Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 17
Nagaland’s chief minister, Neiphiu Rio on Saturday asserted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has on four occasions passed unanimous resolution in favour of the demand of Naga people for integration of the Naga family.
“We continue to support the Naga people’s demand for integration,” said Rio in his statement in the House here Saturday.
Even though physical integration has faced hurdles, we have made serious efforts to integrate our people emotionally, culturally and politically, Rio said adding, “We have provided a political platform to our Naga brothers and sisters in Manipur and we will do so in other neighboring states when the right opportunity comes.”
Stating that its pioneering efforts in highlighting the cause of Naga brothers in Myanmar have led to their political recognition, which also have put them on the path of progress, the chief minister said, “Our political approach of emotionally integrating the pan-Naga family has the support and mandate of the people in Nagaland, as shown by the result of the last election.”
These issues have been enshrined in our manifesto and we will continue to work in pursuit of the Naga people’s dream, Rio added. He also stated that the DAN government will continue to stand up for the rights of the Naga people, safeguarding its unique history, protecting identity and promoting culture and heritage.
Some of the symbolic and significant steps that we have taken in this direction are the introduction of own state symbol, giving representation of tribal hohos in the grass root planning machinery, naming of roads and institutions after prominent Naga personalities, introduction of Dr. T. Ao Sports Awards, Young Naga Achievers Awards, setting up of Shilu Park at Mokokchung and Naga Solidarity Park at Kohima etc, Rio said.
