Do away with fractions and factions–Dr. Neisatuo

Dr. Neisatuo Mero and others during the 50th anniversary celebration of CSU KSCJ at Kohima Science College in Jotsoma on Saturday. (EM Images)

JOTSOMA — Pointing out at the prevailing divisions among civil society leaders, religious groups and Naga political groups which have become a stumbling block, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Dr. Neisatuo Mero on Saturday called upon Nagas to do away with ‘fractions’ and ‘factions’ to enable the society move forward.

He stated this during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) of Kohima Science College Jotsoma (KSCJ) at the KSCJ auditorium. He observed that Nagas try to cover up such divisions but still have tribalism mindset among leaders even in the field of religion.

He highlighted that there are fractions in civil society setups and factions among national workers’ organisations, which have become the greatest hurdle and the greatest stumbling block to the long-protracted Indo-Naga solution. He expressed reservations about the Naga society's ability to move forward under such circumstances.

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He said, “My observation: I do not see much ray of hope if we do not eliminate the term ‘faction’ and ‘fraction’ in our Naga society.” He challenged the young people to have a long-sighted vision when it comes to bringing all the Nagas together in order to build a better place and a better world to live in.

Making a comparison to a relay race, he stated that the elders and the current generation would one day pass on the baton of responsibilities to the young people, which must be upheld and handled with utmost care—whether it be in the realm of intellect, leadership or the unity of the Chakhesang people.

The legislator also highlighted the importance for the Chakhesang to learn each other’s languages—be it Chokri, Khezha or Sapuo. According to him, there are more than 7,000 living languages worldwide, with 1.5 billion English speakers, 1.1 billion Chinese speakers and more than 600 million Hindi speakers. He emphasised that learning each other’s language would helped in rooting one’s identity and culture.

He reminded that CSU KSCJ alumni have gone on to become leaders in religion, civil society and the state bureaucracy. Among the alumni, he mentioned two MLAs namely former MLA Nuzota Swuro, now the incumbent chairman of NBDA and himself, who did his Pre-University (PU) studies at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma.

He also appreciated the pioneers of KSCJ, who nurtured the union, enabling it to celebrate this milestone. He emphasised that jubilee is a time for forgiveness among friends, if there are any misunderstandings.

The legislator said, “It is time for us to come out from the darkness of life into the light of life. If you are lazy, if you are not sincere in your studies, this is your chance to come out and understand the reason why you have come here to Kohima, to this college. This is a time for retrospection.”

Highlighting the changes and transformation that have taken place over the years particularly in terms of basic necessities and communication, he noted that messages now travel in a minute, while back then it took months through postal services.

He also observed a shift in culture and tradition. What was once refined and rich has now been infiltrated and mixed with Western, European, and Korean cultures. In the education sector too, he remarked that fifty years ago there were only a few colleges in the state, but now the state is home to many institutions including Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering and Medical education—making education more accessible and convenient for the present generation.

Dr. Mero also mentioned advanced technology, which he said has been invented and innovated by humans through God's grace—citing artificial intelligence, war machines, drones, lasers and breakthroughs in medical science that have enhanced life in every way.

He also noted that despite all these advancements, the rate of competition has become very high and accompanied by a lot of mental pressure. In this regard, he advised students to have faith in God, to be diligent, consistent and hardworking in order to achieve their goals.

SK Kenye, first president of CSU KSCJ and a retired director of Geology and Mining, released the CSU KSCJ souvenir. He attributed the achievement of this milestone to the grace of God and called upon students not to forget God’s goodness toward the Chakhesang community.

The welcome address was delivered by Tewe Medo, president of CSU KSCJ, who paid tribute to the visionary leaders, while a symphony of celebration was presented by the jubilee choir and a folk song was performed by Vekrülü Nakro and Hünulü Hoshi.

The Angami Students' Union, KSCJ, presented a choral piece and Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, senior pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill Kohima, offered the jubilee consecration prayer.

The concluding tribute was delivered by Dr. Wenyitso Kapfo, advisor of CSU KSCJ and the benediction was said by Khatsoyi Sapuh, pastor of Phügi Baptist Church.