On the occasion of its fifth anniversary Central Nagaland Tribe Council (CNTC) organised a talk by three former bureaucrats who were invited to speak at town hall, Dimapur Friday.
Former addl. chief secretary Nagaland, HK Khulu IAS (retd) lamented that Nagaland was passing through a difficult time in the midst of political instability, insurgency, lack of development and tribalism and felt there was need to ponder over it. He also spoke on the lack of visionary leaders in Nagaland and that development has come to stand still. He said there was a dire need for all to work collectively to being the change otherwise the situation will worsen.
Khulu further reminded that CNTC was a social organisation and not a political one and lauded it for trying its best to bring Naga people together since its inception. He added that a nation can only be as good as its leaders and encouraged everyone to be a part of the good change.
Former chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (retd) said that CNTC which comprised of Ao, Lotha and Sema, was formed in 2012, on the principles of unity, fraternity and solidarity for the development of all the Nagas. He however said the objective should also be inclusive and not confined within the three tribes.
He recalled that though it was set up amidst controversy and opposition over the Rongmei issue, it has been instrumental in dealing with various issues over the five years of its existence.
He said CNTC had spearheaded demand for revocation of recognition of Rogmei as indigenous tribe of Nagaland by standing to clarify what was right and was not an endorsement against any tribe or tribes.
He also said CNTC was influential in bringing six Naga NNPGs together, and for which an inclusive solution was finally in sight after a long struggle.
Similarly, he said that taking up of border issues and the attempts to revive the paper mill at Tuli was to bring industrial culture in Nagaland and for the interest of all Nagas as whole.
Jamir also asserted that CNTC can be a bridge to bring different Naga tribes together.
Opposing the construction of fence between India and Myanmar, Jamir encouraged CNTC to raise resources to fund “Love Burma” Campaign by not forgetting the Naga brothers in Burma.
He also urged upon the council to built cultural links by looking at the similarities of the culture rather than the differences.
In his speech former commissioner Nagaland K.Nzimongo Ngully expressed his opinion against the penchant among people in forming too many unproductive organizations in the state. He called upon the gathering to support what is good for the Naga society.
He suggested CNTC have a clear objective, a vision, to adopt a policy of give and take, to make a model project for future all round development and to have plans and ideas inclusive of all Nagas. Further, he appealed the council to work with principle and liability for the welfare of the state.
Ao Senden president Imliyanger Jamir spoke about the deficit of trust, honesty, confidence and lack of hope prevailing in the state. He also encouraged the council to be the hope of the society and urged them to have a vision and be the voice of change in the society.
Lotha Hoho chairman Mhao Humtsoe encouraged the council to understand the prevailing issues and start working together as one.
Sumi Hoho president, Hekhushe Shikhu reminded the gathering that CNTC was not a political organization but to provide social platform committed to work for the welfare of the tribes in general.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Pius Lotha. After invocation prayer pronounced by DABA associate pastor Imnatoshi Longkumer, welcome address was delivered by CNTC president Hokiye Yeptho. The dedicatory prayer for CNTC was pronounced by Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur senior pastor reverend Chumben Kyong.
Later activity report was presented by CNTC general secretary Imtinochet Kubzar, vote of thanks was delivered by CNTC finance secretary Khondao Ngully and benediction was pronounced by Thahekhu Baptist Church, pastor Tovishe Achumi.