Imphal, May 28: Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio's wife Kaisa Rio has stated that Naga women, particularly mothers, have a bounded duty to protect the identity of the Naga people.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the cultural exchange programme organised by Naga Mothers' Union and Naga Women Union, Manipur, exclusively for women, at the Maha Union High School ground at Chandel yesterday, Kaisa Rio said that though Nagas are separated by political boundaries, no efforts should be spared to protect the collective identity of the Naga people.

All Nagas should also work towards greater synthesisation of the Naga people so that they can live in peace and prosperity, she mooted.

The cultural exchange programme is being held under the theme, "Binding Our Homes through Culture".

Other than Kaisa Rio, eight Ministers along with their wives and about 200 women from Nagaland also turned up for the cultural programme.

The VIP team from Nagaland were escorted to Chandel by Nagaland police.

Speaking further, Kaisa Rio said that the cultural exchange programme will go a long way in promoting the bond of unity amongst the Naga people and suggested that such programmes ought to be held more regularly to strengthen the identity and unity of the Naga people.

President of Naga Mothers' Association, Keshelie Z Chisti, who also addressed the gathering, said that such cultural programme will strengthen the bond among the Naga women and will help in ushering in peace and understanding.

All the women participants gathered at the programme expressed that peace should prevail for the peace process to fructify.

A cultural programme highlighting the rich and diverse traditions of different tribes of the Naga people was also held as part of the programme.

Performers of seven Naga tribes inhabiting Chandel district also put up a fine display of their cultural and traditional dances.

On the concluding day today, all the Naga women, gathered as one and presented a song.

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