Shakhai Konyak
Mon | April 7
The two day conclave of the Konyak Union Silver Jubilee celebration came to a close here today with Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, gracing the occasion as chief guest. A host of high profile dignitaries, Ministers, MLA, leaders of NGOs, Tribal and Hoho leaders from different tribal councils of Nagaland attended the programme as well.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio said that the celebration of twenty five years is a major event that showcases the maturity of its status, the society and the union and a moment to retrospect the past achievements and evolve futuristic initiative for uplifting the society in the days to come.
He conveyed that he was delighted to see every Konyak from across the boundary coming together from different areas displaying solidarity and unity and stated that Konyak people are not backward but the geographical and historical areas in which they inhabit are backward.
He also mentioned that Konyaks are the most astute and intelligent among all the Nagas tribe which was also recognized by the then British empire for their Kingship (Anghship), administrative control and is held in high esteem and position till today in the present Naga society.
But he also lamented that the Naga forefathers, due to their own aggressive attitude, had delayed development and civilization to arrive.
He also stated that Nagas were kept disoriented and disunited without the will and knowledge of the people and therefore the Nagas have been striving for integration and unity of all Nagas till today.
Rio said a solution has been delayed because the Nagas are not united. He called for unity and appealed to steadfastly adopt the forgive and forget policy among every tribal and underground group.
Further, he said that if the Nagas unitedly seek for integration, then there will be a tangible solution and continued that the problem is not with the Centre but with the Nagas. Therefore, he said, it is a highly possible and opportune time that Nagas rationalize and rethink for the cause of unity.
As Christian Nagas should follow the Christian ways and therefore the jubilee should signify the change in attitude with a positive approach, Rio said, and appealed that the Naga ways and nature of revenge and aggressiveness be put aside to go forward. He expressed the hope that Nagas will have a bright future.
He also appealed to every tribal group, Hohos, etc to cooperate with the government in achieving peace and development for the areas. He expressed his satisfaction with the performance and display of effective control of law and order situation in the state. He also highlighted about the Year of Farmers initiative and called upon every farmer to make the best use of its policy for self sufficiency and economic growth of the area.
He was confident, and of the view, that within five to ten years, the backward area should come up at par with other tribes of the state and exhorted that he is with the people of Konyak in retrieving the past fame and reputation.
Talking about development, Rio declared that his govt has provided a lot for Mon but it is the priory of the NGOs headed by KU to make sure that these funds are used more effectively and speedily for the benefit of the people. He was concerned that Mon Town is suffering due to the incompletion of road construction on time.
He further stressed that proper education and awareness should be given to the public about governmental funds, grant-in-aids, loans, subsidies, etc so that they may utilize them correctly for their economic growth. Rio donated Rs 3,00,000 to the KU and an ambulance each to Civil Hospital, Mon and Aboi Hospital. He also distributed fibreless commercial ginger to farmers under APMC Mon.
