Widespread divisions hurting Naga society—Rio

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 26 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday expressed concern over the ‘very fragile state’ of Naga society where divisions among ‘overground and underground’ groups have resulted in ‘frustrations and negativity’ among the Naga people.

Attributing this disunity to ‘self-centredness’, Rio noted with regret the widespread divisions and disunity ‘within and among’ the tribes, unions, organisations and even the churches.

Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho (Agok) at Agok Badze, Meriema village, the chief minister cited lack of unity among the Nagas as one of the reasons why Naga society is not progressing much.

Rio was confident that once Nagas come together as one, the people can achieve great things—even more than what has been envisaged. He stated that people should stop pursuing personal interests and start working for common interest, ‘only then Nagas can achieve the goal for a political settlement and many more.’

“Despite the efforts, people are not able to unite whereby even the churches are struggling for social reformation, which is a sad situation today,” said Rio. He also pointed out there are many leaders and teachers who want to command, but very few who are actually willing to lead, act and serve the people.

Another concern he shared was the ‘attitude of many who expects everything to be delivered by either the government or the parents,’ which will turn the society weak and stagnant. He stressed on the need to change this attitude.

Everyone should contribute towards changing the negative perception outsiders have about Nagas as primitive people and Nagaland as disturbed area, he said.

Rio also cited acquisition of land as one of the biggest challenges when initiating developmental works by the government. Sharing an instance, he said, the then prime minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had assured the projects for ongoing four-lane road construction and the railway connection, between Dimapur and Zubza in Kohima, during his visit in 2003.

However it took ten years to complete the process of land acquisition and compensation, he said while adding that some land acquisition issues still remain.

Rio acknowledged the far-sighted plans and visions of the pioneers of Agok and the present leaders for passing ‘the resolution ‘providing visions for the posterity of the Naga society.’ He described the officers’ fraternity as the cream of the society and urged them contribute to the whole of Naga society.

Rio said groups like Agok are needed for the progress of the society and urged them to be an enabler for change and progress. He also assured his best contribution towards the completion of the multi-utility centre at Meriema.

Agok president, Dr. Kedozetuo Punyü said the Krotho was formed in 1983 with late KK Angami as its first president. The present site of Agok, he said, was procured in 1991 at the cost of INR 2.40 lakh measuring more than 3 acres. He also informed that works have been initiated to construct a multi-utility centre.

Meanwhile, the present team of Agok has been re-elected for the tenure 2018-2020.