DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8 (MExN): With representatives from Rengma community as observer, the Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) comprising of Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), Western Sumi Hoho Dimapur (WSH) and Lotha Hoho Dimapur (LHD) was launched at IMC Hall, Dimapur on Saturday with the objective of working for peace, fostering unity and understanding among the three tribes.
After strengthening the three tribes, the CNTC will work for larger objective of working for unity and integrity among the Nagas, said Ntsemo Ngullie, co-convener of the Co-ordination Committee, CNTC. The CNTC was formed and launched with the endorsement of the apex bodies of the three tribes namely, Ao Senden, Sumi Hoho and Kyong Hoho. The CNTC has “Unity, Brotherhood and Fraternity” as its motto.
In his welcome address, Nstemo said that the CNTC was formed not to discriminate others but to build Naga society and also to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Nagas. “There were apprehensions that we will work against somebody but we will work to strengthen the Naga society,” he said. The co-convenor further said, “We will never go for violence or act as a violent organisation but act as a protective organisation to protect the weak, poor and the downtrodden.” He said that the CNTC would try to impress upon the government of the day to work for the welfare of the people in terms of healthcare, education and employment.
Keynote address was delivered by Hokiye Yepthomi, convener of the co-ordination committee, CNTC. (See full text of the speech on P5) In his short speech, President Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Supu Jamir said that the CNTC was not against any particular tribe or zone but to fight and stand for entire Naga family against injustice. Being at its infant stage, he said the CNTC, which is expected to generate real peace, needed extraordinary tending. “This platform is going to face lots of challenges but we need to stand steadfast come what may .... To overcome tough situations, we need to take tough decisions,” he said.
Western Sumi Hoho Vice President, Zheshito Swu said that the CNTC was a house where all political, social, economy, cultural and religious issues will be discussed. He welcomed any tribal hoho willing to join the CNTC.
Executive member of Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Khondao Ngullie said people should not misunderstand the formation of CNTC but rather take it positively. The coming together of the three tribes is also to see that the interests of others are protected, he said.
Presenting its report, the Nominating Committee named three persons – Ntsemo Ngullie, Hokiye Yepthomi and Imtinochet as President, Vice-President and General Secretary respectively of the CNTC. This nomination received the approval of the house by raising hands. The tenure of the office of CNTC would be for three years. Comprising of five members each from the three tribes, the 15 persons in the co-ordination committee have been inducted as members in the Federal Assembly. The rest of the posts would be filled up after framing the CNTC constitution.
Secretary, co-ordination committee, CNTC Imtinochet presented the secretary report. True Vine Dimapur, Male Voice Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur and Sashi & Asen presented special numbers.
