Kohima: Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju has said that without peace, the dreams of young people cannot be realized and asserted that securing peace would be vital to ensure development of the North East and appealed to intellectuals and youth to think about the known energy of the Naga people.
Inaugurating the ‘Maati Ke Rang’ festival in the North East Zone Cultural Center (NEZCC) complex in Dimapur on Tuesday evening as the Chief Guest, Rijiju said that there have been historical problems in Nagaland and assured ‘we are committed to deal with these issues securely.’
”As part of this Maati Ke Rang festival, I commit myself to the cause of the Naga people,” he stressed.
Rijiju further called for celebration of all cultures without any discriminating. ”If we see that the North East does not find a place or respect outside the region, then India cannot progress,” he said.
In a message from all senior government officials and leaders from the North East, Rijiju affirmed that ”we will not tolerate any discrimination based on race, caste or religion.”
Referring to the Bezbaruah Committee report, Rijiju reiterated that the Government of India has adopted a policy to ensure that no one from the North East is subject to discrimination.
”From Class 1 to Class 10, there should be education parted highlighting the people and culture of the North East,” he said.
Rijiju said to the youth ”If we feel weak, we will never get our due. The North East has unimaginable potential, we are blessed with mineral resources, water, forest resources and talented people and the vibrancy of the North East is yet to emerge. I can see from our confident youth that our time has come. We may be far away from Delhi but we are not any less for Delhi,” he stated.
The Act East Policy, Rijiju maintained is meant to convert the North East into a commercial hub and called for using the North East’s location to advantage.
”Looking from the East, India begins from the North East. Delhi should be guided by us if we are able to tell our stories,” he stated.
He further assured that the North East youth are competing at many levels and will not lag behind, in the socio-economic-political spheres.
”I am responsible for the North East in the Government of India and it is my responsibility to see that every step is taken to make this possible.”
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Nagaland Chief Minister, T. R. Zeliang hoped that the event would provide an opportunity for artists from all over the country to catch a glimpse of Nagaland and its culture and vice versa.
He expressed optimism that the festival would help in ”integrating the people of the NE with the rest of the country and in removing the problems of racism.”
Referring to discrimination faced by North East people in mainland India, ‘mostly due to ignorance and misunderstanding of our different ethnicity,’ the CM appreciated that most recommendations of the Bezbaruah Committee to suggest remedial measures have been accepted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He further expressed confidence that ”past neglect, ignorance and isolation of the NE will now be a thing of the past and the NE will become a significant player and contributor to national development efforts.”
NEZCC Director Lipokmar Tzudir, in his welcome address, stated ‘a festival like Maati Ke Rang makes sure that every citizen partakes in the making of this nation through their heritage.’ He asserted that the emerging generation can no longer be limited to the philosophy of division and hoped that this festival would help bring people closer.
The two MPs from Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and Khekiho Zhimomi were also guests at the event.
The national cultural festival is being held at the North East Zone Cultural Center (NEZCC) complex in Dimapur and will continue till January 17. (UNI)
