3rd session of 13th NLA begins

• Acharya highlight achievements, policies of PDA govt   • Early resolution of Naga political issue top PDA agenda
 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 21

The 3rd session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) commenced today with Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya, in his address to the House, highlighting achievements of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government over the past one year along with the policies and programmes to be undertaken in the coming year.

In about two weeks from now, the PDA government will complete a year. Last year, on March 8, the PDA government was sworn in with the promise of ‘change is coming’ to Nagaland.

“My government stands firm on the foundation of good governance, transparency, development and economic growth,” Acharya said.

“We are confident that with firm policies, we will be able to usher in all round development in the State,” the Governor said, adding that the government has challenges of resources which become impediments on the road to progress and prosperity “but with a firm resolve and clear vision, with support of civil society and people, we are confident of moving forward and making Nagaland a better place for our people and our children.”

Acharya called upon the elected members of the House to come together, in a constructive manner, leaving behind narrow political interests, and “work hand in hand for the welfare of the State.”

He was confident that with God’s blessings the elected members will be able to live up to the expectations of the people and work towards building a new Nagaland that “will be peaceful, have better infrastructure and jobs for all.”

MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon moved motion of thanks on the Governor’s address while MLA N. Bongkhao Konyak seconded the motion.

NLA Deputy Speaker Zhaleo Rio informed that debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address will be taken up on February 22. 

‘Committed to facilitate early resolution’ 
Acharya today reiterated that the top agenda of the PDA government is early resolution of the Naga political issue and that “we will work with all stakeholders for a solution that is honorable, inclusive, sustainable and acceptable to the people.”

Acharya said that after the PDA government was sworn in on March 8, 2018, a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) was set up.

On May 11, 2018, the PAC of the PDA along with PDA legislators had a joint consultative meeting with Naga tribe hohos and civil society organizations and resolved to urge all Naga political groups to join the peace talks in order to achieve an inclusive solution.

“It was unanimously resolved to reconstitute the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) to pursue an early solution to the Naga political issue,” said the Governor, adding that a consultative meeting of 60 legislators of the NLA was held on September 18, 2018, and it was consensually decided to re-constitute the JLF to pursue the Naga political issue to its logical conclusion.

Governor told the floor of the House that the PDA government is committed to facilitate an early resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue through a negotiated agreement that honours the unique history and rights of the Nagas.

“With the concerted efforts of the tribal hohos and mass based civil society organizations, the Church, NGOs and the NNPGs, different groups have now come together and this seems to be the most opportune time for the Naga political groups to resolve the decades old Naga political imbroglio so that we achieve lasting peace,” Acharya said, appreciating the efforts made by Government of India for ensuring that “we move closer to a solution that is inclusive, honorable and acceptable to Nagas.”