Nagas living under fear and denial, Dr SC Jamir

February 27, 2022 78 Views No Comment

February 27, 2022
Staff Reporter

Former chief minister and governor and Padma Bushan awardee, Dr. SC Jamir on Saturday said that Nagas were living in denial and under fear as no one could speak the truth and experiencing downfall.

He said this while speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of Ongpangkong Senso Telongjem Dimapur (OSTD) under the theme Ora Penzü (Looking beyond the horizon) at Senden Riju Dimapur, as guest speaker.

Jamir urged present generation to wake up from their slumber and to strive for peaceful coexistence. The veteran politician said that if Nagas want a bright future, one should be ready to speak the truth, work wholeheartedly for peaceful coexistence, introspect on the wrongdoings, and work wholeheartedly to take the state forward.

Recollecting his tenure as governor of several states, Dr. Jamir said people in other states struggle and work hard in order to take the society forward. He therefore urged Nagas to emulate others rather than living on past glories and to look ahead for the future generation.

“If Nagas want to change, one should abandon the negative approach, and encourage each other to the right path,” he stated.

While lamenting that the younger generation were not being given the chance to grow or participate in order to take Nagaland forward, Dr. Jamir was hopeful that the situation would not be the same in the coming years.

With the Centre looking and acting towards East by making the North Eastern states as India’s gateway to South East Asian countries, Dr. Jamir said fast-paced development activities were being carried out in all fronts and the region would soon become a common market and the economic hub of the country.

He said Nagas must be prepared to be part of the economic force and welcome people from other countries.

If not, he cautioned that Nagas would become second class citizens in one’s own land. For this, he asked the elder generation whether they were ready to shoulder the responsibility to guide the youth.

Meanwhile, the speaker of the programme, Rev Dr L Kari Longchar spoke on the importance of women empowerment and stressed on the need for women to be engaged in policy-making.

He also encouraged the Ao community to work together towards making Mokokchung a hill station, asserting that it had all the potentials. On unemployment issue, Rev Longchar said instead of seeking government jobs, it was high time for Nagas to take up skill-based profession or work in private firms.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Akangjungla and Chubatemjen, while invocation was offered by DABA associate pastor, Rev. T Ariba Imchen. Short speeches were also delivered by presidents of Ongpangkong Mungdang, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur and Onpangkong Senso Telongjem Chümoukedima.

The welcome address delivered by OSTD president Temsüpok Jamir, note on jubilee planning and fund raising committee by convenor Temsüwati Longkumer, jubilee resolution by convenor jubilee resolution committee Mefutiba, vote of thanks by executive member OSTD Bendangsashi and benediction by pastor ABAD N Lipok Jamir.

Highlights of the programme include opening ceremony by Longmisa Kaketshir Telongjem Dimapur, special presentation by Ongpangkongtsür Telongjem Dimapur, release of jubilee book by convenor jubilee souvenir committee Tinu Jamir, jubilee song by jubilee choir and closing ceremony by Chuchuyimpang Senso Telongjem Dimapur.

Source: https://www.nagalandpost.com/index.php/nagas-living-under-fear-and-denial-dr-sc-jamir/