Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio on Sunday said his government’s promise is to bring “change” will not be possible until people are involved.
Nagaland chief minister Rio asserted that his government is committed to fulfilling the “many promises” made to the people.
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He said all agencies in the government and the people are needed to fulfil the promise of bringing in change.
Rio was addressing the Nagaland Legislators’ Christian Fellowship-cum-thanksgiving service on completion of one year of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima.
Rio said with 90 per cent of the electorate and 100 per cent elected members in the state being Christians, the legislators thought that a thanksgiving service is apt and logical.
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He stressed that the people have to change their attitude and mindset and called upon all Nagas to help the government bring about “positive change”.
Citing the recent plastic-free, tobacco-free and green village initiatives, he claimed that these are all positive things that are starting to happen.
“Together, we can bring change, not just the government but the public as a whole,” Rio reiterated.
He also claimed that his government has done away with the “VIP culture”, which was initially opposed by some but later taken in good spirit.
Rio said all such initiatives should be taken “positively”.
On the issue of roads, he stressed on drainage system, culverts, water pipes and the likes to make good roads. The land owners should also be conscious of the public welfare which will result in a positive change, he added.
The CM expressed his happiness that Nagaland was credited with the “Best State in Law and Order” among the small states in the country last year. He said it is everyone’s responsibility to bring peace and development to the people.
“We are public servants. The masters are the people. If we get too high, we cannot remain connected to our masters,” he added.
He lamented that the people are always “pessimistic”. “We don’t talk about what is good. Rather, we dwell on the negatives,” he added.
Rio described the mandate given to the legislators as a huge privilege and thanked them for being together to deliver the goods to the people.
“We are aware of our weaknesses,” he said.
He concluded by requesting the church and church leaders to continue to pray for them.
PDA chairman Chingwang Konyak greeted the people on the occasion.
In his address, deputy chief minister Y. Patton said the government is committed to providing a strong and stable government.
He said there are three aspects – trust, mutual respect and unity – necessary in a government. Patton called upon all to reaffirm and rededicate themselves to a common cause.
Agriculture and cooperation minister G. Kaito Aye said, “We are here for the people. Let us remember why we are here.”
PWD minister Tongpang Ozukum’s message was read out in absentia.
He congratulated all the members of the PDA family for having completed their one year’s journey.
Advisor L. Khumo also spoke on the occasion.
H. Moba Konyak, pastor, Konyak Baptist Church, led the service while Keviyiekielie Linyü, pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church, spoke on the service.
Sanctuary Choir, UBC and Kohima Lotha Baptist Church Choir presented special numbers on the occasion.