Kuhuboto| December 17: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that Nagas were proud people because of the fact that no king or government conquered or ruled over them. He, however, added since there was lack of unity among the Nagas, the mighty neighbours divided them.
“We were easily divided to their (neighbours) convenience,” Rio said at the inaugural function of Golden Jubilee-cum-35th General Conference of the Western Sumi Students’ Union (WSSU) at Kuhuboto town today. He said one third of the Nagas were placed in Myanmar and two third in four places of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland. Therefore, the young people today has to understand the historical background of the Nagas and draw inspiration and this is why unity is most important in the society today, Rio added.
Recognizing this need, the chief minister said that the government had also changed the state logo from Ashok Chakra to that of a Mithun with the word “unity” written on the top of the logo. Rio said the Britishers also recognized Naga people as a separate identity and he reminded of The Eastern Bengal Regulation Act of 1873 which stated that no mainland people were allowed to enter Nagaland without Inner Line Permit. He said Nagas were also given protection by India under Article 371 A which stated that the land and resources of Nagaland belonged to the people.
‘Unity is most important in the society today’
Since Nagas have been recognized as a people having their own unique identity and culture, it is up to them to uphold that recognition given to them by different people, Rio said.
He talked about the enormous contribution made by the Sumi people for the cause of Naga nationalism, governance, student activities and various other fields, adding “your contribution is respected.” Rio said now was the time for Nagas to search one another, to have sense of belongingness and live in oneness.
“Since you (Sumi people) have lots of contribution we need your help,” Rio told the Sumi people. Stating that the dark days might come back if the Naga political issue remained unresolved, the chief minister called for resolving the issue with a cool head during the current peacel time. “To survive as a people, we need to unite and to get recognition, all our potentials should be put together,” he said.
Rio pointed out that the literacy rate of Nagaland was 80.4% above the national average of 74.04% and said the Sumis had also come a long way as their literacy rate stood at 86.26 %. The chief minister said though Nagas have a comfortable literacy rate it was not going to help much for survival in a competitive world. He pointed out that the literacy rate of higher education in Nagaland was only 12 % while the country stood at 14 %. Rio said that the low literacy rate in higher education meant that there were many college dropouts in the state and that the people have to look at ways to bring the children up to get higher education. He said the government would also see how to improve education in the state. “We have to be good, better, best and have to excel,” he said.
Responding to a memorandum submitted to him by the WSSU requesting for a College in their area, Rio said opening a college would need indepth study. The chief minister, however, said he would look into what could be done.
Stating that the WSSU has come a long way celebrating 50 years of establishment, Rio said jubilee was a time for retrospection, introspection and to remember the pioneers who had the vision to bring the students to be united and forge ahead seeking education.
