Kuzhovesa Soho
Noklak | October 5
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today reiterated that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government is for the people. The government is organizing road shows coinciding with tribal festivals to exhibit the plans of the government and interact with the people, Rio said.
Gracing the Noklak Road Show-Tsokum festival, the premier festival of the Khiamniungan at Noklak today, the chief minister said that “to preserve the Naga identity, the DAN government and the public is organizing the road shows.”
Rio said festival means celebrating harvest after hard work, and this carries a deep meaning. There is no place on Earth where people live without working, he said and called upon the unemployed youths to inculcate work culture. Citing the example of the Chakhesang people as being one of the most progressive tribes in Nagaland, Rio also called upon the Khiamniungan community to be progressive and hard-working people.
Also, Rio lamented criticisms opposing the state road shows. He said it is the government who is taking trouble for the welfare of the people and if there should be any complaints “it is the government who should complain for initiating the observation of the task with money, time and energy.”
The CM said the road shows provide opportunity for the people to expose their skills through various government programmes and the platform should be supported by all sections of the society irrespective of party affiliations ‘instead of blaming the government.’
The chief minister also urged entrepreneurs to be determined and focus on working with local products rather than solely depending on ‘readymade goods’. Challenging the youth to make the best of the “year of entrepreneurs” Rio said one should give his best to attain the commendation of the government and should never aim at making money while staying ‘idle with excuses.’
Assuring the Khiamniungan people, Rio said that “a special package…. Pangsha International Trade border would be taken up within a short span of time.” This development follows after several talks with the prime minister and Home minister of India and Myanmar’s ambassador to India.
On the issue of legislators from the community and Khiamniungan Tribal Council demanding the creation of a separate Noklak district, Rio simply said “let your performance fulfill your demand.” Rio urged them to ‘maintain strict work culture.’
Guest of honor Minister for Home Imkong L. Imchen in his address urged the people to safeguard their rich culture and traditions. Conveying regret on behalf of the R&B Minister for his inability to attend the programme, Imchen assured he would convey the area’s people’s agenda for roads.
Delivering the keynote address, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS, said road shows bring the government and the people closer. The main aim is to show what the government is doing for the development of the people. This way, he said, the state can learn and see the capabilities of the people for the government to take necessary action for the uplift of the society.
During the occasion, the chief minister gave away awards to Lt. Pushem of Noklak village for ‘lifetime achievement’ and Cheya of Pangsha village, the first businessman from among the Khiamniungan.
(With inputs from DIPR)
