Resolution of Naga Political issue PDA's topmost priority: CM
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio giving his concluding remarks during the assembly session on February 10. (DIPR Photo)
'It is clear that negotiations have concluded on a positive note,' says Rio
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 10
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today said that early resolution of the Naga political issue has been the topmost priority of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government.
In his concluding remarks in the discussion on the Motion of thanks on Governor’s Address here today, Rio stated “it is clear that negotiations have concluded on a positive note.”
“Negotiations had been going on for the last 22 years and the talks had to be concluded so that an Agreement can come about. No pact can be signed unless the points of contention are hammered out between the parties involved. It is the logical and rational way to hold talks and we have expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Government of India and the negotiating Naga groups,” he added.
The CM further stated “nowhere has it been mentioned that the peace process has concluded. Only the talks have concluded on a positive note which signifies that the negotiating parties have arrived at meeting points on the various topics of the negotiations.”
Earlier, Leader of the Opposition, TR Zeliang, while acknowledging that negotiations between the Government of India and the Naga Political Groups are at the verge of conclusion, had stated that “to declare that the same has been successfully concluded is misleading.”
He further said that time has come for chairman of Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) to take the lead as real facilitator with inclusive delegation comprising of all the tribes and political parties.
“We must question and get to what is standing on the way to solution. We were made to understand that everything is resolved except the demand of NSCN (IM) for Flag and Constitution and the two issues were also resolved through mutual understanding on October 31, 2019. If so what else is stopping them for inking the final Accord?,” Zeliang questioned.
‘Centre has understood State’s concern on CAA’
The Chief Minister meanwhile stated that the Government of India has understood the State’s concern on the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), which eventually passed as an Act.
“When the Bill was finally introduced and passed, we were automatically protected since the entire state is covered by the ILP,” Rio said.
“It is significant that the ILP regime under BEFR 1873 which was discussed and mentioned in both Houses of Parliament was included in the master copy of the bill, which ensured that it is now incorporated in a Constitutional law,” Rio said.
Rio said that it is the ILP under the BEFR 1873 which presently protects Nagas from bonafide Indian citizens from other states coming to the state looking for livelihood opportunities.
“This is precisely the reason why other Northeastern States are pleading for enforcement of ILP. Manipur has already been granted and is implementing it. Meghalaya Legislative Assembly held a one-day special session and resolved to appeal to the Government of India to enforce ILP in their State. Nagaland has the additional guarantee/ safeguards from outsiders – even bonafide Indian citizen are not permitted and are barred to own land and immovable assets under Article 371(A),” the CM added.
Meanwhile on the RIIN exercise in Nagaland, the CM informed that once the Committee submits its report, it will be brought back to the Assembly for a threadbare discussion.
JICA released Rs 25.59 Crore for
Nagaland Forest Management Project
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CM Chang today informed that Rs. 25.59 Crore has been released to the Government of Nagaland by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Nagaland Forest Management Project till date. Responding to a question from MLA, Dr Chotisuh Sazo, Chang also furnished names of the selected/adopted villages under the internationally funded project.
28 ILP defaulters detected
in Dimapur from Dec 2019
After the enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur district, 28 ILP defaulters have been detected from December 9, 2019 till date, informed Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton today.
Replying to a question from MLA, Dr Chotisuh Sazo, Patton informed that out of the 28, cases were registered against 6 ILP defaulters and forwarded to the court for further necessary action. Meanwhile, 8 defaulters without any document were fined Rs. 500 each and deported to Assam and 14 ILP defaulters were fined Rs. 500 each and ILPs were issued to them.
Rs 369.96 Crore sanctioned for
Purana Bazaar to Chumu 4-Lane
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton today informed that Rs 369.96 Crores has been sanctioned for the 4-Lane road project from Purana Bazaar to Chumoukedima up to Patkai Bridge point for a stretch of 12.9 kms.
Meanwhile, with regard to the 2 lane road from Golaghat Gate to Zion Hospital, Patton informed that Rs. 26.90 Crore has been sanctioned for a stretch of 2.9 kms. The Deputy CM said this in response to a questioned posed by MLA, Moatoshi Ao.
Regarding dissatisfaction on the execution of works for construction of 2 lane road from Golaghat Gate to Zion Hospital Junction, the Deputy CM informed that an enquiry committee would be constituted to look into the matter.
