DIPR
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 31
Nagaland can be a land of producers not only land of festival, stated T.R Zeliang Chief Minister of Nagaland while delivering his address during the Lamsimngyi festival at Benreu Village, Peren. Every festival has meaning for every community, he stated and added that during this season festivals are celebrated across Nagaland focused on harvest. “Now many villages do not have fields to produce but we can use improved method for producing horticulture crops etc. and be self sufficient”, he observed. Later on that self sufficiency can be increased to surplus for export, the CM encouraged, emphasizing that this can be done because Nagaland can have organic food stuff abundantly unlike many other states. He assured that if this trend goes on without any break, within 10-15 years Nagaland will become ‘Land of Producers’ as well.
He further stated that Nagas should preserve tradition so that they keep their culture alive. “Every tradition attires, custom and culture represent our uniqueness among others”, he said adding that foreign tourists are highly attracted during Hornbill Festival where they come to see different cultural tribes. He stated that Nagaland has high potential for tourism where it brings not only fame but economic returns as well and urged the villagers of Benreu to preserve and conserve the natural gifted resources for future generation.
The programme was chaired by Tingbayigwangbe and invocation offered by Rev. Kuzierang Thou while vote of thanks was proposed by Additional Director IPR, Pausui Zeliang. Hosts of Ministers and MLAs who accompanied Chief Minister including G. Kaito Aye, Y Patton, P Longon, Kipili Sangtam, Dr. Benjongliba Aier, Neiba Kronu, Er. Picto Shohe, Merentoshi R. Jamir, N. Thongwang Konyak, Er. Levi Rengma and Dr.N Ketitsu, etc. The programme was attended by administrative officials, Police dept, Officials from Medical department, neighbouring villages and well-wishers.
CM’s bodyguard killed in accidental firing
A body guard of Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang was killed in an accidental firing that took place at Benreu village under Peren district of Nagaland today.
The victim identified as constable of 3rd NAP, Moakumjuk Jamir, s/o late Samuel Jamir of Mangmetong village, Mokokchung district was shot on the head from a muzzle loading gun, sources said.
The gun went off incidentally while the villagers of Benreu were according a traditional welcome to Chief Minister TR Zeliang and his entourage for the Lamsimngyi Festival, the sources said, adding that the victim succumbed to his injuries on the way to Peren Hospital.
Chief Minister TR Zeliang has expressed anguish and pain by the unfortunate death of Moakumzuk.
Zeliang described Jamir as “obedient, dutiful and brave policeman”. His death is a great loss, not only to the family, revaltives and the Ao Community but to the Nagaland police as well, he said.
On behalf of himself and the state government, Zeliang conveyed heartfelt condolences to the wife and other members of the bereaved family. The CM also offered prayers that the God grants them solace and strength to bear this tragic and irreparable loss of a young and promising life and that the departed soul rest in peace.
Meanwhile, an emergency cabinet meeting was held this evening to take stock of the unfortunate accidental firing at Benreu village resulting in the death of Moakumzuk, who was on duty as Chief Minister’s security escort during the visit by CM as chief guest of the festival.
The Cabinet expressed shock and sorrow at the unfortunate death of Moakumzuk and announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, and also decided to extend all possible help to the bereaved family.
The cabinet also decided to constitute a High Level Committee to inquire into the circumstances of the accident and to make recommendations on how such incidents may be avoided in future, stated a release issued by Chief Secretary and Cabinet Secretary Toshi Aier.
