Dimapur | November 12 : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today called upon the people of Nagaland and Dimapur citizens in particular to strive towards making the state’s commercial hub Dimapur the nerve centre of India’s “Look East” policy. Rio was the chief guest of the inaugural programme of the “Cultural festival” in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Naga Council Dimapur held here at Urban Haat Cultural Centre
The chief minister said that after the announcement of the Look East policy, various cities and state capitals in the Northeast region are vying to become the hub and gateway to South East Asian countries. Terming Dimapur as “miniature India” where all Naga tribes and other communities from outside the state have made their home and workplace, the chief minister said it was the collective responsibility of all Dimapur citizens to make the city vibrant and prosperous.
Underscoring the strategic location of Dimapur, especially from the economic aspect, Rio said, “If Dimapur survives, Nagaland will survive. If Dimapur fails, Nagaland will fail… Let us all show that we can and we shall.”
He also said that the cosmopolitan nature of Dimapur has proved to be a “uniting factor” for Nagas divided along political, ideological and tribal lines. “Today, as we come together on this occasion, it shows us the way that we need unity, a unity of purpose. We as a people cannot survive without unity. We should have healthy competition among ourselves, but the end result is to survive in unity,” the chief minister said.
Rio said that since Dimapur belongs to “everybody,” it was the duty of all its citizens to jealously guard the city. He also said that in order to build a city, the citizens should ask whether the city is safe and secure, whether it has enough infrastructure, facilities and environment. Rio said it was unfortunate that Dimapur was once dubbed the fastest growing city in the Northeast but now facing “stunted” growth due to the Nagas’ internal problems.
Naga Council president Savi Liegise in his presidential address narrated the history of Naga Council Dimapur and how it had its roots in the “Naga Club” formed way back in 1949.
He said that the motto of the Naga Council “All in one” sums up the entire cause of the Naga Council and its purpose. “The goal of this event is to foster trust and harmony among all citizens of Dimapur and to create a sense of oneness,” he said. “It is aimed at providing an opportunity for the citizens to be happy and to enjoy life under a multiplicity of color, culture and tradition.”
Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo also conveyed greetings on the occasion. Highlights of the inaugural programme included music performances, an ethnic food competition, folk dances and traditional fashion.
Nineteen Naga tribes affiliated to the council and other non-Naga communities exhibited their traditional costumes and cuisines in stalls decorated in their respective tribal/community design. A host of dignitaries including Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong, Nagaland Home minister Imkong L Imchen and Agriculture Minister Dr. Chumben Murry.