‘Naga Council Dimapur reflects the Naga bond’

November 3, 2024 10 Views No Comment

Rio pledges for a world-class DDSC Stadium

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 3

As the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) commemorated its 75th anniversary, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio saluted the pioneers of the organisation regarded as the oldest Naga body in the plains of the Dhanrisi river valley. “We acknowledge the pioneers of the past, both those who have departed and those who are living among us. We salute them for their vision and for the oneness and unity they fostered, particularly among Dimapur citizens from different communities,” said Rio addressing a gathering at the DDSC Stadium, Dimapur, where the Platinum Jubilee was celebrated on November 2.

According to Rio, the NCD motto—‘All in one,’ reflects the bond shared by the “Naga family” and recognises their fellowship with others, embracing all communities. He banked on the NCD continuing to foster unity and oneness in a place home to diverse communities from across the country.

Emphasising Dimapur’s location, through which the Trans-Asian Highway 1 passes through, he said, “We are strategically located and to ensure growth, we must reflect on our past and strive to move forward together in unity.”

As one of the largest and pioneering public forum in Dimapur, he said that the NCD can serve and is well-suited to address and streamline organisations that can sometimes create disturbances.

Dimapur is often referred to as a “mini-India” or a microcosm of Nagaland. While celebrating, he said that it is crucial to address the bad practices. “By selecting and implementing the best practices, we can set an example for the rest of the state and even other communities,” he said.

In hounour of the 75th anniversary, the CM also pledged to construct an office building for the NCD.

ILP, RIIN
The Chief Minister also touched on inclusivity juxtaposed with the controversy surrounding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur. While he acknowledged the importance of protecting the Naga identity, he also called for sensitivity to the rights of the non-Naga indigenous inhabitants and other Indian citizens living, or working, in Dimapur.

Allaying apprehension about the inclusion of non-indigenous inhabitants through the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), he maintained that the registration process will be determined by the village, of the native district, which holds the authority to decide who is indigenous or not. December 1, 1963 is the cutoff year for non-Naga indigenous inhabitants such as the Kuki, Kachari, Garo and Karbi, hitherto known as Mikir.

Naga political issue
While emphasis has been on Naga oneness, the CM said that solution evades the Indo-Naga political issue due to a lack of unity. Terming the NCD as a beacon of hope, he said, “It is high time we unite. Our goals should be focused, and our attention should be singular.”

According to him, Dimapur is intrinsically linked to Nagaland, stating, “If Dimapur progresses, Nagaland will progress. If there is more division and trouble, Nagaland will continue to suffer.”

There was good news for the DDSC stadium as well. Originally known as ‘Public Ground,’ the CM termed it as very historical to Dimapur. “On behalf of my colleagues, who are here, we will build this stadium. We will upgrade it, build galleries, and construct VIP restrooms to international standards. When we celebrate the centenary of the NCD, everyone should be in the galleries, and only the performers should be on the ground,” he declared.

With him on stage were MLAs and Advisors, H Tovihoto Ayemi and Moatoshi Longkumer as guests of honours.

Brief history of NCD
The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) traces its roots back to the aftermath of World War II. Inspired by the Naga Club, a group of Naga pioneers led by Pehielie Angami established the Naga Club Dimapur, in 1949. With a strong focus on preserving Naga culture and traditions, it aimed to foster unity and brotherhood among the Nagas settling in the plains. The NCD’s early years were marked by challenges including land disputes. Hosting a meeting of the 1951 Naga Plebiscite at the Namghar Hall is considered “a landmark event” organised by the Naga Club of Dimapur. It later evolved into the Naga Council Dimapur, merging with the Naga Youth Club in 1972. The organization has played a significant role in promoting social and cultural development within the community, engaging in public welfare activities and striving for self-reliance.