Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (File Photo)
Early resolution remains at top of Govt’s political agenda: Rio
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 18
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) today adopted a government resolution on Indo-Naga political issue, which among others, called for an ‘honourable, inclusive and acceptable to the people as “One Solution” without any further delay.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio moved for introduction and adoption of the resolution on the floor of the House at the ongoing 7th session of 13th NLA. It was seconded by opposition leader TR Zeliang.
In honouring and adhering to the voice of the people, the NLA endorsed and reiterated all the past resolutions of the NLA on the Indo-Naga political issue and resolve to work unitedly in facilitating the political negotiations.
The House appreciated the continued efforts made by the Government of the India to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue through peaceful means and for acknowledging the unique history and identity of the Nagas by upholding the Naga political talks.
The House, in its resolution, acknowledged and appreciated the efforts made by all Naga political groups, political parties, civil society organizations, the churches and NGOs towards finding a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue.
The House made an appeal to all to continue working towards strengthening Naga unity and come together in the spirit of oneness for larger interest of the Naga people.
The House urged the Government of the Union of India and the Naga political groups to sit across the table for the conclusion of the political negotiation that is honourable, inclusive and acceptable to the people as “One Solution” without any further delay.
Meanwhile, chief minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the early resolution of the Naga political issue remains at the top of the government’s political agenda.
In the past year, the State Government has made significant efforts in playing the role of active facilitator in the ongoing peace process, Rio said while presenting Nagaland budget for the year 2021-22.
He said that the successful conduct of the Consultative Meeting on the Naga Political Issue held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima on 15th October 2020 was a major landmark.
The unanimous adoption of the 7-Point resolution in the meeting sent the right message of unity and solidarity to all sections, especially to the negotiating parties of the Indo-Naga political dialogue, he said.
“Our endeavour for unity was further strengthened when the Leader of Opposition joined me in issuing a Joint Statement on 18th December, 2020, where we endorsed the resolutions of the Consultative Meeting. We welcomed the positive approach of the Government of India under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Union Home Minister, towards expediting the ongoing political dialogue. Together we also voiced the cry of the Naga people to the Government of India and the Naga organizations participating in the peace talks to arrive at an early solution which will bring lasting peace and prosperity to the region.” he said.
Rio extended his appreciation to the Opposition Bench led by the Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang in rising above political affiliations to make a joint statement “that has hopefully touched the hearts of all stakeholders of the Naga political journey and the citizens of the state.”
Rio said that the February 16 session had a fruitful and productive discussion on the Naga Political Issue, where members of the House shared their views, opinions and suggestions.
“We could all get the sense that this House is indeed serious and committed towards facilitating a solution to the decades old Indo-Naga political imbroglio,” he said.
We will continue to collectively play the role of active facilitator in the political negotiations so that our aspiration of arriving at a solution that upholds the democratic rights of the Nagas in an honourable manner is arrived at as early as possible, Rio said.
Rio appealed to the negotiating parties of the political dialogue to expedite the negotiations and bring about the much desired solution which will pave the way for a new era of growth, development and all round progress.
