Ashikho Pfuzhe
Dimapur | October 24
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said fragmentation of Naga society due to narrow “tribalism” is posing the greatest threat to survival of Nagas as a people. Rio said that Naga people are presently facing the risk of “finishing” or wiping themselves out not because of external threat or adversaries but due to tribalism that has fragmented Naga society, both overground and underground.
“Everybody talks about Naga solution but we (Nagas) cannot give up tribalism and factionalism. Unless we shed tribalism and imbibe ‘Nagaism’ all our talks about Naga solution and political rights will come to nothing”, Rio said. Addressing the general conference (Baghi Hoho) of Sumi Officers’ Union Nagaland (SOUN) here at Agri Expo campus on Tuesday (October 24), the Chief Minister stressed on Naga unity and said that bureaucrats and government officers have a great role to play in fostering sense of oneness among the different Naga tribes.
“Our society is still young and we don’t have many intellectuals to guide us. You (bureaucrats and officers) are the brain and backbone of Naga society. Many people and organizations including politicians and tribal hohos look up to you for advice and guidance”, Rio said and added that the officers have a huge responsibility in guiding the people in the right perspective to foster Naga unity.
The Chief Minister said that keeping in view the importance of Naga unity, the DAN government had replaced Ashok Chakra with the “Mithun” (sacred and revered animal of Nagas) as the state logo with the word “Unity” on top. Rio said the state logo should serve as a reminder to the government officers and all Nagas on the collective and individual responsibilities to strive for oneness within the Naga family. He also said that outside people in the world know Naga people as “Nagas” and not as separate tribes.
Rio further said that Nagas as a whole are known as a martial race and combined with their sense of rights and justice, Naga people have never cowed down to any forces including the Britishers.
“That is why the Naga struggle continues till today. I proudly tell other people that Nagas are a martial race. We are a proud people and we want to defend our rights – there is nothing wrong with that. We could have been much stronger but our adversaries divided us. But by the grace of God we are still surviving today”, he added.
Recounting his earlier visit to the Sumi heartland Zunheboto, the Chief Minister said that he had then named Zunheboto district as the “Land of warriors” as Sumis are known for their bravery and courage - qualities of a warrior. Rio said that Sumi people have always been in the forefront, be it overground or underground, and that their contribution to Naga society have been acknowledged. He was of the view that if Sumis used their strength in the right perspective, then they can salvage the prestige and image of Naga people as a whole.
State Chief Secretary Lalthara who was the guest of honour in his address lauded the Sumi people for the “dynamism” and “adventurous spirit” and said Sumis have contributed a lot to Naga society, particularly if the field of Naga politics. The Chief Secretary also lauded the Sumi officers for acting as catalyst to foster peace and understanding among various Naga communities and tribal hohos.
Chairman, UP State Human Rights Commission, Justice HK Sema, who also addressed the Sumi officers also stressed on Naga unity and said that there is no place for “you” in Naga society but rather is should be “we”.
Cautioning on the danger of “ism” in Naga society, HK Sema also said that any Naga community or tribe should not involve themselves in any criminal acts committed by individuals or group of persons of that particular community bur rather let the law take necessary its own course of action. “Let us erase ‘ism’ from our hearts and let us join hands together and make Naga society comfortable and peaceful”, the senior lawmaker said.
Highlights of the ‘Baghi Hoho’ included special number presented by Illitoli, indigenous fusion music by Hojevi Cappo and band and contemporary music finale by Alobo Naga and band.
President SOUN, KT Sukhalu, delivered welcome address, Rev. Vitoshe Swu, offered invocation prayer and Advisor SOUN, HK Khulu proposed vote of thanks.
Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi, Minster for Forest MC Konyak, Minister for Health & Family Welfare Kuzholuzo Nienu, Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining Y Patton, Advisor Sericulture & Co-operation Azheto Zhimomi and Chairman NHHDC Shetoyi and a host of dignitaries attended the conference.
Meanwhile, a new team of office bearers of Sumi Officers’ Union Nagaland for the tenure 2012-15 were elected with President: Himato Zhimomi (IFS) Comm & Secy Transport, Art & Culture; General Secretary: Y. Kikheto Sema (IAS) Additional Secy (budget) finance dept; Finance Secretary: Ikuto Zhimo dy director, agriculture; and Treasurer: Er. Shikato Jakhalu EE Power. The Advisors are Akheto Sema (IPS) IGP Nagaland; Nihoto Chishi Secretary, Law; and Hosheto Achumi, Transport Commissioner.
