Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 15
Expressing dismay that Naga society is thoroughly divided today, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today called upon the officers and public leaders to come together and “unite our people.”
“Naga political issue can be resolved but problem lies with us because we are not united,” Rio said while addressing the silver jubilee celebration of Eastern Nagaland Gazetted Officers’ Association (ENGOA) here at Capital Convention Centre under the theme “Unity & Integrity.”
“If we are united, solution will come and Government of India will also respect us,” he said, adding “If we are divided, then, Government of India will not respect us.”
In this, he called upon the officers to think seriously and give full support to the government “to unite our people and to pursue our cause.”
He said that since the formation, ENGOA has been actively pursuing various issues of importance in socio-economic sector, infrastructure development and education sector to uplift the people of Eastern Nagaland.
He maintained that there were deficiencies in terms of economy, education and infrastructure development in Eastern Nagaland.
Rio also appealed ENGOA to partner with the state government and build Nagaland a better place to live in.
Stating that ENGOA has reached a milestone by attaining 25 years, Rio said whatever has been achieved or some difficulties or failures faced, “this is the time to reflect and rededicate ourselves to better future.”
“We should uphold and continue to pursue for the betterment in the service of our people,” Rio said.
He said officers play dual roles not only as a government officer in implementing government programs, maintaining law and order and developmental activities but also play the role of public leaders and people have a lot of expectation from them.
“You have such huge responsibilities in socio-economic, infrastructure development, education, health care and to uplift the economy of the rural masses,” he said.
He also urged the officers to take up the issues of importance with broad mindset and positive approach.
Further, Rio urged the officers to collectively work together to bring the backward areas at par with the rest of the state.
Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change CM Chang, who was also first president of ENGOA said that presently ENGOA has more than 800 members.
He also called upon the officers to encourage the younger generation to get the right education and join government service.
He also stressed on the need to encourage the educated youth to compete in the UPSC so that “we can expect change in the 20/30 years time.”
Minister for Health & Family Welfare S Pangnyu Phom who is also Convener of Eastern Nagaland Legislature Union (ENLU) said that many people from Eastern Nagaland have reaped the fruit of 25% Backward Tribe Reservation on roster system exclusively for the six tribes of Eastern Nagaland in government service.
The minister asked the ENGOA to live upto its theme “Unity & Integrity”, adding “It is your obligation to be sincere and committed to the call of your service in order to uplift the people of our state in general and Eastern Nagaland areas in particular.”
He also made a clarion call to work together for the future of the state.
“Let us focus to eradicate the mindset of backward because we are developmentally backward but intellectually, we are none to second.”
Representatives from ENPO urged the members of ENGOA to stand upright and be a ray of light in the darkness.
Representatives from ENPO urged the members of ENGOA to stand upright and be a ray of light in the darkness.
