KG Kenye addresses the first annual general session of the Tenyimi Union Nagaland at AGOK Badze, Meriema, on June 23. (File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 23
Nagaland Power & Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye today stressed on the need to build unity among the people and create a peaceful and positive atmosphere in the society.
“Our group of Tenyimi is not born out of geographical or territorial blocks. Ours is of ethnicity. Ours is of ancestry. Ours is of a shared common history, a shared common forefathers,” he highlighted, addressing the 1st annual general session of Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) on June 23 at Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (AGOK) Badze, Meriema under the theme “Progressive society through unity.”
TUN has five constituent units of Angami, Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma, Zeliang tribe.
Kenye said that Tenyimi group is a bit different from the other associations or unions which mostly comprise of the territorial location.
That is the slight difference, he explained, adding that Tenyimi community is closely knitted together “because of a similar customary practice, a similar traditional way of life through our shared common history.”
“We are a highly sensitive political society. Let us be careful in our writings, in our addresses and in our decisions. Be also cautious that we do not overshadow and try to become too dominant over other Naga communities also,” he said, calling upon Tenyimi community in Nagaland to be very balanced, logical in their approach in every sense.
Stating that forefathers have contributed so much in different aspects, he said “Let us not spoil whatever golden histories they have made because of our own carelessness or selfishness.”
“Our ancestors, our yesterday unions have contributed a lot in the growth of our Naga society,” Kenye said adding that through different weather, through ages past, “we have been resilient and under all circumstances, we will always be one.”
Nagas, today, we are at a crossroad, Kenye said adding that it is this generation, which is going to affect the future of our people.
He lamented that everyone wants to go their own way. There is no centre of control upon our people anymore.
We are losing control over what is happening around us. This is frightening, Kenye said.
“Everybody is going their own ways. No one is following in line. No one is ready to take orders from a different person or organization,” he said.
He urged all sections of the people to build consensus on the Naga political issue.
Urging Tenyimi community to continue to play the role of the guardianship, he said “Give good leadership to our people as a whole.”
He wishes that the good sense and logic and the fear of God continue to inspire “us and lead our people to a better life.”
Renew commitment to unity
Nagaland Women Resource Development & Horticulture Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse urged upon every member of the Tenyimi family to renew its commitment to unity.
“Let us preserve our shared heritage, strengthen our relationship and work together for a brighter future for coming generations,” she said.
She called upon the Tenyimi community to continue to strengthen unity, and preserve the shared heritage and cultural values.
“We may belong to different tribes, villages and backgrounds but our shared history and common aspirations should always bind us together. The strength of the Tenyimi people has always been our unity,” she said.
Stating that the uniqueness of Tenyimi Union is a union formed through blood relation and ties based on brotherhood fraternity, the minister said “We are a community who share historical, linguistic and cultural connections.”
Let us promote dialogue instead of discord, cooperation instead of competition and understanding instead of suspicion, she said.
Stressing on the need to continue to build bridges beyond tribal boundaries, she said “We should collaborate with other tribal and civil society organisations across Nagaland.”
Further, Kruse appealed Tenyimi community to build bridges, nurture friendship and contribute to peace and harmony throughout Nagaland and beyond.
‘Reconcile in the true spirit of
forgiveness and brotherhood’
Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor NSDMA & Inland Waterways called upon the Tenyimi community to unite selflessly and bring a progressive Naga society.
Stating that Nagas are known for its trustworthy and hard working nature, Nyuthe called upon the people to uphold the ancestral values for a healthy and dignify life.
Tenyimi People’s Organization (TPO) President Timikha Koza called upon Tenyimi community to come forward and voice together to safeguard and work for common good of the Tenyimi community.
TUN president Kekhwengulo Lea said, “Tenyimi people live in our own ancestral land that is divided in different parts of the North-East region of India, yet we remain united by our shared cultural heritage and ancestral roots.”
Stating that peace and unity is essential for a progressive society, Lea appealed the Tenyimi people and the Nagas in general, to rise above past differences and reconcile in the true spirit of forgiveness and brotherhood.
“It is our sincere desire to see that the Tenyimi family continues as a strong pillar for the unity of the Nagas. Let us not forget the legacy of patriotism passed down to us by our forefathers, which remains a guiding principle for our present and future generations,” he said.
“May unity, peace, and mutual respect continue to guide us as we work together for the welfare and advancement of our people,” Lea added.
