Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 17
Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio today said that that the time has come for the Nagas to ‘think out of the box’ and that ‘what is due to us may also be denied to us.’ Neiphiu Rio was speaking at the inauguration the Naga Solidarity Park of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in Kohima today.
The Chief Minister reminded the gathering of the Naga political issue, the struggle that has been on for decades. He said thousands of precious lives have been lost; they were humiliated, raped and tortured. Although the political aspirations have not been achieved, he said, the Nagas continue to struggle for their rights and identity. It is time to think ‘outside the box’, he said. “If we are not wise enough, what is due to us may also be denied to us, in due course of time, as for everything, there is limit of time,” Rio said.
“Our future depends in our decision”, he added. The Chief Minister also expressed concern that the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) if used again would cause more problems when the State is already a ‘Disturbed area’ with many laws. If one is not careful, he said, ‘unfortunate situations’ may befall the State again.
Stating that the Naga Solidarity Park should be an identity for the Nagas as a whole, Rio extended solidarity greetings to the people of Nagaland and coined the day as a red letter day not only for NSF and NPMHR, but for the Nagas. He further commented that the gate constructed in Naga traditional style would become a pride for the entire Nagas and a must visit place for tourists. Handing over the solidarity park to the NSF and NPMHR, Rio said that the park will be a place of happening and was optimistic that NSF and NPMHR would maintain the place making it as pride for all the Nagas.
Former President NSF, Y. Vikheho Swu, narrating a brief background of the Naga solidarity park said that the idea of a Naga solidarity park was the outcome of the collective efforts of likeminded Naga Human Rights activist, student leaders, academician lawyers and concerned Naga men and women in 1993. On human Rights Day 10th December 1992, the than UN Secretary General Boutros Ghali declared 1993 as the year for world's indigenous peoples with the theme 'Indigenous People, New Partnership', Swu said.
Following the declaration made by the UN, the Federal Assembly of the Naga Students federation in its 15th General Conference held at Ukhrul in 1993 endorsed for celebration of the indigenous year along with the world and subsequently the NSF and NPMHR came together to jointly organize the celebration, the former NSF President informed. The idea to have a Naga solidarity park was that it would be a 'sacred' place for the Nagas to come together to re-strengthen, renew and to re-bond, whatever come our way said, Vikheho Swu.
In the programme short speeches was given by representatives of NSF and NPMHR. In his welcome address, President of the NSF Kelhouneizo Yhome said that the park will represent a simple image of the Nagas’ desire to come under one umbrella.
Highlights of the programme included special number from All Zeliangrong Students Union and folk tune by the Chakhesang Students Union. President NSF delivered the welcome address. Former NSF President Achumbemo Kikon chaired the programme while General Secretary NSF proposed the vote of thanks.
(With input from DIPR)
