Remove ‘backwardness’ tag: Dako Phom

Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Dimapur (ENPUD) held its 15th general session on Saturday with parliamentary secretary transport and communication and mechanical engineering P. Dako Phom as chief guest.
“Backwardness should not overshadow us for a long time” Dako said speaking on the occasion and called for an endeavor towards moving out of the tag of “backwardness”.
Stating that the people of Eastern Nagaland sometimes used “backwardness” as an advantage, Dako urged the gathering not to use it as a license to gain everything they wanted.
Dako while stating that being from the backward area sometimes brought advantages but most often than not it brought disadvantages. He said that the tag of backwardness can be removed only when people from the area were resolute and hard working.
Lamenting that Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire were areas where the VDB funds were misused the most, he also disapproved of the lack of teachers and officers in different departments in the area. Dako said that people needed to rise to the occasion and use the special provisions given by the government to help the people of the area judiciously and honestly.
Stating that the special provisions for the backward areas would not last forever, he called the people to use the time as preparation and transform so that eastern Nagas can be in line with the other advanced tribes in the state.
Dako also urged the people to reaffirm their commitment to work for the state and told the people from the four districts to be strong supporters in the ongoing reconciliation and peace process.
Exhorting the gathering were ENPO president Y. Mangko, former ministers Yamakham and Imtilemba who advised the gathering to work hard for the people of the area, to do away with tribalism and to stay united.
Earlier short speeches were also delivered by secretary, irrigation and flood control Thawang and retired additional director Tochu Imlong.
The session started with scripture reading and prayer by Chang Baptist Church Dimapur Pastor, welcome speech was delivered by ENPUD president, ENPUD anthem was presented by Sangtam BYE Dimapur, the general and audits were reported, a special song was presented by the Khiamniungan BYE, vote of thanks was delivered by ENPUD joint secretary and the report from the nominating committee was given by the convenor. Cultural dances were also performed by Sangtam Union Dimapur and Chang Union Dimapur.