CM to Kovind: Apprise GoI on ‘imperative need’ to resolve Naga political problem before election

Our Correspondent
Kisama | December 1

Chief Minister TR Zeliang today made an appeal to the President of India Ram Nath Kovind to carry forward message to the Government of India for the imperative need to resolve the protracted Naga political problem before the ensuing State assembly elections.  

“…for far too long, the full potential and growth of the state has been impeded by the unresolved issue of the Naga political struggle. We all feel this state of affairs should not be allowed to continue as it not only hampers the normal avocations of peaceful citizens, but also stands in the way of every aspect of progressive growth,” he said, while addressing the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland here.  

As a multi-tribal society, he said, we face many challenges but when it comes to the resolution of the seven decades old Naga political issue, the people’s voice is for an inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution.  

He noted the State has already witnessed 20 long years of the peace process and another 2 years after signing of the Framework Agreement. “The fact that different factions and armed groups have now come together seeking a solution is truly very encouraging. We therefore, consider this to be the most opportune time for the Nagas and the Government of India to resolve the seven decades old Naga political issue once and for all,” he said.  

“…our people will not want to be left behind but be proud partners in the march ahead with times. This dream, however, can never be fulfilled without permanent peace in our land.”  

Nagaland as a landlocked State, the Chief Minister further said that road and air connectivity has to be greatly strengthened to achieve physical integration with the mainland.  

He was confident that through India’s Act East Policy - physical, emotional and economic integration of the north eastern region with mainland India can be better achieved.  

Zeliang also urged the Government of India to be sympathetic and understanding to the submissions with regard to “providing us with the required road and air connectivity as this is an area where the state, left on its own cannot achieve much.”  

While several road projects have been sanctioned and works for them are underway, what we need to improve greatly is air connectivity, he said, adding “we have been requesting Air India, Indigo and other airlines to have a flight to Delhi from Dimapur via Guwahati but it has not materialized so far.”  

Guwahati is supposed to be the hub of air connectivity for the North East but without a connection to Dimapur, the desire of the tourists to come to the Hornbill Festival is often hindered due to the increase of air fare from Delhi to Dimapur, he said. The exorbitant cost itself becomes a dampener for prospective tourists to come to Nagaland, the CM added.  

He made a plea to the President of India to request Air India to add additional flights during Hornbill Festival and also start a Dimapur–Delhi service via Guwahati.