Limalenden Longkumer
Mokokchung | July 20
WITH GREAT expectations for ushering in positive socio-economic transformation, representatives of eight Naga tribes, which included leaders of the apex organizations of the Konyak, Phom, Chang, Yimchunger, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Sumi and Ao tribes, today held a joint meeting at Longkumer Kilem, Mokokchung. The main objective of the meeting was to evaluate the current issues pertaining to Assam-Nagaland border and its inter-related consequences.
The joint meeting was convened by the Ao Senden with the expectation that the outcome of such a meeting as this should have far-reaching positive impact on the socio-economic transformation and develop sound neighbourhood relationship with Assam maintaining traditional co-existence in peace. Representatives of each of the participating Naga communities in the meeting shared their views and opinions pertaining to the various issues and problems being faced by the Naga society today, ranging from the Assam-Nagaland border dispute and the economic blockades imposed upon the Nagas by the various Assam-based organizations, to the unabated influx of illegal migrants into Nagaland state. The august house deliberated on promulgating possible ways and means to face the challenges of the day with the active participation of all Naga communities in general and ‘northern block’ in particular.
The house at one stage even deliberated on forming a strong social organization or a forum comprising of the member-tribes present. After deliberating on the various agenda polled, the house unanimously resolved to adopt a resolution to be passed. Accordingly, a resolution committee was nominated by the house comprising of a representative each from the member communities present with Prof. Lanunungsang as the Convener. The resolution committee brought to the floor an eight-point resolution which was unanimously accepted and adopted by the house.
Earlier on, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Abhishek Singh, who was also present, delivered the key note address for the meeting. It was resolved to keep on record its appreciation to the Ao Senden for convening the meeting, bringing eight Naga communities to enable to discuss various burning issues in time as this.
Considering the on-going disturbances in Assam-Nagaland border, it was resolved to appeal to the State Government of Nagaland to deploy adequate Nagaland Police Force to safeguard the Nagas and their territory with immediate effect to the following vulnerable places: Mon District - Namtai, Yanpan, Naginimora and Tizit and others, Longleng District- Latigarh, Loshei, and Yonglok and others, Wokha District - Bhandari and Merapani and others, Mokokchung District - Anaki ‘C’, Yajang, Aosungkum and others.
In order to safeguard against constant economic blockade in the border areas and to encourage intra-district trade and business activities, the meeting resolved to appeal to the State Government of Nagaland to complete all road connectivity making usable roads connecting all district headquarters and sub-divisional administrative headquarters in the state.
The meeting further impressed upon the State Government of Nagaland to complete the entire foot-hill roads avoiding Assam State at the earliest without further delay. It resolved to appeal to the Government of India and the state Governments of Nagaland and Assam to settle the on-going Assam-Nagaland border issue maintaining traditional boundaries with the Ahoms, and to continue to maintain peace and harmony in the areas. On this matter, the meeting endorsed its appreciation on the steps taken by AASU and NSF.
The meeting earnestly urged upon the State Government of Nagaland to make all the proposed international trade centers such as Pangsha in Tuensang district, Longwa in Mon district and Mimi in Phek district of Nagaland, creating road connectivity of international standard and other required infrastructural facilities.
The meeting felt that there is a need to meet and interact between all the affected districts of other Naga communities from time to time, aiming at rapid socio-economic development and promotion of peace in the region. For this matter, the Ao Senden is entrusted to convene meetings as and when required.
