Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh at the Assam Rifles Training Centre & School in Dimapur on December 8. Later in the day, he addressed the 8th day of the Hornbill Festival in Kohima.
Morung Express News
Kohima/Dimapur | December 8
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the central government is committed to do its best to fulfill the aspirations of the Naga people for a brighter tomorrow.
Addressing the 8th day of Hornbill Festival here at Naga Heritage Village, Singh informed that his ministry was in the process of finalizing a revamped Free Movement Regime on the Indo-Myanmar border to ensure that people living in border areas face no hardship.
“While doing so, steps are also being taken to promote border trade by establishing land custom stations. This would also ensure that illicit drug trafficking and other illegal activities are curbed at the border,” he said.
Highlighting the efforts of the government to ensure that growth is equitable with regional balance and he emphasized that, the NE being a special focus area, needs to become equal partners in nation’s growth story.
The Minister also emphasized the need to focusing energy and resources on growth and development and to ensure that Nagaland is one of the best performing states in the country.
Singh said Nagaland has an opportunity to lead the NE to the path of peace, stability and growth. While emphasizing the need for infrastructure development as the key for Nagaland to catch up with other advanced states, Singh said overall connectivity can create opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses, and also make Nagaland the gateway to South East Asia.
Skirts questions on polls and peace process
Earlier in Dimapur, at the Assam Rifles Training Centre & School (ARTC&S), Shokhuvi, the Home Minister skirted queries related to the Indo-Naga political talks and the reports of a solution soon. Asked on the secrecy surrounding the FA and the apprehension generated as a result, Singh held that it is not so. He replied, “I think there is no apprehension at all… the interlocutor is doing his job and I think he will succeed.”
He did not respond to further queries about whether the Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections, 2018 will go ahead as scheduled and also about the missing link in the political peace process – NSCN-K.
On the question of the territorial integrity of Assam (Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh), Singh reiterated what he assured to the three states’ Chief Ministers in Kolkata on December 7. With regard to the reports of the Brahmaputra River turning black, Singh said that he will be taking up the issue with the External Affairs Minister.
Singh flew to the ARTC&S from Kohima to inaugurate a swimming pool and an indoor sports complex. He also hoisted the tricolour. As per the Assam Rifles, the mast of the flag is the highest in Nagaland with a height of 100 feet. He was received by the Director General of the Assam Rifles, Lt. General Shokin Chauhan, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM and ARTC&S Commandant, Brig Gurjap Singh.
CM apprises Rajnath on solution before election
Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today stated that his government had apprised the President on the need to resolve the protracted Naga political issue before the ensuing State Assembly Elections. He asked the visiting Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh to carry forward the same message to New-Delhi on behalf of the Naga people.
“The GOI and NSCN (IM) have been in dialogue for a very long time and today the six NNPGs have also entered into dialogue with the GOI. While the credit for bringing about the various factions together on a common platform should go to the Tribal Hohos, Apex bodies, the Church, Civil societies, NGOs and the NNPGs, the fact that different factions and armed groups have now come together seeking a solution is indeed very encouraging,” he said.
He said that the dreams and visions of the Naga people can be fulfilled only if there is permanent peace.
