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Dr. SC Jamir addresses the first Dr Imkongliba Memorial Volleyball Trophy, on November 20 at the Dimapur Government College ground in Dimapur. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Reporter
Dimapur, Nov. 20 (EMN): Former chief minister of Nagaland Dr. SC Jamir on Wednesday expressed the need for the Naga person to examine their self, and urged the people to uphold the brave and honest qualities of the Naga people’s forefathers.
He was addressing the first Dr. Imkongliba Memorial Volleyball Trophy on November 20 organised by Japukong Youth Organisation at the Dimapur Government College ground in Dimapur.
"We have failed for many years to see, learn and understand the sacrifices made by Dr. Imkongliba for Nagaland," Jamir said. He stressed on the fact that the people should know the history and the present state of Nagaland.
Jamir said that everybody, especially the younger generations of Nagaland should be aware of the contribution and sacrifices made by Ao and his team. He expressed happiness that during “this golden opportunity,” he will have the chance to see the "black curtain unveil that had blocked and prevented the Nagas from knowing what we were, what we are and what we shall be tomorrow."
The former CM stated that the people, who were deeply involved in rebellion in the dark days of Nagaland, know the situation that prevailed during the 1950s and the early 1960s. He quoted a saying: "You cannot neglect things that had happened before you were born; and if you refuse to attend or accept the things that took place before you were born, you will forever remain a child, totally ignorant of the things around you."
Jamir challenged the youths to take up the responsibility of building the Naga society where there is equality and transparency. He reminded the people about how the Naga National Council (NNC) was formed to bring the Nagas together during a time when all of them were scattered.
He said that Ao was the architect of Nagaland and it was he who foresaw that Nagaland could not remain isolated in a shell, but must grow along with the rest of the world. However, he lamented that the present Nagas have been entirely consumed by the love for money and the pleasures of the world. He said, “We have completely forgotten the hardships and the sacrifices of our forefathers just to give Nagaland the image she deserves.”
The minister for Higher and Technical Education and Tribal Affairs Temjen Imna Along, also spoke during the programme. He expressed concern that "Nagas have shied away in standing up for what is right but seek comfort in the easy and wrong way."
"A people known for bravery and courage have now shied away from speaking out the truth," Along said exhorting the youths to find courage and do what is right and good for the growth of the society.
Stating that Ao was not only assassinated but murdered because of the ideas and the vision he had for a greater Nagaland, Along said it is now time for the Naga people to retrospect and start remembering “our ideals and beliefs.”
However, he lamented that through the past decades, “We have been afraid and shy to even associate our names with the icons of our society." He called upon the youths to shoulder the responsibility of making and bringing about a great change where honesty, courage, kindness and peace light the way.
Altogether nine teams are participating in the three-day tournament that will culminate on November 22.