Minister Metsubo Jamir addressing the Kohima Ao Officer’s Union general meeting held at Molu Ki, Kohima on January 19. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima Ao Officer’s Union holds general meeting
Kohima, January 20 (MExN): The Kohima Ao Officer’s Union (Kohima Ao Officertem Telongjem- KAOT) held its general meeting with Minister for Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir as the chief guest at Molu Ki, Kohima on January 19.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, “God has blessed the Aos in many different fields” but lamented that “due to disunity amongst themselves, they are not able to move forward and take up challenges or solve problems that arises.”
According to a DIPR report, Metsubo expressed concern that the Aos are losing their culture as many of them are more into foreign cultures, not proud to be an Ao and “Ao language is on the verge of extinction as many parents and children communicate in different languages rather than their own.”
Stating that “transformation and development of the district can only be brought about by one’s own citizen,” the Minister called upon the officers to take it as an opportunity when they are posted or transferred to Mokokchung. He also expressed concern that “the district is slowly being deserted since most of its citizens have left the district in search of better avenues and jobs.”
He also lamented that the tag- ‘Mokokchung the Land of Pioneers’ has now lost its meaning since there are only few schools and colleges with less students since many parents send their children to other districts and cities for their education. “Therefore with fewer citizens in Mokokchung district,” he said, “the census in the district has gone down and this factor may reduce the number of constituencies of the district.” Citing these drawbacks, he encouraged the officers to be united, give importance to one’s culture, language and census.
Minister for PWD (Housing & Mechanical), Tongpang Ozukum in his address agreed that ‘Mokokchung called the Land of Pioneers’ is now losing its meaning and called upon the KAOT to educate the Aos by imparting knowledge in their trades. He also suggested calling for regular conferences where all Ao officers from other districts and Ao parliamentarians can attend to find ways to bring change in the Ao community.
KAOT, President, Meyionen Jamir in the welcome address highlighted that KAOT was established in 2003 with more than 600 Ao officers but in recent years the numbers are decreasing. He also mentioned that “there are more retirements of Ao officers than new recruits in the government offices and departments” which calls for a retrospection.
New office bearers elected
A new team of office bearers for KAOT 2021-2022 was also elected with President- Moatemsu Aier, Vice President-P Nungsangwapang, Secretary-Imtimenla, NCS, Assistant General Secretary-O Imliwati Jamir, Finance Secretary-Talitemsu and Treasurer-Sentiyager Imchen, IAS.
The programme was chaired by KOAT officials and KAOT, Vice President, Dr N Meren Imchen proposed the vote of thanks.
