Thaindian News

Kohima, Nov 17 (IANS) The tribal Nagas of Nagaland Thursday donated Rs.1 million to the flood-affected people of Thailand.

The amount was generated through a platform, ‘Solidarity Concert for Thailand’, organised by Friends of Thailand and Nagaland Baptist Church Council in collaboration with the Nagaland government.

The concert, performed by NBCC Choir, Neise Meruno and the Zowe Madrigal, Khyochano TCK Ngully, Naro Pienyu, Elizabeth Chang and Alobo Naga, was staged here Wednesday evening at The Heritage.

“They (Thailand) are always with us. They are always there to promote and help us (Nagas) and it is our duty to also help them when they are in trouble,” Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu told IANS.

Neinu, who contributed Rs.50,000 to the flood victims, said the tragedy has left many people displaced and jobless.

About two-three million people were displaced, he said.

“Thailand is the most visited country by Nagas,” Nagaland additional chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir said.

Jamir also said that church in Nagaland was very close to the churches in Thailand.

Tharadol Thongruang, a diplomat from Royal Thailand Embassy in India who was also present at the concert, appreciated the people of Nagaland for showing their solidarity with Thailand.

“Although Nagaland is not big in size, their hearts are big. We understand the feeling and kindness of the people,” Tharadol said.

He assured help to the people of Nagaland if they required any assistance from the people of Thailand.

The floods in Thailand since late July have affected over 9.4 million people in 64 provinces or over four-fifths of the nation.

Tens of thousands of factories have been inundated and over 5,300 people have lost their jobs after operations in 20,000 companies were affected by floods.

Seven industrial estates were under water, costing economic damage of at least $4.9 billion.