Morung Express News
Mokokchung | August 2
On the occasion of Tsüngremmung Hornbill Festival Mokokchung 2018 celebration, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that the government of India recognizing the “uniqueness of Naga history” would tantamount to naught if Nagas failed to preserve and promote their culture and traditions.
The CM also said that the prevalent peaceful environment as a result of ceasefire between the GoI and the Naga nationalist groups have paved way for celebrating the festivals while adding that the “Naga issue” was a political issue and not a law and order problem. He also said that the peace talks between the GoI and the Naga political groups were at an “advanced stage.”
The Nagaland Chief Minister also said that the Nagas were not against their neighbours and added that the neighbouring people should also respect the rights and history of the Naga people, while adding that Nagas yearn to co-exist with their neighbours.
Addressing a mammoth gathering at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, the CM observed that the festive spirit was high among the people despite the inclement weather. He said that the “Mini Hornbill” festival was a policy of the PDA government and added that it would be organized in all district and tribal headquarters across the state, Nagaland being the land of festivals. He said that the celebrations in Mokokchung today was the kicking off of the “mini Hornbill” festival which was being conceptualized with the idea of preserving and promoting the vibrant culture and rich heritage of the Naga tribes at the same time promoting tourism in Nagaland. While conveying his Tsüngremmung greetings to the Ao community, he also hoped that the community reaps “rich harvest in every profession.”
The Regional Sports Academy in Dimapur that is being established in commemoration of 100th birth anniversary of Dr. T. Ao would be of “international standard,” he also said. He also appealed to the people to cooperate with the government to make Nagaland “plastic free” and “open defecation free.”
The CM also congratulated the Mokokchung Entrepreneurs Consortium (MEC) for promoting and developing entrepreneurship in Mokokchung by judiciously utilizing the seed capital that the state government granted them during 2012-13. The CM also formally released the progress report magazine of the MEC 2011-2018.
Foothill Road construction on phase manner
Highlighting some of his government’s initiatives, the CM said that the Foothill Road would be constructed on a phase manner and that it is being pursued as the Trans Nagaland Highway stretching from Tizit to Khelma covering a distance of 428 kilometers passing through 6 districts. The first phase of the Trans Nagaland Highway would be the 170 kilometer stretch between Tizit in Mon and Longtho in Mokokchung, he said.
The second phase is between Longtho and Niuland stretching 126 kilometers and the third phase would be between Niuland and Khelma stretching 134 kilometers. He also mentioned about his government pursuing a proposal for railway connectivity between Dimapur and Tizit and urged the tribal Hohos and land owners to cooperate with the government so that the proposal could be realized. He said that it was stalled due to lack of “land clearance” without which the proposal cannot be pursued.
Earlier, the CM participated in the ceremonial “traditional pulling of vine.” Other highlights of the programme included welcome address by president, Ao Senden, elucidating the significance of Tsungremmung by Zulunungsang, PA to DA Mokokchung, short speeches of Tsüngremmung greetings by Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs and Temjen Toy IAS, Chief Secretary, Nagaland. Watsü Mungdang presented a folk song while Sumi, Sangtam, Longsa and Assamese cultural troupes performed various items. Several other activities were held simultaneously followed by a mass Tsüngremmung feast. Tsüngremmung Hornbill Festival Mokokchung 2018 began on August 1 and will go on till August 3.
