Strengthen ties with rest of Naga tribes, Jacob urges Central Nagaland Tribes Council

Says autonomous council for ENPO region because of economic reasons

DIMAPUR — Minister for PHED and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi on Wednesday urged the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) to re-strengthen its existing relationship with the rest of the Naga tribes and also monitor the mushrooming of organisations with questionable interests.

Addressing the CNTC cultural exchange programme at Senden Riju in Purana Bazaar, Dimapur, as the chief host, Jacob asserted that Nagas should unify and speak in one voice “only then we will get recognition.”

He urged the CNTC members to play an even bigger role “so that the long-awaited Naga political issue comes to a logical conclusion, with inclusivity, where everyone will benefit from this solution.”

“It is imperative that CNTC plays an important role so that there is smooth transition and soft-landing whenever the decision for such a situation arises in the state,” he said.

Jacob reminded the CNTC members that they cannot disembark from their relationship with the rest of the Nagas. While expressing belief that the CNTC was formed to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the three constituent tribes and to work together with the rest of the people in the state, he reiterated they need to revive and re-strengthen their relationship with the rest.

Also, the minister shared that “there are lots of organisations that have surfaced without principle and with vested interests” in Nagaland today. He therefore suggested to the CNTC to adopt a resolution necessitating its members to take prior consultation and approval from the apex organisations.

He said that the state government has agreed to the ENPO proposal for an autonomous council, not because of political reasons but due to economic reasons. He expressed hope that the new development will help fulfil the growth aspirations of the people of the area.

Special guest G Kaito Aye, Minister for Road and Bridges, reminded the members to maintain brotherhood and continue to organise such cultural exchanges ‘where they can feed each other with what they have produced.’

Sumi villages seek recognition

A representative of the Sumi Hoho, in his address, submitted appeals to the Ao Senden and the Lotha Hoho regarding recognition of Sumi villages in Mokokchung and Wokha districts.

He said that if there are land disputes, they should sit and talk as brothers and resolve them with mutual understanding and goodwill.

However, for those villages with no disputes, he urges the Ao Senden and the Lotha Hoho to take the necessary steps to ensure recognition. “This issue is of the utmost importance to the Sumi people,” he added.

Folk songs, folk dances, and traditional attire display by Sumi, Ao, and Lotha communities, and cultural games competitions including tug of war, top spinning, bamboo stilt walking, and bamboo chopping were some other highlights of the event.

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