Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurates Chiechama amphitheatre

Calls for preservation of Naga motifs, traditions

Neiphiu Rio inaugurates amphitheatre in Chiechama

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 14 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday called for preservation and promotion of Naga traditions, culture, customs and motifs for posterity.

He was addressing the inaugural programme of Chiechama Dahou (amphitheatre) in Kohima district.

He pointed out that construction of the amphitheatre was necessitated at Chiechama as it is the biggest village under Northern Angami II Assembly Constituency, while a highway also passes through the village.

Opining that there were still more works that needed to be done, he also assured of his contributions for the ‘full completion’.

He appreciated the ‘oneness and unity’ of the village for the successful completion of the Dahou, adding that it was a visionary project.

Neiphiu Rio said the forefathers had relied much on Dahou for planning, settling disputes and maintaining peace and tranquility of the village.

In the olden days, he said Dahou served the purpose of promoting and preserving the tradition, culture and customary laws, adding that it will now be of use for meetings, sports and social purposes. Rio also suggested the construction of a well-decorated Naga traditional gate at the entrance of the amphitheatre.

Rio informed that similar amphitheatres were already constructed at Touphema, NSF Solidarity Park, Selouphe, Ungma and others were also constructed which, he said, was well received by the citizens and visitors.

He added that using Naga designs and motifs and reviving them will keep the legacy of the forefathers alive, and expressed optimism that the facility will usher in progress and development.

Asserting that the tourists visit the state to know and experience the customs, culture and traditions for the uniqueness of the Nagas, Rio said the state government is prioritising promotion and preservation of the same.

Congratulations to the citizens of Chiechama village on the inaugural of amphitheatre. It is a matter of pride to have such a facility and a sign of unity and harmony among the citizens. I hope it will be maintained well. May God’s blessings be upon it. pic.twitter.com/yJlkpjB4Fu

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) January 14, 2023

Avail CMHIS, CMMFI

Meanwhile, Rio also told the people to come forward, register and get their health cards for the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), covering INR 20 lakh for government servants and INR 5 lakh for citizens annually, which is in tune with PM-JAY.

He informed that it is being facilitated in empanelled hospitals, both government and private, across the state and country.

Further, he told the youths to avail the Chief Minister’s Micro- Finance Initiative (CMMFI) scheme to venture into entrepreneurship and farming, and also urged the leaders and government machinery to sensitise the people regarding the facility.

On Naga political issue and election

Realising the desire of the Naga people, Rio said all the 60 MLAs had resolved to pave way for an early resolution of the Naga political issue and “have been hoping against hope, and is in the final stage”.

However, he maintained that if a solution does not arrive ahead of the election, then the Assembly election will have to take place as the term of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) is due to expire in early March.

Rio asserted that if the election is delayed and President’s Rule is imposed in the state, there will be no government to represent the voice of the people.

He informed that a team from the Election Commission of India is also in the state since Friday to assess the situation and preparedness and upon their return to Delhi, it will announce the date for the polls.

Further, he pointed out that the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has been demanding for a separate state since 2010, and the Cabinet had subsequently formed a committee in 2011. The findings were recommended to Delhi, maintaining that the state government ‘sympathises’ with the aspirations of the ENPO with recommendations for economic packages and autonomous council.

Rio said that the ENPO delegation is meeting the team from the Centre at Guwahati and the outcome is awaited as it has resolved not to participate in the assembly election unless its demand is granted.

The chief minister also stated that the Cabinet had also conducted its meeting and had appealed to ENPO to reconsider their demand for the interest of the Nagas.

He pointed out that after the Assembly election, there will be a census followed by delimitation, adding that the last delimitation has not done ‘justice’ to the people of the state, terming it as ‘uneven’.

Further, he acknowledged the people of his constituency for their support in electing him seven times to the NLA to represent them, and even during the MP election.

Earlier, Mhalezolie Metha, Chairman Village Council (VCC) Chiechama, delivering a welcome address, acknowledged Rio for the concern and development of the projects and further appealed to him to continue and take forward the people on the journey of development and transformation.

The programme was led by Shyien Vihienuo, Vice President Chiechama Officers’ Krotho; report of the construction of the amphitheatre was presented by Khezhazelhou Theunuo, Convenor of the Construction Committee; blessings was pronounced by Pukolie Chadi, Head GB; vote of thanks was proposed by Neitso Sogotsu, VCM; folk song was presented by Chiechamiapfu Mechu Krotho and a special song was presented by Chiechama Baptist Khriesaruu Krotho.

The chief minister earlier inaugurated the Chiechama Dahou in the presence of his legislator colleagues, government officials, public leaders and citizens of Chiechama.

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