Former chief minister Dr SC Jamir has termed the coming together of Naga national political groups (NNPGs) of different hues to resolve the decades-old Naga political issue as historic.
Addressing the gathering at the inaugural programme of Dr Imkongliba Memorial Volleyball Trophy at Dimapur Government College ground here on Wednesday, the former governor of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Odisha hoped that as all members of political groups were baptised in the traditional pool and by the accredited priests, all past differences and rancour would be buried to restore Naga identity and pride, “as members of the same family without any distinction”.
Once an active member himself in the formation of Nagaland and also the lone survivor among the signatories to the 16-Point Agreement, Dr. Jamir mentioned that it was his responsibility and sacred duty to remove the curtain that had prevented people of Nagaland, especially the younger generation, from seeing and knowing the sacrifices made by Dr Imkongliba Ao and others to the cause of Nagaland.
Terming Dr. Imkongliba as the architect of Nagaland, Dr. Jamir said he was amongst the tallest figures in shaping “our State”, asserting that it was Imkongliba who foresaw that Nagaland would not remain isolated forever in a shell but grow.
He said Nagas were what they were today because of the sacrifices made by leaders of yesteryears and urged that younger generation to be aware of this and not remain ignorant.
Sharing his vision of a brighter future, the veteran Congress leader hoped that the Nagas would play equal role in building this great country in the future. He also hoped that the Nagas would develop a worldview beyond the confines of villages, tribes and clans and compete with rest of the country and the world.
Mentioning that Nagas were considered as honest and hardworking, Jamir urged youth to remain honest, disciplined and be courageous for a brighter future. Speaking as the chief host, Higher & Technical Education and Tribal Affairs minister Temjen Imna Along mentioned that it was high time for the Naga people to start remembering “our ideals and idols”.
Confessing his regards and respect for Jamir for his beliefs, Along lamented that it was shameful that most people stayed away from him because of the fear of being questioned and threatened.
He contended that because of the fear of gun and of being called or summoned, the Nagas now shied away from speaking boldly and from supporting and strengthening the visions and ideals of “our leaders”.
He urged the gathering to build a society that was robust, strong and fearless, but only feared God alone, besides stand up for what they believed was right and build a better society for the Nagas.
He concluded his speech by urging the younger generation not to lose their vision due to fear, sarcasm and lies built around them, but to contribute towards building a robust society for the sake of the entire Naga community.
The programme was chaired by Moala Iomchen and invocation offered by Impact Ministry executive director Sentiningsang Longkumer.
Short messages were delivered by Ao Senso Telongjem president L Wati Jamir and Japukong Senso Senden president Meren Nokpu.
A special number was performed by Sashi and Asen, while Tali Lkr, son of Imkongliba, delivered a speech.
With nine teams from across the State participating in the first Dr Imkongliba Ao Memorial Volleyball Trophy, the three-day tournament will conclude on November 22.
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