Morung Express News
Guwahati/Dimapur | September 26
An annual conclave of Naga students in Guwahati provided a platform to introspect and renew the age-old ties between the Assamese and Nagas. “Any problem or issues among North-East states and people should be resolved amicably by sitting across the table. There is no need to take the issues into the streets or to the newspapers,” said Nagaland minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu.
The minister who was the chief guest at the 45th annual fresher’s social of the Naga Students’ Union Guwahati (NSUG) held at Shipgram on September 25, said that taking the issues into the streets or highlighting them in the media would only aggravate things. Azo said that since the beginning of time and before creation of Indian states, the Assamese and Nagas were like a family as they hunted on the same ground and mingled with each other in all spheres of life.
He said that just because an imaginary line (state boundary) is now drawn between the two communities, doesn’t mean that Assamese and Nagas should forget their past bond and start to quarrel or distrust each other.
The minister’s comment comes against the backdrop of the economic blockade, which was lifted on September 24, imposed by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in protest against the alleged high-handed action of Nagaland Police (IR) personnel at Golaghat on September 15 last.
Azo said that instead of quarreling with each other, all the seven North-East states should join force and pressure Delhi for their rights and share. The medical minister also thanked North-East Students’ Organization (NESO) and AASU for their positive role in lifting of the blockade.
A special invitee of the programme, NESO chairman Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharya, said that the “unique spirit of North-East” is that all the region’s indigenous communities have come to realize that they must join hands to fight for their land, rights and other issues.
Naga Students’ Federation president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu who also spoke on the occasion, said that besides fostering spirit of oneness among Naga tribes, it is equally important to maintain cordial relations with all NE communities. Representatives of other student’s bodies including AASU attended the programme.
.jpg)
