Kohima, November 14 2008: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio today expressed that Nagas are at a cross-road from all angles, be at cultural, social, political, reconciliation and unification, development.

"We should visualize lest we regret," he said.

Speaking at the Ahuna festival of Sumi Naga tribe at Zunheboto district of Nagaland today, the chief minister said modernization and invasion of foreign culture should not be allowed to do away with our rich cultural heritage.

"Christianity has come to stay but our culture and festivals must be preserved," he said adding that it is for this very reason that the government of Nagaland has initiated the Hornbill festival.

He also mentioned that 'character and identity' is the most important of all social discourses, referring to the Nagas in the present context, he said while regretting that "today our society is in such a situation where no church or underground leaders or anyone can solve our perplex problem".

Everyone must play their own respective role at this juncture with a clear vision to march ahead and make effort to take a stand for a peaceful Nagaland, he said.

Referring that during our forefathers time they never celebrated festivals by borrowing but by self earning, he challenged Nagas to retrospect their stand.

Galaxy of ministers, parliamentary secretaries and MLAs accompanied the chief minister, who also graced the raising ceremony of Senior Citizens Forum of Zunheboto.

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