Preserve, protect Naga identity: Rio

KOHIMA, Sept 27 – Stating that civil societies and Tribal Hohos are the guardians and custodians of the rich culture and tradition of the Nagas, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called for preserving the Naga identity while speaking of its uniqueness and recognition given by others through ILP and RAP.

Addressing the Culmination meeting of the Northern Angami Public Organisation for the tenure 2007-2010 at Ura Academy here on Wednesday, he underscored the need for promoting the Naga culture, its folk songs and traditional attires besides preserving village gates, which he maintained are symbolic in nature. In this regard, he also informed that the State Government has taken the initiative to build traditional gates at the Local Ground here.

He noted that the Northern Angamis form half of the Angami tribe and impressed that they have extra responsibility since the State capital also falls under its jurisdiction. He urged them to play proactive roles in maintaining law and order in the State capital town.

Dwelling on the slogan ‘Kohima is the mirror of Nagaland’ coined by the Classic Club, the CM asserted that Kohima should truly reflect the image of the Nagas and further stressed that cleanliness is something that should be maintained without the government.

Also voicing the complaints expressed by the delegates who attended the just concluded World Bamboo Day, the Chief Minister underlined the need for better hotels, particularly stressing on the aspect of cleanliness. He felt that campaigns on civic sense should be taken up on a war footing.