullie.
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