Dimapur, May 1 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today spread the message of unity and work culture on the occasion of Moatsü festival which is the premier festival of the Ao community in the state.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Moatsü festival of the Ao community which was organized by the Chankikong Senso Telongjem at the DDSC Stadium here today, Rio called upon the Nagas that as a family they need to build a bond of brotherhood and unity. He recollected his visit to Chuchuyimpang village during Moatsü festival in 2006, and expressed his happiness that during that celebration, different cultural troupes from neighbouring tribes like the Konyak, Chang and Sangtam were also present. In this regard he said that such participation by other tribes in the tribal festivals of one tribe promotes brotherhood and unity.
“Let us build up brotherhood, let us build up relationship,” said Rio to the more than two thousand gathering of Ao people at the DDSC stadium and called upon the people to show that unity is a must for any kind of development and progress.
Rio also categorically mentioned that unless there is peace and tranquility in the state, then there would be no progress. Though the DAN government is trying its best to empower the people, like the youths, women and the farmers, Rio lamented that people from other places are ‘afraid’ to come to the state even as tourists. He said that the Nagas need to promote their cultures; however, he said that if there is no peace then the rich cultural heritage would disappear slowly. Giving a simple formula of peace, Rio said that one must respect others as one would want others to respect him.
Rio also said that work culture which was inherent in the Naga fore fathers is fast disappearing from the modern Naga populace living in the urban towns. He said that Naga ancestors had every right to celebrate the festivals after all their hard work in their own fields. In this regard, Rio firmly asserted that if people are celebrating the festival without sowing seeds in their fields (of work) then ‘they are not fooling others but simply fooling themselves.’
Going by the significance of the Moatsü festival or any other tribal festival, Rio reminded the people not to lose sight of the rich values which was so inherent among Naga forefathers, like bravery, honesty, respect for elders and the proud culture and tradition. Rio said that if the people fail to miss these values then they would be missing the core issues.
About the special status given by the Indian government to the state, Rio said that the government has appointed a special committee to look into the special status given to Nagaland under Article 371 of the India constitution, so that the government can ‘know and take out whichever is applicable to preserve their culture and tradition.’ However, Rio said that to preserve and protect the identity of the Nagas, it is up to the people themselves to do it.
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