Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 21
Making a strong stand that the Naga integration demand was genuine which the Government of India also recognizes, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Saturday pointed to “threatening words” (statements) recently made by neighbouring states on Naga issue and said, “non-Nagas cannot dictate terms and determine the future of the Nagas.”
“We want to live as good neighbours and maintain harmony and brotherhood and appeal them (neighbours) to support and respect the rights of the Nagas as we do so to them,” he added.
Specifically referring to the Manipur CM’s recent statement on Naga issue, Rio said, “they (Manipur) can speak for themselves but cannot speak and decide for us.” Rio said that any such statement would not deter the Nagas from speaking and defending their rights.
He said the birthright of Nagas for integration was not impossible but rued about disunity among themselves and suppression of rights by other forces.
Rio said that the dreams of the Naga people and their rights can be achieved only when they remain united adding, “each tribe is like a pillar and together we all can build a strong Naga house.”
Further, making a strong emphasis on unity among Nagas spread across different territories, Rio said that their rights could be asserted only if they were more united as a Naga family. He called for proactive participation of each individual towards Naga unity instead of blaming others.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s stand to pave way in the event of an honourable and acceptable settlement to the Naga issue.
Rio said that the Tenyimia community being spread across other states should carry the message of Naga unity and their birthright for integration. He said that the Tenyimia Union was not formed out of necessity or other reasons but out of brotherhood only for the Tenyimia components besides building a stronger Naga.
Talking about Swachh Bharat Mission, the Chief Minister opined that Nagas were in a better position to maintain cleanliness not only on personal hygiene but in keeping surroundings, minds and thoughts clean as Christians. He appealed for support of every citizen of the state to make Nagaland plastic free by November this year and to explore possibilities to substitute the use of plastic in the form of bamboo baskets, paper bags, jute bags etc.
The CM was speaking at the inaugural and dedication programme of Tenyimia Market Complex, Dimapur at Tragopan Point. Lauding the Tenyimia Union Dimapur for the initiative, he expressed hope that the marketing complex would prove beneficial not only to Tenyimia community but to Nagas as a whole.
“I hope that the complex would be a place of blessing for Tenyimia Union Dimapur and also benefit all communities in Dimapur,” he added.
The Tenyimia Union Dimapur, Market Complex housing 82 rooms was dedicated by Rev Miazielie Sakhrie and attended by Deputy Speaker NLA, Zhaleo Rio, Minister, Nicky Kire and a host of other dignitaries and invitees.
