Kohima, February 3 (MExN): Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today called for a quick solution to the Indo-Naga issue. “The sooner we solve this problem the sooner we will have permanent peace,” the CM stated while addressing the inaugural function of the Aboi Town Council.
“But if we prolong I am apprehensive that more armed groups will come up and it will create more trouble,” the Nagaland CM cautioned.
He said that solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political problem is the way to peace and peace is the only way to progress and prosperity of the state. He asserted that as long as gun culture prevails in the state, Nagas will never progress and the only means to put an end to gun culture is to find early solution to the Naga political problem.
Assuring that the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is committed to the early settlement of the Naga political issue, Zeliang asked Nagas to grasp the opportunity and collectively work towards it without further creating any imbroglio among the Nagas.
He further clarified that solution to the Naga political issue is “not for a particular faction or tribe but for the benefit of the whole Nagas.”
He added that when all the sixty legislators of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, cutting across party lines, have collectively come together to foster the early settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue, people should also render fullest support. The CM said that not only the 60 legislators but “all the tribal hohos, civil societies and NGOs have decided to work collectively for finding early solution.” “Solution is possible only when we work together and this consensus decision at the highest level must percolate down to the grass root level.”
The Chief Minister also said that the government and public should work together for development. He admitted that the state is going through a fiscal crunch due to change of funding pattern at the Centre with the formation of NITI Ayog. He however expressed confidence that within 2-3 months time, the state’s financial position will improve.
Meanwhile, the CM informed that he would soon convene a meeting to settle the 33% women reservation issue. He informed that the said election of Municipal and Town Council could not be held due to a case pending in the Supreme Court and claimed that the state could not avail funds because of this case. He added that there are still many towns which should be accorded Municipal or Town Council status.
The CM finally called upon all legislators to perform better and work hard for the upliftment of the people. Others who spoke during the occasion included Dr. Shurhozielie, NPF President; Tohanba, Parliamentary Secretary as guest of honour; Eshak Konyak, Nyeiwang Konyak, Ex-Minister and Shakwang Angh.
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