Dimapur, January 6 (MExN): Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Finance Department, Kikheto Y Sema (IAS) has said that Nagas should unite to pave way for economic development both in the state, region and the country. Speaking at the 15th session of Aghunaqa Area Students’ Union (AASU) at Qhuhoi village as the chief guest on Wednesday, Kikheto stated that “economic freedom is the complete freedom,” and asked Nagas not to be dependent on “aliens” but to “work and eat” as self-sustenance is vital for economic growth and prosperity.
Lamenting over the influx on “aliens” in the Naga society today, Kikheto asked the Nagas in the border areas and the plains to be extra vigilant lest the “outsiders” take complete advantage of the naive nature of the Nagas. He further asked the gathering to remember those Sumi pioneers who fought against all elements to settle in the fertile areas and not to invite the “laziness” factor in their present living styles.
Secretary finance also called upon the Nagas residing in the border areas of Assam to maintain cordial relations with the immediate neighbours and maintain peace and tranquillity in these areas adding that both Ahoms and Nagas shared age old traditional relationships and added that this relationship should be “binding” in all aspects.
Stating that wisdom comes from God, he asked the youth to treat education as a vital element and inherit wisdom to bring about change in the social structure. He further asked the youth not to talk about isms of clan and tribes but to unite and seek blessings from God.
Asking the GBs and elders of the villages to be guardians of their respective villages, he also asked them not to rule with an “iron fist” but to be “accommodative” of the thoughts of others as well. He also asked the village authorities to include women representatives in any Government programmes and schemes for effective implementation of these schemes.
Traditional items were performed by Ghoshito Village Students’ Union (Aphilo kuwo) and Qhuhoi Village Students’ Union (Lejole). President AASU H.Pito Yeptho delivered the welcome address while Hokato Achumi, assembly secy, AASU delivered the vote of thanks.
Representatives from the Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, former NSF and SKK officials and Western Sumi Students Union and host of officials accompanied the chief guest.
