Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio was honored during a civic reception at the Moatsü Festival in Mokokchung on May 2. The festival, themed “Celebrating Our Roots,” is organized by Ao Senden and is considered the largest Moatsü celebration to date, attracting attendees from the six ranges of Mokokchung district. Dr. Rio expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome he received, emphasizing that the honor was not a personal achievement but a reflection of the collective spirit of the Ao community and the broader Naga populace.
“Whatever I achieve in life, it is through God’s grace and the support of people like you,” Rio said, sharing the recognition with fellow leaders and citizens of Nagaland. He acknowledged the significant historical contributions of the Ao tribe in areas such as education, religion, and overall societal advancement, noting his own doctorate from North East Christian University as a testament to their achievements.
Dr. Rio highlighted the importance of Naga customary law, praising the roles of Village Councils and Dobashi courts as effective community-based dispute resolution systems. “These institutions deliver justice quickly and at no cost, seeking reconciliation,” he stated, in contrast to formal courts that often remain inaccessible to rural communities. He emphasized that disputes should be resolved through these traditional frameworks, reiterating that decisions made by the state government in such matters are final and should be adhered to.
Concerns were also raised regarding the growing number of unregulated civil society organizations. Rio acknowledged that while some groups operate legitimately, many unauthorized entities form without official recognition, leading to potential governance issues. “Too many organizations mean too many complications,” he remarked. He underscored the need for a thorough review and regulation to streamline these groups.
An existing lack of consensus among various factions, both “overground and underground,” worries Rio, who cautioned that without unity, resolving long-standing political issues, including the Naga Framework Agreement, would continue to be challenging. He also touched upon the recent restrictions on the Free Movement Regime along the Indo-Myanmar border, which have reduced movement limits from 16 kilometers to 9 and introduced stricter crossing conditions. Rio assured attendees that he had raised this issue with the Union Government and plans to lead a state delegation to advocate for a review.
On local development efforts, Dr. Rio unveiled plans for a new multi-purpose stadium, affirming the state government’s commitment to balanced growth that addresses tribal needs. He encouraged Mokokchung’s elected representatives to step forward as leaders for the state as a whole.
In closing, Dr. Rio celebrated the essence of Moatsü, which embodies forgiveness, renewal of friendships, and a reaffirmation of Naga identity. Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, praised Rio, calling the day historic for both the festival and the Chief Minister’s leadership, which he credited for fostering peace and stability in the region.
The gathering also featured remarks from other dignitaries, including Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development, and Imkong L. Imchen, Advisor for IPR. The cultural segment showcased vibrant folk dances from all Tzükong Mungdangs, further enriching the festive atmosphere.
As Nagaland continues to navigate its unique challenges, celebrations like Moatsü serve as vital reminders of cultural unity and community spirit, drawing attention to the pivotal role of leadership in shaping the future of the state.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/cm-calls-for-unity-respect-for-institutions-and-cultural-pride
Category : Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 23:59:00
