Angami legislators underscore unity for progress

Our Correspondent KOHIMA, DECEMBER 17 [dropcap]A[/dropcap]ngami legislators today emphasized that unity is the ingredient for a society to progress, in the lines that the people must strive for harmony and work together to take not just the Angami community forward but the Naga society as a whole. Delivering a solidarity message on the occasion of the general conference of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) here at APO Hall, Kohima on Wednesday, minister for Social Welfare & Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyanilie Peseyie said that APO being the apex organization of the Angami people, when it is strong it reflects the strength and unity of the entire community. He called upon the leaders of the organization to give their best in working for what is best for the people, not just the Angamis but for the Nagas as a whole. While lauding APO for its efforts, endeavours and achievements, the minister pointed out that there is always room for improvement, and he further called upon the leaders of APO to set exemplary roles for its frontal units and the people in general to follow.Parliamentary Secretary for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Er. Vikho-o Yhoshü said wisdom and thoughts of the elders are very important for any community to move forward. He expressed happiness that the Angami community has an elders’ forum and pointing that politicians and bureaucrats also need elderly wisdom and advice, he asked the APO to initiate meetings with the forum including legislators so as to enable them to be aware of public opinion as well as issues of public concerns. Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Development , Zhaleo Rio in his address, stated that among all the tribes in Nagaland, he feels the Angamis are more blessed. He recounted that the community has produced pioneers in many fields among the Nagas in the past, but the people have somehow become dormant and complacent. Expressing concern that the community is starting to be considered a “sleeping giant”, he called upon all Angamis to wake up and realise how blessed they are and utilize what they are blessed with for the growth of the Naga society. “Unless we do this, our good qualities will become extinct,” he said. Rio also remarked that although Nagas are known for being particularly sensitive to land-ownership, he feels that the people should not become obstacles for development to take place in their land. Parliamentary Secretary for Art & Culture, Er. Kropol Vitsu also pointed out that unity is essential for a society to grow. However, he lamented, many misunderstandings are arising in society due to petty issues. He also candidly stated that the Angamis today suffer from a psyche and flawed attitude of not willing to venture out of their comfort zones. He insisted that the people need to widen their minds and work together. MLA, Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu also shared his concerns over the two most worrying trends of the present day-- unemployment and unproductivity. He feels that these two issues should be taken up with priority as the youth are the ones who are facing the brunt. Meanwhile, the outgoing APO president, Keneingunyü Sekhose in his speech said the Angamis are known and respected by other tribes but there is need to introspect the recent past. He asserted that the people should not lay back basking in past glories but rather emphasize on coming together to introspect and find out weaknesses so as to groom “ourselves from within ourselves”. Others who also spoke on the occasion include, Angamimiapfü Mechü Krotho(AMK) president Ruokuoheü, Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (AGOK) president Ketoho Luho, Angami Youth Organization (AYO) president Medo Yhokha, and Angami Sports Association (ASA) president Er. Neisievilie Lhousa. The newly elected APO President, Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi in his address, thanked the public for their vote of confidence on the members of the new team. The new team of APO executive members are Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi (president), KT Vilie Theünuo (vice president), Pfükhrielie Peseyie (vice-president), Keviselie Lhousa (general secretary), Salhoutuonuo Kruse (assistant general secretary), Kevisokho Khro (property secretary), Mhalelie Vimerha (joint property secretary), Neisakholie Ziephrü (secretary information & publicity), Khriekhotuo Mor (joint secretary information & publicity), Neikhrietuo Kense (finance secretary), Vizopale Sale (joint finance secretary), Puzashe Loho (treasurer), Rovilhou Secü (vice treasurer) and Keneingunyü Sekhose (advisor). The new team will hold office for a tenure of three years.