Kohima, April 14 (NEPS): The Leader of opposition in Nagaland, I Imkong said their "social and religious values" had reached a "degree of advancement but, however, perceived about a "deep-rooted deterioration" in their cultural foundations.

He was speaking as chief guest on the occasion of the State Level Inter College Seminar organized by Mountain View Christian College here at the ATI Auditorium today.

The Leader of the Opposition said the edifice of ancient traditions had begun to crumble and their land today was convulsed with violence.

"The Culture of brutality and decadence has eaten into our social fabric," he added.

Imkong stressed that the Naga youth should campaign earnestly and pro-actively for "peace" that "enables the land and the people to grow and to hope, and to build a better life for the future.

He said such crusade should ultimately make life "worth living".

He also highlighted how globalization brought a sea-change towards youth.

"Globalization breaks all barriers and there is a broad consensus that some of the old certainties of the modern age have been invalidated.

The new knowledge-based economy will leave behind the traditional industrial-based economy in the same way the industrial revolution radically altered what the people thought was the timeless agrarian economy of two centuries ago," he added.

The Congress leader also said the impact of globalization was still evolving and uncertain and the relationship between "youth and globalization" was basically "ambiguous".

"The only certainty is that globalization is characterized by increasing market power but there is always a danger that such power will be abused due to an imbalance between region to region which will have an impact on young people's lives," Imkong pointed out.

"This simply means that what benefits one country or region may adversely affect another and what addresses the needs of one social group may create problems for a different section of the population".

In the Naga context of a global economy, the Leader of the Opposition elucidated that the major thrust areas for sustainability would be in the areas of tourism industry, international trade, the judicious exploitation of their mineral wealth and agro based industries.

He also asserted about the importance of looking into the handloom and handicraft sectors which was unique to the region.

With the relaxation of the restricted area regulations by the government of India and with proposal to even revoke it altogether, Imkong said there had been immense response from tourists who wanted to visit Nagaland.

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