Minister KG Kenye urges eastern citizens to utilise the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority opportunity wisely at the ENPUK jubilee
KOHIMA — Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye has encouraged citizens of eastern Nagaland to make a fresh start through the opportunity of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) and utilise development funds with wisdom.
Addressing the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Union Kohima (ENPUK) silver jubilee celebration on the theme "Honouring our past, forging the future" at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima on October 20, Kenye said that FNTA is not an entirely new concept for the eastern people as partial autonomy had been granted in the past.
He noted that between 1964 and 1974, there were fewer educated people, whereas today the public is equipped with knowledge and exposure to run an autonomous setup. He said past mistakes should be forgiven but cautioned that no more mistakes should be made, encouraging people to let the FNTA be purpose-orientated.
Speaking on societal values, Kenye remarked that Nagas worked in unity in the past, but after statehood and the inflow of funds, attitudes changed as people began measuring life in terms of money. He lamented that development has frequently been driven purely by profit motives, which has caused the state to lag behind, and expressed hope that the obsession with wealth is temporary.
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Chief host CL John, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, and Village Guards shared the history of ENPUK and urged members to carry the union forward through hard work.
Former ENPUK President Kekongchim Yim stated that whether the FNTA becomes a blessing or a curse depends on the people, stressing that mindsets must change. He noted that while historical discrimination existed, the community must also take responsibility. He observed that aspiring for backward reservation while rejecting the label was contradictory, stating that communities should accept the designation humbly if they desire reservation.
ENPO Vice President Andrew Tikhir expressed hope that internal issues within the ENPO area would be resolved amicably without holding grudges.
MLA and Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU) Secretary Lima Onen Chang spoke on the history of the region, stating that in terms of education and Christianity, eastern Nagaland is about 75 years behind other areas, adding that backwardness was due to circumstances rather than choice.
Angami Public Organisation (APO) President Thejao Vihienuo urged ENPUK leaders to formulate a 25-year vision plan. Commending the workforce coming to Kohima from eastern areas, he encouraged them to advance into enterprise and contracting. He also voiced concern over the influx of suspected illegal immigrants dominating local trade, calling for collective efforts to safeguard the state.