Minister for Rural Development and State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Metsübo Jamir encouraged the Aos settled outside of Mokokchung to make positive contributions towards the development of Mokokchung, a DIPR report stated.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Annual General Meeting of the Kohima Ao Union on 29 April 2023 at Molu Ki, Kohima, Jamir said that development of Mokokchung into a business hub will cater to the needs of the nearby districts such as Longleng, Tuensang and Zunheboto as well.

According to DIPR, he further said that Article 371A was included in the constitution solely to protect the rights of the people of Nagaland against exploitation from people outside of the state and hence the provisions in the article should not be misinterpreted and misused for selfish interests which in turn hampers the developmental activities of the State.

He lamented on the fact that several developmental activities in the State have been hampered due to land issues and conflicts with land owners who often put the various developmental agencies in tough spots asking for unreasonable compensations stating their rights under Article 371A.

Metsübo further addressed the ever-increasing unemployment problem in the State and said that the state must develop economically at a rapid pace to provide more avenues for the people to be employed.

He congratulated and appreciated the efforts of the leaders of the Kohima Ao Union, both past and present, for keeping the union strong for more than four decades and encouraged the present leaders to train the younger generation well so that they can carry on the legacy of the union for years to come.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Senior Advocate Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench C.T. Jamir while exhorting the gathering said that the name given to Mokokchung and its people as ‘the land of Pioneers’ is an honour as well as a responsibility which every individual Ao must take seriously and ensure that the Tribe lives up to the honour bestowed upon them. He said that the time has come for the Ao people to retrospect and know their weaknesses and work hard towards making positive changes to the society. He also added that it was time to provide an equal platform to women in all walks of life because a society can only move ahead when both men and women work together as equals and make equal contributions in accordance with one’s capabilities.

DIPR also stated that Advisor Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation Imkong L. Imchen also gave a short speech wherein he said that Mokokchung and the Ao people in general were blessed in more ways than one and that the Aos should be grateful for the opportunities given to them.

Earlier outgoing President of the Kohima Ao Union L.Cubalepzuk Ao presented the welcome address while Vice President  T. Chubayanger Ao pronounced the Vote of Thanks.

A new team to lead the Union for the session 2023-2025 was also elected at the general meeting with T. Chubayanger as the President, Vice president Moanungsang Jamir, General Secretary Temjen Pongen and Asst. General Secretary L. Sashi Imchen.