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Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 25 (EMN): Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda on Monday laid the foundation stone of Kohima Village Multipurpose (KVM) building at Kohima village ground, Ziekezou.
Munda said that the Centre is making lot of effort to put the Northeast at par with other states, while the Rio-led government, especially the Tribal Affairs department to work with the Tribal Ministry.
"Being a tribal myself, I am happy to witness that this common character in the form of tradition, and culture," he said while informing that there are more than 700 tribal communities in India.
He said that he is impressed by the traditional wears that were presented to him during the occasion.
‘Naga is a community that is ever ready to fight with anyone for its culture, tradition, language as well as to keep forward its identity. I am happy to see that all of you are in the path of development,’ he stated.
He also stressed on the need to focus on taking ‘urban infrastructure to rural areas’.
Munda went on to state the he was ready to help if the state wants to set up an archery centre to help young archers excel. He also urged the government to prepare a proposal in order to prepare students compete in the game, so that he could sanction a special grant to Nagaland for the same.
While informing that he would visit Aspirational district Kiphire today, Tuesday, the minister said the ministry works with 41 ministries; reviews the funding pattern, analyse and allot to different states.
"So if the Nagaland state needs any funds from other ministries, the Tribal Affairs ministry will help the state so that the state avail the maximum benefits. I am happy that under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the state is doing good works and moving towards development," he said.
Rio acknowledged the Union Minister for his concern for the state by sanctioning the project in March within a month though towards the fag end of the financial year.
Kohima is a historical village, he said while pointing out that the building should be made with Naga touch; that it is the duty of the Centre and state governments to preserve the rich traditions and unique culture.
He opined that one day Kohima can be named 'Heritage City', by preserving rich traditions and cultures.
"If we want to be known, we have to be different, we have to be unique, and that is how we should show so that; when people move around they will see traditional gates, Naga motifs, Naga house with horns," he said.
Meanwhile, Minister for Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along said the Kohima Village Council (KVC) should issue proper land certificates and papers at the earliest so that the project can start early.
Chairman of KVC Helievi-o Solo informed that an amount of INR 5 crore had been sanctioned for the project with 1500 capacity. He added that any organisation can use the facility once completed and that well-wishers from the state had already generated INR 5 lakh to start the ground works.