1
72nd general session of USSC underway
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio is being honoured by the Sangtam students at Seyochung village during the 72nd general session of United Sangtam Students Conference on January 15. (DIPR Photo)
Kiphire, January 15 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today said that decades of strife had prevented the Nagas from seeing the other side of peace and development in reality and that the time has come for the Nagas to shed all differences, to unite, to reconcile, to forgive and to forget so that together, Nagas can build the future in oneness and in harmony.
Media Cell, Chief Minister's Office, Nagaland in a press release stated that addressing the 72nd General Session of the United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) at Seyochung Village under Kiphire district today, the Chief Minister said that as leaders of tomorrow, students need to understand Naga history and take up the responsibilities of changing the mindset of the people towards peace, progress and development.
Stating that Nagas were at a crucial juncture in the Naga Political Issue, the Chief Minister pointed out that the negotiations between the negotiating parties had successfully concluded on October 31, 2019 on a positive note and that the Nagas were yearning for a solution to the decades old issue. Towards this end, Rio pointed out that all 60 MLAs under the banner of the Joint Legislators Forum on the Naga Political Issue had joined hands to facilitate the peace process so that settlement comes about.
“We hope that we will unite and bring settlement for peace and development of our State and to get the opportunities for the youth to pursue their goals and their dreams. This is our dream, this is our hope and I feel that if we unite, we can achieve this in a few months’ time. We have hope in our youth that you will realise the importance of peace and live in harmony with ourselves and with our neighbours,” Rio said.
Quoting an adage that a child without education is like a bird without wings, Rio stated that learning is a life-long process and education prepares a child to face the realities of life as it sets one free by giving an individual the power to think, reason, understand, act and also to obey the rule of law.
The CM also said that the people have to overcome and shed the tag of backwardness otherwise it will only be self-defeating. “As students, you have to obey your parents, your teachers, and you have to focus on the Christian teachings and values so that we can get quality and real education,” he said.
“Nagas also have to think seriously and be committed to work so that the economy can be developed to become self-reliant and self-dependent,” he stated.
Rio said that in the course of concentrating only on Government jobs, the people had forgotten about business and entrepreneurship. He said that unless Nagas take up all forms of jobs from the biggest to the smallest, outsiders will always come to the State in search for employment and that Nagas will remain jobless. He therefore encouraged the people to commit themselves to work and take up private entrepreneurship to bring about a vibrant, self-reliant economy.
“You’re the future. You will take our place. You will become the leaders of our people and unless you have the preparedness to face the realities of life, we will perish. Even if we don’t like, outsiders will come and work and we will have no future. Therefore, in this 72nd General Session, I hope you will deliberate, take up challenges and see that the students’ community changes the mindset of the people and work hard to make your life and the community stronger and make all the Nagas proud,” the CM stated.
Delivering a short speech, DC Kiphire Sarita Yadav IAS urged upon the students to focus on their responsibilities and study hard in order to become responsible citizens. She said that youths are the harbingers of change and therefore, the contributions of youths are very much needed for the betterment of society.
Upon arrival, the Chief Minister unveiled the commemoration plaque and unfurled the USSC flag in presence of Y Patton, Deputy Chief Minister; CM Chang, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Justice & Law; and V. Kashiho Sangtam, Minister for Soil & Water Conservation, Geology & Mining who had accompanied the Chief Minister to the programme.
Welcome address was delivered by Sepikyu J. Sangtam, President of USSC and the gathering witnessed a spectacular performance by the Village Guards Pipe Band as well as cultural performances and special numbers.
The programme was attended by all 8 federating units and 78 sub-units of USSC, Government officials of the district, Hd. GB, GBs, Village Council Chairman of Seyochung Village and leaders of neighbouring villages.
