Ungma, May 3 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the Nagas need two political settlement- one with India and the other with Burma – since the Nagas have been placed under the two countries and the Nagas on both side of the international border needs a political settlement with the respective government for a lasting peace.
The chief minister was speaking as the chief guest at the Moatsu festival celebration programme at Bapu Tzubo Amphitheater at Ungma village. Asserting that there a settlement should be arrived at the earliest to preserve the Naga culture, tradition and identity, Rio said that the other people have recognized the Naga political problems and that the world is now aware of the Naga people’s aspiration.
In this regard, he said that even the Prince of United Kingdom, Prince Andrew visited Kohima on May 2, despite the fact that there are many other commonwealth countries or places to visit. The visit of Prince Andrew indicates that the Naga people have now been recognized; therefore the Naga people should strive for a lasting and reasonable settlement to usher in peace in the Naga areas.
In this connection, he highlighted on the ceasefire move with Myanmar and said that the Naga people should support it, so that peace can prevail on the other side of the international border. Therefore, he asserted that there should be two settlements for peace to prevail in the whole of the Naga areas. . He said the spirit of oneness among the Nagas cannot be divided even though they live in two nations - India and Myanmar. He went on to say that the recognition given to the Nagas of Myanmar as Nagas by Myanmar government is a welcome step.
He also appealed the greater Naga society to emulate the friendship of Ungma and Tuophema villages so that the Naga people can live in peace and harmony.
The unique friendship between Ungma and Tuophema villages which has been formed during the time of Dr SC Jamir as the chief minister, and the continuing fraternity between the two villages should be a lesson for all the Naga people and villages for promoting fraternity among the people, Rio added.
A large number of Tuophema village leaders also accompanied the chief minister to partake in the Moatsu festival. The Sumi Union Mokokchung town, Chuchuyimpang Village Council and Chungtia Village Council presented dynamic folk dances and songs during the programme. A host of ministers and parliamentary secretaries and other government officials accompanied the chief minister and celebrated the function.
(With inputs from DIPR)
