In regard to the article ‘to burst or not to burst’ dated 11th January 2012, Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) would like to make the following clarification.
Although it is regretted that prior notice was not issued to the public, KVYO and KVSU have nothing to do with the fireworks display marking the end of the four-day sports festival of Kohima Village, the 60th KVSA Meet 2012. In its almost 70 year-old history, the culmination is always marked with bursting of fire crackers, of course in consultation with proper authorities, as it is a common practice for Nagas, especially Angamis to mark their festivals with loud musket gunshots. This does not mean that KVYO’s guideline is nullified since there is a proper time and place for different occasions. In fact, we fully support KVYO in its crusade against bursting of fire crackers in every nook and corner of Kohima without any rhyme or reason. We are also aware that fireworks have to be confined to certain occasions and venues only, in view of the environmental issues and health hazards associated with it.
However, it is very unfortunate that without proper knowledge of the organisation behind the festivities, KVYO and KVSU have been implicated in the case. Again the clarification issued by the writer on 13th January 2012, clearing the name of KVSU was highly authoritative, as the term ‘information error’ was used. This indicated that the writer is trying to put the blame squarely on somebody who furnished the erroneous information to him. Does this mean that the information error is now rectified and KVYO is behind the festivities?
As responsible citizens, we must take care not to draw conclusions in haste so as to have peaceful co-existence. On our part, we always feel that we play a nice host to other tribes as native inhabitants, compared to many belligerent communities.
Dzüvinguzo Mepfhüo
President, KVSA
