ADC Atoizu headquarter inaugurated
ATOIZU, APRIL 12 (MExN): Having recently returned from Delhi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio conveyed prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s message to the Naga people to be “reasonable” in their demands. According to Rio, the prime minister said, in the context of the Naga political problem, that whatever is impossible now would still be impossible even in the next 100 years and urged the Nagas to come together with one voice seeking solution.
Rio said it would do more good for the people if solution came before the next general elections as the fight to come to power by different political parties brings further disunity. He reiterated that the people should pave the way for formation of a party-less interim body when settlement comes.
Addressing a mammoth gathering after inaugurating the ADC headquarter at Atoizu on Thursday, the chief minister said it was a red-letter day for the people of Atoizu who had come a long way since 1952 when an administrative post was approved under Assam government. Rio said if Atoizu people wanted more development and desired their representative to be in the 12–member cabinet ministers then they should resend Doshehe to the state assembly. He described Doshehe as a man of few words but large in action. Rio said the Naga people have wasted time for the last 48 years since attaining statehood by indulging in infighting and appealed for concerted effort of all to bring peace and stability.
He gave credit to the people for the current peaceful atmosphere which has resulted in more developments. He said the people should continue to reap the rich dividends which the current peaceful atmosphere was paying them.
Unlike the central political party leaders who do not mingle with the common people, Rio said, the NPF-led DAN government derived its power from the grassroot people who were its high command.
Rio asked the people to ponder why Nagas were divided and running two different governments – one in Myanmar where the Nagas have been granted autonomous administrative zone and the other in Nagaland state under India. “Now we have to seek emotional integration and support each other,” Rio said.
Reminding about the DAN government’s emphasize on the youth, the chief minister said that the government was planning to impart training to 1000 youth to work in call centres within the next few months.
Rio expressed deep admiration for the warrior-ship qualities of the Sumi people and urged them to use that quality for the good of the Naga people. Noting that the contribution of the Sumi people towards Naga nationalism stood tall, he said such sacrifices will not be ignored and told them that they had a “huge duty” towards the Nagas. Mentioning about the naming of Zunheboto as the “Land of Warriors,” Rio also described it as a “patriotic district.”
Impressed by a choreography performed by the students of St. Peter’s School Atoizu, Rio thanked the institution for educating the children and asked the parents to cooperate with the school. He also expressed gratitude for the various presentations given to him and other legislators who accompanied him.
In his welcome address, minister for power & election, Doshehe Y. Sema thanked chief minister Neiphiu Rio and the DAN government for facilitating the upgradation of SDO (C) Atoizu to ADC headquarter. He said the DAN government was not ushering in development for publicity but for the welfare of God’s people and to change their attitude for a better future. He made mention of the various developments that took place and welcomed the development policy of DAN government under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Rio.
On the occasion, he also made mention of the pioneers and other leaders of Atoizu such as Late Heikhu Khulu (founder of Atoizu), Late Khelhoshe (former minister Assam government), Late K. Shikhu (former Speaker NLA), N. Yeshito (former minister), K.L. Chishi (former CM), Late Shikiho (former MP and minister), Justice H.K Sema etc. Doshehe said Atoizu constituency was one of the most intellectual area under Zunhebtoto.
Doshehe, who did his schooling at Atoizu Government High School implored upon the chief minister and education minister, Neiywang Konyak to look into the reconstruction of the more than 50 years old school building.
APC, H.K Khulu IAS and NPF working president, Huska Yeputhomi also briefly spoke during the programme. Education minister, Neiywang Konyak; parliamentary secretaries, Dr. K.C. Nihoshe and Chotisuh Sazo; MLA Shetoyi, DC Zunheboto and a host of administrative and police officers attended the programme. Cultural items were performed by Naghuto (old), Khrimtomi, Litsami and Vekuho (new) villages.
