Nagaland: Ao Senden appeals to state government

Our Correspondent

Mokokchung, Oct. 28 (EMN): On account of the proposed visit of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu,’s visit to Nagaland on November 2 and 3, the Ao Senden has appealed to that state government not to restrict anyone from attending the sesquicentennial event if she/he so desire.

In a press release on Friday, Ao Senden stated that the people of Nagaland eagerly await the sesquicentennial celebration of Christianity in Naga Hills scheduled from November 1 to the 3rd. However, the government has announced about the President of India’s visit to the state on November 2 and 3.

While understanding that as per protocol, the government of Nagaland has instructed all its officers and staff including those posted in the districts to be in station and that granting of leave be avoided, Ao Senden expressed regret and termed as “not appreciated.”

Pointing out that Nagaland state with 89% of its population being Christians with the highest percentage of Christians in India, Ao Senden felt that the President of India could have chosen any other date to visit the state.

“It is unfortunate that the Hon’ble President of India’s visit coincides with the celebration of 150 years of Christianity in Naga Hills, an event that was planned years ahead of schedule and to everybody’s knowledge,” Ao Senden said.

In this connection Ao Senden appealed to the government of Nagaland not to restrict anyone from attending the sesquicentennial event if she/he so desire.

Civic reception for President

In honour of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Nagaland on November 2 and 3, a civic reception is being organised at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, on November 2 at 3 pm.

According to a DIPR report, the presidents and all office bearers of tribal bodies including Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), Tenyimi Peoples' Organisation (TPO), Angami Public Organisation (APO), Ao Senden (AS), Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), Chang Khulei Setsang (CKS),  Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC), Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN), Karbi (Mikir) Union Nagaland (KUN), Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Konyak Union (KU), Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN), Lotha Hoho (LH), Phom People’s Council (PPC), Pochury Hoho (PH), Rengma Hoho (RH), Sumi Hoho (SH), Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC), United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC)and Nagaland Zeliang Peoples Organisation (NZPO) are asked to attend the civic reception.

All the tribal leaders and representatives are asked to attend the civic reception by wearing their respective traditional shawls and be seated at the venue by 2 pm.