Neiphiu Rio, Kudecho Khamo, CHOGARÜKI officials and others after unveiling the 50 years anniversary monolith of peace and friendship of Chozuba, Gariphema, Rüsoma and Kijümetouma on January 27. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 27
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today made a clarion call to all sections of the people to maintain peace and unity for a vibrant and progressive Nagaland.
A sense of oneness, brotherhood, peace and forgiveness is the need of the hour today in the Naga society, Rio said while addressing 50 years anniversary celebration of peace and friendship of Chozuba, Gariphema, Rüsoma and Kijümetouma (CHOGARÜKI) on January 27 at Kijümetouma in Kohima District.
We can achieve our desired goal when there is peace and unity, he said and called upon all the stakeholders to take unity as the main element to bring early solution of Naga political issue. Rio also called upon the people to exercise good sense and collectively strive for rapid socio-economic growth.
“We are literate and educated society but we are not a refined society,” he said and urged each and every individual to contribute towards positive transformation in the society.
He lauded the noble effort of the pioneers and the Church leaders in reaping peace and friendship of CHOGARÜKI in 1973.
Praying for everlasting peace and friendship, he also called upon them to exercise the spirit of oneness and continue to do good work and strengthen the Naga society.
For better connectivity, he said the state government has already submitted a proposal for National Highway (Chozuba- Botsa) and awaiting approval and sanction from Government of India.
‘Be ambassadors of peace’
Also speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Nagaland’s CAWD & Taxes Advisor, Küdecho Khamo said that peace is vital for human kind and the sole element to win over conflicts.
In this, he called upon the people to develop better understanding, love and help one another.
Peaceful co-existence is possible when there is love and commitment to help one another, Khamo said.
Development will automatically flourish when there is peace and tranquility in the society, he further stated. He also called upon Team CHOGARÜKI to play a proactive role for all round development, and be ambassador of peace.
Further, he lauded the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and called upon each and every individual to strengthen his leadership for peaceful and prosperous Nagaland.
CHOGARÜKI president Jolayi Nienu said that the 50th year anniversary of CHOGARÜKI is a celebration of peace and friendship of the four villages reconciled through forgiveness in Christ.
Earlier, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) invoked God’s blessing during the unveiling Jubilee Monolith.
Kruzelie Paiinuo, VCC Kijümetouma, KruzolievZhale, Head GB Rüsoma, Khrinyio Lerüo, ex- VCC Chozuba, Sielie Vitho, Vice chairman Gariphema Village Council and Mhalelie Vimera also spoke at the celebration. The programme as chaired by Vibeilietuo Kets while vote of thanks was proposed by Dziesevi Pielie.
Cultural presentations from Rüsoma and Chozuba including special numbers from Kijümetouma Baptist Church and Transcend Voice, Chozuba Village Baptist Church also marked the celebration.
The next CHOGARÜKI meet will take place at Gariphema in 2025.
