Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 6
Minister for School Education and SCERT, Yitachu Pfitu on Wednesday said that the New Year 2016 ‘is going to be a crucial year as some major political developments particularly in regard to the vexed Naga political issue may take place within the year.’
Speaking at the 21st session of the Phoyisha Cultural Festival organised by Phoyisha Cultural Organisation (PCO) comprising of ten villages under Meluri sub-division in Phek district at Hutsü village, the minister asserted that there are possibilities for “a solution to the Naga political issue”, however in order to let solution come, he maintained that the people must analyze and examine the Naga issue properly in the perspective of the Nagas in general. He emphasized that the Naga issue should not be viewed in the line of affiliation, factionalism, tribalism and favouritism, but as workable, practicable and acceptable to the Nagas.
Meanwhile, lauding the efforts of the Phoyisha Cultural Organisation for putting together the cultural festival once in every two years’ time, Yitachu encouraged them to continue to uphold culture and tradition as it is the identity of the people.
The minister also shared his concerns that even while the literacy rate of the state is very high and people have attained much education, the problems in the society are compounded mainly because the people do not practice, speak and function in the truth. He said government schools are being provided with highly qualified teachers and if the Village Education Councils (VECs) can coordinate with the schools in the respective villages, world class education can be imparted to the children. However, he regretted that teachers of government schools and many parents are sending their children to private schools, neglecting the weaker students in government schools. He therefore said unless the weaker students are taken care of, the society cannot progress.
The Phoyisha Cultural Organisation comprises of ten villages, New Phor, Phor, Wuzu, Hutsü, Yisi, Küzatü, Shatüza, Weziho, Mollen and Yisisotha. It organizes the cultural festival biennially by holding various competitions like folk song & dances, indigenous games and archery.
