Mon, April 5 (DIPR): Speaking at the Aoleang Festival cum, youth Expo as a chief guest at Mon Hq, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland challenged the youths to come forward and seek the help of the government to built up Naga future. The purpose of organizing the Youth Expo is because our future lies in the hands of the Youth. If the Youths are properly trained, nurtured and pushed forward, then we can be at par with anybody. The expo is also to share the achievements of an individual so as to encourage and influence others in making their own career, Rio said.
Clarifying on the criticism of celebrating tribal festival organized by the government, he said that the objective of organizing such festival is to preserve the rich culture and tradition of the Nagas', which is the identity of the Nagas'. Therefore he urged upon the people to celebrate the festivals with Christian principle of love and peace and uphold the work culture of the fore fathers.
Asserting that Naga history is unique, he said even the British in its Eastern Bengal Act of 1873 and the constitution of India under Article 371 have recognized the uniqueness of the Nagas', and we should be proud of our identity and preserve it forever.
Stating that Peace is the essence of any developmental activities and celebrations, he said the voice and the desire of the Nagas' is to shun factional clashes and find permanent solution, acceptable to the Nagas'.
Although the Nagas’ have been played with and divided, and living under various states and country, he urged the Naga brothers and sisters living across the border to keep the spirit of oneness and the emotional integration alive.
Deputy Commissioner Mon Angau I. Thou while delivering short speech appreciated the Government of Nagaland for providing people friendly programs for the development of our state and the upliftment of the Youths in particular. Underlining that the progressive development of a community, of a region and of a nation depends on the mindset of the people she said, 'unless the people are really stern and determined to utilize the facilities provided by the Government there will be no development. The facilities provided by the Government will go in vain'
Hinting at the slow progress of developmental activities and mis-utilization of fund within Mon District, she said, in terms of fund flow, Mon district is not lacking behind. But sadly when it comes to full utilization of the facilities provided by the Government, Mon is behind others and cited the example of Tizit. Therefore she urged upon the people gathered to judiciously utilize the fund for the actual implementation of the project.
Meanwhile, President ENPO P.Pongom, who was the guest of honour said that through the continuous efforts of the DAN government, under the able leadership of Neiphiu Rio, in initiating a friendly dialogue between the Government of India and various under ground faction, peace has been restored in the state and the people of Nagaland is able to celebrate festivals in a peaceful atmosphere. He said that the Youths are the posture of human development and urged upon them to build up the society and march ahead.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Minister for Forest M.C. Konyak and President K.U. The function was chaired by Parliamentary Secretary Youth Resources and Sports Naiba Konyak.
