Time for Nagas to build the future: Rio

Seyochung (Kiphire), January 15, 2020

72nd General Session of the United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) at Seyochung Village under Kiphire district on January 15, 2020

Nagaland Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio today said that decades of strife had prevented the Nagas from seeing the other side of peace and development in reality and that the time has come for the Nagas to shed all differences, to unite, to reconcile, to forgive and to forget so that together, Nagas can build the future in oneness and in harmony.

Addressing the 72nd General Session of the United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) at Seyochung Village under Kiphire district today, the Chief Minister said that as leaders of tomorrow, students need to understand Naga history and take up the responsibilities of changing the mindset of the people towards peace, progress and development.

Quoting an adage that a child without education is like a bird without wings, Rio stated that learning is a life-long process and education prepares a child to face the realities of life as it sets one free by giving an individual the power to think, reason, understand, act and also to obey the rule of law.

The Chief Minister also said that the people have to overcome and shed the tag of backwardness otherwise it will only be self-defeating. Stating that the advent of Christianity in Nagaland in 1872 by EW Clarke was the best thing that happened to the Nagas, Rio said that Christianity and education had brought Nagas thus far for which the Quasqui-centennial celebrations of 125 years of Christianity in Nagaland was celebrated from November 27-30, 1997 under the theme ‘From Darkness To Light’. “So, as students, you have to obey your parents, your teachers, and you have to focus on the Christian teachings and values so that we can get quality and real education,” he said.

Stating that Nagas were at a crucial juncture in the Naga Political Issue, the Chief Minister pointed out that negotiations between the negotiating parties had successfully concluded on 31st October 2019 on a positive note and that the Nagas were yearning for a solution to the decades old issue. Towards this end, Rio pointed out that all 60 MLAs under the banner of the Joint Legislators Forum on the Naga Political Issue had joined hands to facilitate the peace process so that settlement comes about.

“We hope that we will unite and bring settlement for peace and development of our State and to get the opportunities for the youth to pursue their goals and their dreams. This is our dream, this is our hope and I feel that if we unite, we can achieve this in a few months’ time. We have hope in our youth that you will realise the importance of peace and live in harmony with ourselves and with our neighbours,” Rio said.

Citing the example of Japan which was badly defeated in WWII, the Chief Minister pointed out that post-war period, Japan focused more on economic policies and today, it is one of the economic superpowers of the world. So also South Korea, which after liberation from Japanese rule and the subsequent Korean War between the North and the South, focused on its economy and economic reforms to subsequently become a developed economy. Therefore, Nagas also have to think seriously and be committed to work so that the economy can be developed to become self-reliant and self-dependent.

Rio said that in the course of concentrating only on Government jobs, the people had forgotten about business and entrepreneurship. He said that unless Nagas take up all forms of jobs from the biggest to the smallest, outsiders will always come to the State in search for employment and that Nagas will remain jobless. He therefore encouraged the people to commit themselves to work and take up private entrepreneurship to bring about a vibrant, self-reliant economy.

“You’re the future. You will take our place. You will become the leaders of our people and unless you have the preparedness to face the realities of life, we will perish. Even if we don’t like, outsiders will come and work and we will have no future. Therefore, in this 72nd General Session, I hope you will deliberate, take up challenges and see that the students’ community changes the mindset of the people and work hard to make your life and the community stronger and make all the Nagas proud,” the Chief Minister averred.

Also delivering a short speech, DC Kiphire Sarita Yadav IAS urged upon the students to focus on their responsibilities and study hard in order to become responsible citizens. She said that youths are the harbingers of change and therefore, the contributions of youths are very much needed for the betterment of society. She thanked the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues for attending the conference to motivate the students and showing their concern for the District.

Upon arrival, the Chief Minister unveiled the commemoration plaque and unfurled the USSC flag in presence of Shri Y. Patton, Deputy Chief Minister; Shri CM Chang, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Justice & Law; and Shri V. Kashiho Sangtam, Minister for Soil & Water Conservation, Geology & Mining who had accompanied the Chief Minister to the programme.

Welcome address was delivered by Sepikyu J. Sangtam, President of USSC and the gathering witnessed a spectacular performance by the Village Guards Pipe Band as well as cultural performances and special numbers. The programme was attended by all 8 federating units and 78 sub-units of USSC, Government officials of the district, Hd. GB, GBs, Village Council Chairman of Seyochung Village and leaders of neighbouring villages.

Issued by:
Media Cell,
Chief Minister's Office,
Nagaland : Kohima