Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio addressing the second session of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) at Chungtia village on January 14. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Chungtia | January 14
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday emphasised the need to transcend divisive tendencies and work collectively for the Naga community.
Addressing the second session of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) at Chungtia village in Mokokchung district, Rio stated that the organisation was founded with a vision extending beyond the Ao community to encompass the Nagas in general.
He described the AKM’s motto, ‘For the nation’, as a “farsighted slogan” reflecting a commitment to rise above self-interest.
“The society is fragmented. It is badly divided, be it over-ground or underground,” Dr Rio remarked.
He stressed the importance of unity, stating, “When the family is divided, it cannot stand strong. We must therefore uphold the motto of AKM and rise above individualism, clanism and tribalism. Our mind and thought should be Nagaism.”
“Unity, Progress, Integrity and mutual respect should remain our grinding benchmark to grow like others,” he added.
The CM also highlighted the historical role of the Ao vernacular newspaper, established by the AKM, in educating and creating awareness at a time when communication was limited.
State to create 2000 annual jobs, stresses skills
Rio noted that Nagaland has a literacy rate of 95.7%, but he estimates that 92% lack technical and vocational skills. He emphasised the need for specialization, stating that “bookish knowledge is not enough.”
“In an age of meritocracy, good is not good enough,” he said. “Grades may open doors, but skills keep those doors open.”
The Nagaland government will create approximately 2000 new open recruitment vacancies annually, the CM revealed and urged, “we should not be complacent but built a spirit of excellence and take ownership of learning and focus on skill and action based education.”
Asserts land & resources belong to the people
The CM highlighted Nagaland’s richness in culture, traditions, minerals and natural resources, noting that Article 371(A) has safeguarded both the people and their land.
He acknowledged, however, that recent legal challenges have raised questions over land ownership, which are now being contested in court. ‘The advocates representing the Nagaland government are firmly arguing that the land and its resources belong to the people,’ the CM added.
He further remarked that, despite being rich in resources, Nagaland remains economically poor because it has been unable to fully harness its wealth. While constitutional protection and recognition exist, he emphasised that unity among the Nagas is crucial.
“There is sufficient protection and recognition, but Nagas need to unite and collectively fight for justice,” he added.
Speaking on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue, the CM said the government is conducting sincere and thorough checks but emphasised that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential. He stated that while Indian citizens should not be harassed, the ILP system must be strictly enforced, and illegal immigrants must be identified and deported.
Metsubo Jamir, Minister, RD & SIRD, special invitee, in his exhortation, said that one cannot understand future visions without first reflecting on the visions of the pioneering leaders. Emphasising that the strength of tomorrow lies in the youth, he urged them to courageously make use of the legacy left behind by the elders, as they are the rightful heirs of the future.
He mentioned that society is increasingly becoming self-centred and individualistic, and stressed that survival is possible only through unity. Unity, he said, does not mean hundreds or thousands coming together, but is realised when people respect one another, help one another, and build each other up.
He further stated that identity is lost when language and culture are lost. “You lose your identity as an Ao when you lose your language, culture, and traditions and therefore we should preserve our roots and our culture.”
Earlier, AKM President, Lanutoshi Aier gave his presidential address while Mteisuding Heraang, president, NSF and Zuchobemo Jungio, President, CNSA brought greetings on behalf of their office.
