Zhaleo calls to work collectively as one Naga society to remove tribalism

Morung Express News 
Kohima | March 7

Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of Nagaland, Zhaleo Rio on Thursday called out against tribalism which creates enmity and division among the people, and instead encouraged to work together as one Naga society to remove tribalism from politics. The division was in every sphere, he observed and also mentioned that split in factions were on the rise. Addressing the 41st General Conference of the AGOK held at AGOK Badze, Meriema Village, Kohima on March 7, he urged the Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (AGOK) to transcend tribal lines and work for Naga unity. 

Calling for unity and entity among the members, the Advisor opined that the officers of the community are considered the creamy layer and backbone of the Angami and Naga society. ‘However, due to self inhibitions and casual attitude that Angami people usually have, our society was lacking behind,’ he observed. 

Zhaleo said the reluctance to ask, offer to learn and consult one another was very less and having pride and ego were attitudes that our people need to change. 

He said the officers have the potential to contribute in policy making and development of the state by providing expertise and technical knowledge in different fields that they are engaged in which in turn will benefit the local populace. 

The Advisor said ‘being an officer is not about enjoying and relinquishing a privilege but to serve the government with different roles and responsibilities.’ 

He said as an officer, he advised them to have human touch in wherever they serve and have patience and farsight, and recommit themselves towards our aspirations and contribute towards generating revenue in the state.

The Advisor mentioned areas where it could be revenue generation, policy changes, developmental agendas, livelihood among others. 

In terms of land and people, he said Angamis were richly blessed with natural endowments and resources, adding Kohima district being the capital of the state having many convenience and advantages in this regard. 

Dr Dietho-o Yhoshü, former MLA, NLA exhorted the gathering. A DIPR report added that Yhoshü reflected on the early efforts of late KK Angami to unite Angami officers for the common good before the formation of AGOK in the 1980s, and he served as the first President of AGOK.  Stressing the values of trustworthiness and dependability, he challenged AGOK members to uphold these virtues in their actions. Yhoshü warned against ego-driven attitudes and urged AGOK to serve as the guiding brain, complementing the Angami Public Organisation as the head. 

Yhoshü advocated for prioritizing service and soul satisfaction over material gains, cautioning against complacency and emphasizing the importance of continuous personal growth. He concluded by encouraging officers to enrich themselves through reading good books and studying exemplary biographies, aiming to shape the lives they aspire to lead.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Ketusielie Angami, Joint Secretary, AGOK. AGOK President Neilasa Sopfü delivered the welcome address and AGOK General Secretary, Nongozo Rikha and Treasurer Vikosieto Krose gave their tenure reports. Convener for search committee of new office bearers, Er Kezhazelhou Theunüo, Lidi Kro-u, Kohima Village and SAGOK presented songs. 

According to AGOK members list, the organization has 1578 members at present.