Unite Nagas as a people – Rio

Zunheboto : The DAN Government is a government committed to unity  and reconciliation of the  Naga  brethren. It is a bigger policy, said Chief Minister  Neiphiu Rio while speaking at the inauguration of SDO (C) Hq in Suruhoto.

He told the gathering that if ‘administratively we are not united, we can be united, politically’. He cited how the Britishers created their empire in India due to the disunity among  petty kingdoms. ‘Our disunity will be to the advantage of our adversaries’, he reminded.

“Nagas are free and without control and the Britishers termed Nagas as free people who lived under the banner ‘might is right’, during our forefathers. But today Christianity and civilization has changed our lifestyle”, he said. But at the same time he also warned that if ‘this civilization’ is not ‘properly controlled’ under certain rules and a disciplined life not maintained, ‘our future is heading for  ruin’.

 He further said freedom is not being free ‘to do as you like; you are free within rules and regulations’ he said. ‘Without  this  peace and regulated development cannot take place’ he said and added that the DAN Government is committed to the uplift of the downtrodden in the villages and rural areas. People must work hard to avail this privilege to create a favorable environment, he said.

Rio also said that the Nagas should choose ‘their own leaders to bring forth their own development’. In this regard, the chief minister had special praise for the MLA from Suruhuto, Shetoi, for his effort towards development of the constituency. The CM said Shetoi had initiated several developmental projects in Suruhuto especially in the road sector. Rio thanked the people of Suruhuto for electing him to the assembly and urged the people of the area to cooperate with the Government’s agencies.

Rio  also highlighted various programmes and initiatives of the state, especially in the youth sector. He said  special focus is on empowering   the youth through  the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund along with empowerment initiatives and capacity-building exercises.
Earlier Minister for Road & Bridges, G. Kaito in his speech expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Sumi Legislatures and Sumi community to the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for listening to the voice of the Suruhoto people and bringing forth the reality of up-gradation of EAC Hq to that of SDO (C) Hq

MLA & Chairman NHHDC, Shetoyi said that in the history of Suruhoto town since 1944 Neiphiu Rio is the first Chief Minister to ever visit the town. The upgradation of EAC Suruhoto to that of SDO (C) and the monolith shall stand as a harbinger to many positive developments in the days to come. Parliamentary Secretary for Industries & Commerce, K.C. Nihoshi described Rio as a man of development, courage and a visionary leader.

The CM was accompanied by Minister for Power, Doshehe Y. Sema, Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining, Y. Patton, Additional Commissioner, K.N. Ngullie, Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, C.M. Tsanglo, SP Zunheboto, KK Chishi, Commandant 8 NAP, Commandant 27 AR and a host of government officials from Zunheboto. A cultural item of various significance was displayed by surrounding villagers. The programme was chaired by DC, Zuheboto.