Dimapur, July 12 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today called upon the Muslim community of Dimapur to cooperate with the government and the district administration to usher in peace and development in the state. Speaking as the chief guest at the felicitation programme for successful Muslim students, at the Holy Cross School auditorium here today, Rio who maintained that Dimapur is a mini-India, said Muslims make up the majority of people from other communities living in the city who are actively involved in business. He urged the Muslims to render cooperation to the government and civil administration to usher in peace and development in the city.
Allaying the fear of people in coming to Nagaland, Rio however, maintained that the Nagas are straightforward, openhearted and truthful. Nonetheless, he admitted that there are some anti-social elements. He asserted that there has never been a case of communal hostilities in the Nagas’ history so far, and that different people from different communities are living in peaceful coexistence for long.
Rio, who took off his time from the budget session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to attend the meeting, expressed happiness that the Muslim Council of Dimapur is planning to open an English school in the district, as English is the world language and learning it would make finding jobs easier and communication with others more convenient. In this regard, Rio declared that the government would support the MCD in building the school – much to the applause of the audience.
Speaking about Muslim culture, Rio also said that Muslim girls are under much restrictions through the religious laws. However, he expressed happiness that Muslim girls are receiving awards along with the boys and also the womenfolk taking part in the programme along with the men. NSF President Mutsikhoyo Yhobu also spoke on the occasion. Rio left for Kohima after the programme for the last day of the budget session scheduled for Monday.
.jpg)
