Karaiba Chawang
Nsunyu (Tseminyu) | July 19
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the first task for the Nagas, if solution comes, is to work for the protection of tradition and culture, saying that the present Indian democratic system of election leads to disunity and encourages corruption of the Naga people.
Speaking at a mammoth gathering of the Rengma Community at Nsunyu village ground after the inauguration of the village gate, memorial park, community hall, cultural centre and water supply project, Rio said that by tradition Nagas do not elect their leaders, but select, basing on the unanimous decision of the elders.
Calling the people to keep the rich tradition of the Nagas, the Chief Minister also said that if the Village Development Board (VDB) and Village Council members, which is the traditional governing body are to be paid by the government, they will become government servants, and even if the Nagas get a solution, it will be self-defeating.
“The present Indian system of election will bring disunity and corruption in the Naga society if solution comes, therefore elders need to do lot of thinking on this”.
Factional feud amongst the different groups of the Naga national worker is a shame, said Rio. As a Christian, fratricidal killing among Nagas is not justified, he reminded.
The Chief Minister also said that other countries including India, have recognized the legitimacy of the Nagas’ political struggle, but the Nagas are refusing to recognize themselves, adding that Nagas are not united.
Stating that the some development is taking place in the state because of the ongoing peace arising out of the of the current ceasefire between the government of India and NSCNs, Rio further said if solution doesn’t come this time too it will affect the whole Nagas again, repeating its bloody history.
Rio also further said that he shifted his loyalty from former Chief Minister SC Jamir, when he was a Home Minister in the former ministry, because he had a political vision. “If I have no political vision I won’t leave Jamir. I am comfortable with him, I am the first man there, if I don’t have a political vision why did I leave him”, Rio said, while asking the people to have a political vision.
Rio mesmerized the large public turnout of the Rengma community with his well blended speech of peace process, development and work culture.
The Chief Minister urged the people not to go in for immediate gain, but to have vision, while asserting that years does not progress a community, but optimistic thinking would carry one’s community forward. He said that weaker society should strive more with bold attitude, and compete for good and not for bad.
Referring to Mon, Tuensang and other “backward areas”, Rio quipped: “their areas may be backward, but people are not backward. They are much more intelligent than us”.
Rio also asked the people to do a rethink on the random aforestation, and turn to agri-horti plantation, especially in the areas where it is close to the highway or motorable roads.
Today’s inauguration programme was almost a virtual election campaign for the incumbent Parliamentary Secretary, R Khing. Except for Home Minister, Thenucho, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. TM Lotha, Planning Minister Dr Shurhozelie and Industries Minister Khekiho who were not seen today, all his other cabinet colleagues, besides almost all parliamentary secretaries and NPF MLAs formed the Chief Minister’s entourage.
Earlier, the entourage made whirlwind tour to the area inaugurating Nsunyu Village gate and Jubilee Memorial Park, and Nsunyu Community Hall cum Chunlikha Area Cultural Centre. Minister for PHE, P. Longon inaugurated the integrated Rural Drinking water supply of Nsunyu and Chunlukha villages.
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