‘Do not burden future generations with unresolved political issues’

“Nagas can unite only when if we meet, sit down and talk to each other,” Rio said during the NPF convention on November 23 and expressed happiness that the process of reaching out to each other in a spirit of reconciliation has made headway like never before. “Our party and the government have supported the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and will continue to do so in all its endeavours,” the chief minister said. As a people’s government, he said, we have worked closely with Naga civil society, mass based organizations and NGOs. Despite some differences, which are bound to crop up from time to time, Rio said the state government considered the civil societies and tribal hohos as “our partners in our march towards our common goals.”

For this, he said, the government has taken step of including the representatives of tribal hohos in the District Planning & Development Boards. He extended appreciation to them for their active participation in a these endeavours for common interest to the Nagas. Further, the chief minister appealed to all Naga groups to come together towards oneness and understanding under the spirit of reconciliation. “The Naga people across all our lands are crying out for lasting peace and brotherhood,” Rio said and asserted that all Naga leaders must respond to this cry, and rise to the occasion.

“We cannot allow our internal differences and group interests to come in the way of our progress. Generations of Naga youth have missed out the opportunities to make the mark, and to pursue their ambitions due to the conflict situation,” Rio said adding we cannot allow this scenario to continue.

 

Naga youth must be given opportunities to become equal citizens in the new environs of the global village, he said adding the rest of the global community are marching ahead, and we cannot afford to be left behind. “The leaders of the day must not burden the youth and future generations with unresolved political issue. We must end this political conflict during our time and create a scenario where the talents of the Nagas can blossom in its fullness,” Rio said.

 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 24
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio released a booklet entitled “ Lest We Forget” brought out by NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu during the 6th general convention of Naga People’s Front (NPF) on November 23  at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.

 

In a preface of the book, Dr. Liezietsu stated that the Naga political problem is said to be the longest political struggle not only in India but in the whole world. “If it is true, it will be necessary for our people to reminisce the political history of the struggle and also the part we have to play for its conclusion during our time. There was a time when we blamed the Government of India for the sufferings of our people and to a great extent, we were not wrong to do so. But today, it is necessary for us to examine ourselves more closely and make judgement in its right perspective on the matter without shifting the blame to others.”

In the book, Dr. Liezietsu compiled sequence of few important events of state political history for young political students to become conversant with the happenings of the past if that can be a guide for the present. “This booklet is meant not only for political parties but also for political students,” Dr. Liezietsu penned in the preface, and also expressed hope that the booklet will be useful.