Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 15
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today appealed to all the underground groups to listen to the voice of the people, to rise above their differences, and work towards the common goal of achieving permanent peace in our land. “We must always keep in mind that peace and the well being of Naga people stands above all else,” Rio said in his address at the Independence Day celebration here in the Secretariat Plaza. Rio said the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), “who are entrusted with the responsibility of steering the state, are committed to bring peace and prosperity to Nagaland.”
Stating that it will be the endeavor of DAN to see that every citizen is able to lead a life of dignity and self respect, Rio said “therefore, the first and foremost priority is to find an honorable and acceptable solution to the long standing Indo-Naga political issue.” He said that on November 27, 2009, the Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue was formed comprising of all sixty members of the present 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly irrespective of all party affiliations.
From within the JLF, the Joint Parliamentary Working Committee (JPWC) was formed. Subsequently, the Forum has had meetings and consultations with ex-parliamentarians at Chumukedima on April 14, 2010 and with the civil societies, church leaders, representatives of mass based organizations and NGOs on 9 June 2010. “All these meetings have unanimously resolved to work for understanding and oneness of Naga society amongst all sections,” he said adding that the sittings also passed resolutions to record its appreciation to the selfless sacrifices made by many Nagas, for the common cause of the Nagas and the tremendous efforts put by the civil societies, the Hohos, the NGOs, the churches, and by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in their tireless efforts in the journey of reconciliation. He also asserted the joint sitting further recorded its appreciation to Government of India, particularly the Prime Minister and Union Home minister for their renewed sincerity towards finding a permanent solution to the decades old Indo-Naga political problem.
“All sixty elected members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have risen above all else to come together for peace and political settlement, which is the fervent cry of the people,” Rio said adding this process of inclusiveness is a must in the way forward and the legislators forum aims to take the views of all sections of Naga society to the negotiating parties so that the negotiations results in a logical conclusion that is honorable and acceptable to the people.
Further, the Chief Minister said the law and order situation in the state has improved considerably, adding that the civil administration, state police, the army and para military forces have done a commendable job in maintaining law and order in the state through their tireless efforts. The state police has been further reinforced with the recent induction of two more Indian Reserve Battalions- the 14th NAP (IR) and the 15 NAP (IR) (Mahila battalion) providing at least 2000 job opportunities to the youth.
The capacity and efficiency of the state police is also being upgraded through improved training, better mobility and procurement of modern arms and equipments, Rio said adding that the implementation of police modernization programme was on full swing.
“Our policemen are presently being deployed in Delhi and West Bengal on the request of the Government of India” Rio said adding that it was a matter of satisfaction that the Government of India and other states have confidence in the ability of the state police to maintain law and order even in other parts of the country.
Rio said the task of taking the state towards peace and progress “is arduous, but achievable; the road is long but reachable.” “If we resolve and commit ourselves steadfastly to build a peaceful, vibrant and progressive Nagaland, the challenges we confront are not insurmountable,” he said and challenged the people to rise above its differences, and together, build the state of “our dream.”
“Let us transform our inherent strengths and natural endowments as engines for economic growth and progress and be a proud partner in the great task of building a strong and united India,” Rio said.
