Unless all NPGs come together, solution will be difficult to achieve: TR Zeliang
Tuensang, February 27 (MExN): Minister of Planning and Coordination, Evaluation, Geology and Mining, T.R. Zeliang, today asserted that unless all Naga Political Groups come together, solution or settlement to the prolonged Naga political struggle will be difficult to achieve. He urged all tribal Hohos to make sincere efforts in bringing different factions of the “Naga underground” to one platform.
Addressing the 69th General Session of the Chang Tribal Council (CKS) at Yangpi Village, Tuensang, during the inaugural function as chief guest, T.R. Zeliang said that every faction is claiming to fight for the Naga political cause but “in reality the situation is going otherwise.” He urged all Naga political groups to exercise utmost sagacity, wisdom and heed the voice of the common people, especially the tribal council which carries the mandate of the people, and sort out differences for the larger interest of the Naga people.
Zeliang said that the Nagas are a small people compared to other nations in term of population, land and economy; therefore, if Nagas “wish to divide further” there is no point of talking about a common future and survival as one people. “Only protection of our tribal rights and traditions will let us survive as a people,” he noted.
The minister also urged the Nagas to strive for economic independence, which, he said, can be achieved through hard work, judicious use of funds and schemes and proper planning at the grass root levels. He expressed hope that exploration of oil and natural gas in the State under the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas rules will help the Nagas in uplifting their economy.
Zeliang urged upon the tribal council to impose customary laws in their respective jurisdictions for preservation and protection of forest and wildlife, which he said can be very effective and implemented easily. He congratulated the Yangpi Village for their initiative towards preservation of wildlife by sparing their land for a wildlife sanctuary but regretted that all forest and wildlife has vanished in many districts of the State, and what is left now is “beneath the soil.”
Others who spoke during the function included CM Chang, Kipili Sangtam, Kejung Chang, MLA Thowang and others.
