18 June: Union Minister for DONER and Panchayati Raj, Mani Shankar Aiyer on his maiden visit to Phek district on June 16th 08 eulogized on the rich cultural heritage and traditional practice of the Nagas. Reminiscing on his visit to Nagaland in the early eighties, he said that today Nagaland as a state has changed much with more development and peace. He lauded the people for being cheerful and courageous in spite of all the problems and difficulties faced. As part of his tour he visited Phek village, Kutsapo village besides Phek Headquarter. On his visit to Kutsapo village he claimed that it was historic because it was the same village where the first Village Development Board (VDB) was set up way back in 1976 under the stewardship of Padmashree A.M. Gokhale. Since then it has come a long way and the concept of local self government or Panchayati Raj has been going from strength to strength, he stated. He congratulated the Nagaland government for bagging the United Nations (U.N) Award and said that our example of success on communnitization is a model to be emulated by all. He also said that the working of Panchayat is more successful in Nagaland than elsewhere in other parts of the country. He further encouraged more of women’s participation in the village affairs to bring more success and changes in the future.
In his interaction with a centurion of Kutsapo village he was told that much development viz safe drinking water, education, health services were brought since the inception of V.D.B in the village, which have made easier the life of the people in the rural areas. The Minister also patiently heard the grievances of the villagers and assured to looks into their demands with utmost care and consideration. while assuring to construct more roads for better connectivity in the rural areas.
Later the minister had an interactive session with the village leaders at Phek town hall wherein he expressed his keenness to know on how the concept of communnitizations works and also the reason for its success.
Chief Minister of Nagaland, in his short address said that the Nagas traditional practice of selecting and not electing our leaders would enhance more unity and better understanding in our society. He said that in Nagaland power lies in the traditional system of governance which is more community based. Rio added that Nagas as a people are very conscious of their own rights but now a time has come for us also to respect others’ rights. He called on the people saying that we should not only strive for our individual rights but also respect the rights of others. Our traditional practices which are recognized by others should be well preserved and developed instead of abandoning them.
Various cultural items were presented in the functions and the programmes were well attended by the public. The Union Minister was accompanied by Minister for Health & Family Welfare Kuzholuzo Nienu, secretary DoNER Sushma Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for social welfare Chotisu Sazo, Deputy Chairman State Planning Board Neiba Kronu besides host of government officials and other public leaders.