Chizokho Vero
Longleng | June 6
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today made a clarion call to all sections of the Nagas to maintain unity and peace to move forward with the rest of the world. Launching the ‘State Road Show’-57th Phom Day celebrations here today, he asserted that Nagaland can emerge as a prosperous state when peace and unity prevails. He lauded the Phom People’s Council in its effort to usher in peace in Longleng district. He called upon other tribes to initiate similar efforts to bring peaceful atmosphere into the state.
Phom Day marks the end of the head-hunting practice and heralding a new era of peaceful co-existence. He said that through unity and peace, the Phom people are now enjoying the fruits of development. He said the objective of the ‘State Road Show’ was to bring people closer to learn and avail various facilities and activities being extended by the state government. He called upon the people to come forward and get maximum benefit from such platforms.
The road show also features exhibition and sales, music and food festivals as well. Altogether 60 stalls have been opened with 30 government departments participating in the inaugural road show programme at Longleng local ground. The government will continue to carry on such events, Rio said. The next road show is scheduled at Tuensang.
Rio also stressed on the need to promote and preserve ethnic food and colorful dresses of all tribes and encouraged people to document them. Rio said the department of Women Development will carry this task for which he called upon the women folk to come forward in making it a reality. He assured financial assistance from the government for documentation and publication of ethnic food, crafts, weaving designs and such. He challenged the youth to be patient and maintain consistency when they take up any entrepreneurial venture.
He further urged the youth to get professional and go for specialization, adding that Nagas have a habit of involving in different fields instead of concentrating in one or two profession. Stating that Naga society is a consumer society and not a producing society, he stressed on the need to start production. In this regard, Rio encouraged the people to identify economically viable activities. Saying that the future belongs to the youths, Rio said his government stands by them and would work for them.
Earlier, the chief minister inaugurated Longleng town road and galleries constructed under the Border Region Grant Fund (BRGF), a centrally sponsored scheme. Rio also launched the Nutritional Support to Women Living with HIV/AIDS. The chief minister released the booklet ‘1 year of DAN’s 2nd Ministry - A record of achievements’.
Also speaking on the occasion, Home Minister Imkong L Imchen lauded the vision of Phom leaders who had ushered in the historic decisions taken on 6th June, 1952 to pursue a path of peace and loyalty with the government. Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and REPA S. Pangnyu Phom in his address said that for the Phoms, June 6, 1952 is considered as the day of liberation from evil practices. It was on this day that the Phom people came together before the government and made its pledge to be loyal to the government and to one another. This pledge emancipated people from the sense of fear which for so long dominated them.
“Today the concept of Phom Day celebration is a reminder of the past and also of coming forward and co-existing in harmony, “Pangnyu said adding “it is our bounden duty to uphold the spirit of peace and loyalty, which is constantly under threat in our modern and fast changing world.” The closing function will take place on June 7 with Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resource and Sports Naiba Konyak as the guest of honour.
