Nagas not progressing because of ‘blame game’, says Nagaland legislator Hekani Jakhalu

DIMAPUR— Advisor of Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu said the Naga society is not progressing because of resorting to “blame game”, and that women can play a crucial role in weaving the thread of unity among the people.

Addressing the gathering during the Western Sümi Totimi Hoho (WSTH) Silver Jubilee celebration at Thilixu village in Chümoukedima on the theme “Kuqhakulu Chikamujo Ani” (Nurturing Unity), on Wednesday, she called upon the Nagas to strive towards oneness and harbour the spirit of brotherhood.

“If we do not change our mindset and unify, then the younger Naga generation will not progress and prosper,” she said.

The advisor also said that women can play a vital role in unifying the people by exhibiting patience, which is God’s ‘special power’ to women.

Maintaining that becoming an MLA was an answered to the prayers of the “Sülimis” (Sümi women) in particular and Naga women in general, Jakhalu who is one of the first two women to be elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), said that more Naga women need to come out and lead from the forefront.

She also announced “WSTH Silver Jubilee Scholarship” for Western Sümi women, the details of which will be worked out with WSTH later.

The theme speaker of the function, Kuholi Chishi, retired Director of Higher Education, Nagaland, said that unity exists in the Sümi community, but they do not nurture the spirit of unity.

Unity can be nurtured by embracing diversity, the gift of bonding, and embracing God, she said, while urging the Sümis to embrace, appreciate, and respect the diversity among individuals, within families and the society at large.

She called upon the Sümi women to bring people together by using God’s gift to them — patience, humility, and compassion.

Chishi also encouraged the people to preserve the age-old culture and practices; to protect and preserve one’s identity for the generations to come.

Sümi Totimi Hoho president Kheholi Assumi; Western Sümi Hoho president Shikaho Zhimomi, and former WSTH president G Jolly Zhimomi delivered jubilee greetings during the occasion.

Earlier in the day, Jubilee Plague and WSTH building were inaugurated at Eralibill Village by first WSTH president Hukheli T Wotsa. The occasion was also marked by cultural performances.