Resolution of Indo-Naga political issue most important agenda of PDA: Nagaland CM
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 13
Nagaland’s chief minister Neiphiu Rio today informed that resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue has been the PDA Government's most important agenda. “Though the state government is not a direct party to the ongoing negotiations, we have committed to the people that we will play the constructive role of an active facilitator in the peace process. We have continued our efforts and endeavours to create an enabling atmosphere for the peace process to make positive headway,” Rio said in his budget speech at the ongoing 5th session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) here.
He said that the Joint Legislators' Forum (JLF) comprising of all 60 Members of 13th NLA and the two Members of Parliament have risen above party affiliations and set aside differences to come together under one banner to facilitate the peace process.
Rio extended sincere appreciation to all the members of the House for their positive participation and contribution towards the endeavours of the JLF.
The chief minister appreciated the civil society organisations, Tribal Hohos, Church bodies, NGOs and all sections of the people who have contributed significantly to strengthen the peace process.
Rio said that following the meeting of the JLF on February 12, a Core Committee has been constituted with the task of meeting all the stakeholders in the Peace Process to bring out more clarity and consensus.
Further, the chief minister appealed all sections of the people to make further efforts towards unity, oneness and reconciliation “because it is only through unity that we will be able to overcome the challenges and the hurdles that lie ahead.”
Rio said that the people have been crying out for real peace for several decades.
The by-products of the Naga movement have been violence, political instability and social turmoil, all of which have negatively impacted our common quest for progress and growth, he said adding that generations of the youth have been denied opportunities thereby preventing them from coming at par with their counterparts elsewhere in the world because of the extraordinary challenges that have arisen as a result of our political movement.
As a people, Rio said, we cannot delay peace any longer. We owe it to the present and future generations to usher in and pave the way for them to strive towards their aspirations of achieving success and excellence.
Today, we live in a global village where the youth are equal international citizens under an environment of competitiveness, he said adding “We must admit that in the past decades, our youth have been disadvantaged due to the insurmountable challenges they have to overcome before even competing with the rest of the global community. Under such circumstances, we cannot expect them to attain excellence and succeed.”
Rio said that the time is now more than ripe for us to walk the extra mile to achieve genuine peace.
“Let us not miss this golden opportunity that has been offered to us to bring about lasting peace for the sake of our people, especially the youth and the future generations to come,” Rio said.
Rio said that all leaders across the spectrum must be prepared to face the realities and the hard truths and must be prepared to address the core issues without any hesitation.
“It is time to do away with rhetoric’s and be practical in our approach. We cannot allow the issue to drag on any further,” he said and appealed to the negotiating parties to listen to the cry of the people and sincerely work towards achievement of lasting peace.
Appreciating the Government of India for their sincerity and for acknowledging the unique history of the Naga people, the chief minister further urged the Centre to make the extra efforts to usher in an early political settlement that is honourable, one that upholds the democratic political rights of the Nagas.
Rio said that an honourable solution that is acceptable will not only pave the way for progress and development but will surely strengthen the foundations of democracy within the country and also elevate our standing amongst the international comity of nations.
“Let us all work towards this aspiration in a spirit of togetherness with renewed commitment and sincerity,” Rio said.
