Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang addresses 79th General Conference of Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) at Zuketsa in Phek district on February 4. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 4
Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang today said that development must always go hand in hand with integrity, discipline, unity, and cultural pride.
“Leadership rooted in knowledge and culture must also be expressed through unity, mutual respect, and collective growth,” he said while addressing the inaugural session of the 79th General Conference of Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) at Zuketsa in Phek district.
He also told the students to let education refine their skills and culture shape their character, while urging them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Zeliang also noted that while tribe is one of the ‘backward tribe’ in Nagaland, Chakhesang candidates are performing exceedingly well in competitive examinations such as NPSC and NSSB as per per data from the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR).
“This consistent performance explains why, among the backward tribes, the Chakhesang community has taken a lead in government employment,” he said, congratulating the Students, Student Organisations and individuals who have contributed through discipline, mentoring, and personal effort in the field of competitive examinations.
The success reflects a strong foundation of knowledge combined with cultural values of perseverance and responsibility, he held.
However, he noted that when compared with other relatively ‘advanced tribes’ such as the Ao, Sema, Lotha and Angami, the community remained significantly behind.
To this end, Zeliang highlighted that the policy behind reservation is that “weaker section/backward community should come at par with the advance community in the state.”
Infact, Rengma tribe deserves consideration as one of the backward tribe according to P&AR data report provided they take up their case separately. In such case, all other students’ bodies of backward tribes should support their genuine demand, he added.
Stating that “With progress comes greater responsibility,” he encouraged Chakhesang students to take a leading role in fostering cooperation with similar designated tribes such as the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), Zeliang, Pochury, and others.
Meanwhile, he lauded the forward-looking initiative of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), which has conceptualised a policy aimed at achieving self-sufficiency by banning the import of domestic animals into Phek District.
“This initiative not only helps prevent animal diseases but also strengthens the local economy and encourages self-reliance. If this noble mission is implemented successfully in Phek District, all other Districts in the State should copy the same model,” he said.
