DIMAPUR, JUNE 14 (MExN): Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr TM Lotha today said the more relevant points in the charter of demands for a solution to the Indo-Naga problem should be given priority. He said that instead of causing a stalemate over the ‘whole charter of demands,’ the areas which can be agreed upon have to be identified.
Explaining that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had recognized the unique history of the “Naga political problem,” the BJP leader said the BJP wants to help solve the Naga problem. “We are committed to extend all political help,” the minister said. Maintaining that nine years was enough time for a formula to be worked out, he was of the opinion that the Government of India should expedite the peace process “in all seriousness.” On the resurgence of factional clashes in the state, Dr TM Lotha said no matter who ever dies, in the end, he/she is still a Naga brother or sister. “Let us blame ourselves (for the violence),” he said. The UPA government lacks sincerity in solving the issue, he added.
Adding to that, BJP Secretary in-charge for the Northeast Satish Jha echoed the assertion of Dr TM Lotha when he said said, “The whole attitude of the UPA government is beyond our understanding. Therefore, the worst sufferers are Nagas,” he said.
Lambasting the UPA, he said the slogan of the ruling coalition at the Centre that it works for is that ‘aam aadmi’ is wrong. In the next session of the Parliament, the BJP would raise stiff opposition on the passing of the office of profit bill as well as the hike in fuel prices, he announced. “Prices of essential commodities have gone up like anything,” he said expressing concern.
