FNT benefits must reach all six district, says Minister Aye

Mon, October 31 (MExN): Nagaland Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye on Saturday said political arrangements and development packages alone cannot guarantee progress unless people take collective responsibility and make effective use of available opportunities. He also underscored the need to ensure that benefits under the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) arrangement reach all six districts of Eastern Nagaland fairly and without discrimination.

Addressing the second session of the Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) at Konyak Heritage, Mon, Aye extended greetings to the organisation and expressed pride in the rich cultural heritage and identity of Eastern Nagaland.

He appreciated the contributions of ENWO and the Nagaland Mothers’ Association towards uplifting society and addressing various social challenges.

The minister highlighted the historical struggles and developmental challenges faced by the people across the six districts of Eastern Nagaland, acknowledging the efforts of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) in advocating for greater authority, development and equal opportunities for the region.

Referring to the FNT arrangement, he underscored the importance of ensuring that development packages and benefits reach all six districts fairly, without discrimination or bias.

Observing that Nagaland has yet to realise its full potential, Aye acknowledged the people's aspiration for a permanent political solution but emphasised that political arrangements and development packages alone cannot guarantee progress. He stressed that people must also take collective responsibility and make effective use of the opportunities available to them.

He encouraged Eastern Naga women to take pride in their cultural identity, remain united and continue contributing meaningfully towards the progress and development of the region.

Earlier, in her welcome address, ENWO President Yingphe Konyak highlighted the importance of improved road and bridge connectivity in the region, emphasising that quality infrastructure is essential for development, accessibility and overall progress. She called for collective efforts and sustained commitment towards building a better future for Eastern Nagaland.

The programme, compered by Lushian H and T Vichimshi Tikhir, commenced with an invocation by Rev H Moba Konyak, Pastor, KBCM. It featured a presentation on "Women of Courage" by Sahkhi Thüny Eh.

In her address, Dr Anungla Imlong Phom began by quoting Proverbs 27:9, highlighting the importance of sincere relationships, encouragement and mutual support. She emphasised that women must recognise their own worth, remain confident and acknowledge their individual talents and abilities.

While acknowledging that validation is a natural human need, she encouraged women to develop inner confidence rather than depend entirely on external recognition. She further stressed that moral authority and clarity of purpose come from being firmly grounded in one's values and faith, recalling the biblical teaching that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Concluding her address, she called upon ENWO members to respect, appreciate and value one another, stressing that mutual encouragement and solidarity are essential for the collective growth and empowerment of women.

The session also featured a Unity Dance, symbolising togetherness, solidarity and the collective spirit of the people.