Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 23
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has reiterated that the Naga political issue tops the agenda of the NPF-led DAN government. “We are committed to the role of ‘Facilitator’ in the ongoing political dialogue aimed at resolving the decades old Indo-Naga political issue,” Rio said in his budget speech in the floor of the House Thursday.
He also stated that in keeping with its commitment to remove all hurdles, the government has writer to the Prime Minister of India that “we will pave the way for any alternative arrangement that may be necessitated by a logical conclusion of the peace process. This commitment in black and white is significant, for no elected government in the past has taken such a step.”
Rio said the role of ‘Facilitator’ has since acquired a new dimension with the formation of the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue comprising of all sixty elected members of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on November 26, 2009 under the leadership and guidance “of your goodself, the honorable Speaker,” bringing together members of this august House for the Naga cause, and setting aside our political differences to find a common voice of this House.
From JLF, Rio said, a Joint Parliamentary Working Committee (JPWC) has been formed under the leadership of the speaker including the Chief Minister and the leader of opposition. “I placed on record the government’s sincere appreciation of the efforts of the Hon’ble speaker in making this committee a reality,” he said. Rio also appreciated the members from the opposition benches led by the leader of opposition for coming forward to join the Committee, and for their active participation in its proceedings since then.
“The process of inclusiveness is a must in the way forward and the Legislators Forum aims to take the views of all sections of Naga society to the negotiating parties so that the negotiations result in a logical conclusion that is honorable and acceptable to the people,” Rio said.
“By rising above our political differences, we are sending out clear and positive signals to all sections of Naga society on the need for understanding, unity and oneness,” Chief Minister said adding the need of the hour is “to overcome the divisions within us that have become the biggest obstacle to the realization of our aspirations.” Unless the Nagas speak in one voice, our journey towards permanent peace will only be prolonged, he added.
