Nagas should aspire for unity, self-reliance — Rio

KOHIMA — Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, while extending Sekrenyi greetings to the Angami community on Tuesday, stated that Nagas have been waiting restlessly for the resolution of Indo-Naga issue for too long.

As such, Rio said, many times Nagas could not celebrate their festivals peacefully. He was addressing the Sekrenyi mini-Hornbill festival at Khuochiezie (local ground) in Kohima on February 25.

The chief minister called upon Nagas to unite; and called for economic self-reliance in order to celebrate any significant festival with much pomp and gaiety. In his short speech, Rio further appealed for friendship, cooperation and understanding to prevail among the Angami community.

Zale Neikha, Advisor to Youth Resources and Sports, urged the Angamis to spread love and lead by example; especially in the state capital, Kohima.

‘Honoured guest’ Hekhuse Shikhu, the president of Sumi Hoho, said the Sumis and the Angamis were blessed to have been neighbours since time immemorial; and over the course of its shared history, they have faced many challenges together. “Our brave men and women have fought and died together for nearly a century for Naga nationalism,” he said.

“The Angami people are the most blessed people among the Nagas because God has chosen your beautiful land to be the capital and epicentre for growth and progress for entire Naga people. As such, we have thousands of Sumis by birth who live and work here in Kohima. Although they are Sumi by birth, they have left their own home, village and land and have chosen to live with you as proud citizen of Kohima,” he said.

Dr. Kepelhousie Therhüja, president of Angami Public Organisation (APO), spoke about the varied values of Angamis such as freedom, democracy, justice and dignity stating that, “freedom is unquestionably what the Angamis love supremely and love of freedom is what makes Angami people who they are”.

Gregory Thejawelie, the deputy commissioner of Kohima said, “Mini-Hornbill festivals serve as an opportunity for the social and economic benefits of tourism to percolate to all the districts, making Nagaland tourism real and inclusive.”

Western Angami Youth Organisation (WAYO), Southern Angami Cultural Society, Viswema village and Lidi Kroko presented special numbers to mark the inaugural function.

Meanwhile, in the indigenous games competition, SAYO clinched the first position in “mepfü kemetsa” (war cry); Northern Angami Sports Association bagged the title in tug of war; Rokovi Khawakhrie of WAYO emerged champion in the fixed jump; and Sedesü Thami of Southern Angami Sports Association bagged the championship title.