CM reiterates commitment to early solution of Naga Political Issue

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 16

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday reiterated that as a State “we remain deeply committed to the early solution of the Naga Political Issue, which has always been at the top of my government’s agenda.”

“I reassure you of my Government making every possible effort to this cause,” said Rio in his address at the 77th Independence Day celebration in Kohima at Nagaland Civil Secretariat plaza on August 15.

The Political Affairs Committee constituted with the entire cabinet and elected members from those tribes who are not in the cabinet will continue to hold serious consultations with all the stakeholders for early solution, Rio said.

“Our hopes have further soared with the signing of the Joint Accordant in September last year between the NSCN (IM) and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) through the efforts of FNR, for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India,” he said. The CM added that in January 2023 both the entities have reiterated their unconditional commitment to collaborate for the resolution of the Naga political issue with the Government of India.

Further, Rio called upon all the Naga political groups and all other stakeholders, and the Government of India, “to exhibit an even greater sense of urgency for bringing consensus on any unresolved issues, and for the sake of our people, bring about an inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution without any further delay.”

‘Supporting desire of eastern districts’

“We have been making every effort to reach out to every section and region to understand their aspirations. We appreciate however that despite our best efforts, the developmental deficit that had existed right from the beginning, still persists in some areas, particularly in the eastern districts of Nagaland,” Rio said.

The ENPO resultantly, has been raising the grievances of the people from the areas of the eastern districts and have made certain demands, he said and expressed happiness that “those are being looked into by the Government of India to suitably address them.”

“We have been supporting the desire of the eastern districts to bridge the development deficit to bring them at par with the rest of the state, particularly in matters of infrastructure development, health and education facilities, livelihood opportunities and due representation in Government service,” Rio said.
 
On ULB elections

Rio said that the announcement of ULB elections pursuant to the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court was strongly opposed by the Tribal bodies and several CSOs on the ground of possible infringement of Article 371 (A).

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly, heeding to the wishes of the people unanimously decided not to go ahead with the ULB elections and repealed the Act while resolving to bring a new legislation expeditiously.

“We are now in the process of taking steps for making anew Act in consultation with all stakeholders,” Rio said and solicited the cooperation and guidance of every stakeholder in this regard.
 
On UCC issue

In the last few weeks, the matter regarding the implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country raised deep anxiety among various sections of the society.

Keeping in view the sentiments of the people, the State Cabinet has urged the Law Commission to exempt Nagaland from the purview of UCC in view of its serious implications on the privileges guaranteed under Article 371A, Rio said.

The Chief Minister informed that the Council of Ministers also met the Union Home Minister in this regard.

“I am happy to share with you all, his assurance that UCC would not be applicable to the Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland and of the North East,” Rio said.
 
Manipur Violence: Give peace a chance

Rio said that the conflict in Manipur “affected us as we had to immediately relocate our students and citizens from there in the interest of their safety and well being in the first week of May 2023.”

He said that officials and staff from administration, the NST, and the Nagaland Police, with assistance from the Assam Rifles, did a commendable job in safely bringing back more than 1300 people of our State from Manipur.

“Everyone involved in this entire exercise deserves our fullest appreciation,” he said adding “We continue to however, remain deeply concerned of the human atrocities committed and of large scale vandalization and arson of places of worship, particularly churches, in Manipur. We pray for good sense, peace and harmony to return, and fervently appeal to all the communities and groups in Manipur to give peace a chance and take urgent steps to resolve their differences amicably.”

E-Office and E-Vigilance App launched

The CM also officially inaugurated the E-Office and E-Vigilance Applications. The launch of these digital platforms marks a significant step towards modernizing administrative processes in the state, added a DIPR report.

The E-Office platform aims to optimize Government operations by simplifying document management and collaboration processes. It will introduce automation for tasks such as file tracking and approval workflows, expediting decision-making and fostering an environmentally friendly workspace. In line with the Digital India initiative, E-Office is set to contribute to progress through efficient technology utilization.

On the other hand, E-Vigilance, a web application developed by the Department of IT&C Nagaland in collaboration with the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, is designed to enhance transparency in administrative procedures. The application digitizes vigilance clearance for actions such as promotions and retirements, promoting an accountable and ethical approach to public services.

President’s Police Medal and Police Medal awardees:

•    Tsenpemo Kikon, Asst Commandant, Chümoukedima, Nagaland (President’s Police Medal)

•    Yanrenthung Ngullie, Commandant, Phek, Nagaland and Sonia Singh, Special Secretary, Nagaland (Police Medal for Meritorious Service)

Governor’s Gold Medal awardees: 

•    Kathyinla, EAC Noklak 

•    Meripeni, Addl State Protocol Officer  Home Department  (GAB- II)

•    Vikeshe Chuse, Dy SP, Nagaland (Lokayukta)

Governor's Gold Medal announced on Independence Day 2022

•    Rajkumar M, IFS, DFO, Kohima 

•    Er Kewizun Zeliang NPS, Addl SP (Comm) NPTO

•    Er Y Akito Sema, EE Electrical Division, Dimapur

•    Dr Nyanthung Kikon, Dy Director & State Nodal Officer, IDSP Republic Day 2023

Governor Gold Medal announced on Republic Day 2023

•    Er P Tiakaba Yimchunger, JE Transmission Div Dimapur 

•    Dr Anungla Imdong Phom, Addl Director DUDA.

•    Aotula T Imchen IPS, SP Wokha

Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service

•    Dr Oben Yanthan, Jailer, Central Jail Dimapur 

Aasadharan Aasuchana Kushalata Padak Award 2021

•    K Poman Konyak, ASI, DEF Mon 

Governor’s Commendation Certificate 2023

•    Nockpai Konyak, SDO (C) Sadar, Kohima 

•    Wongto Chingmak, SDAO, DAO Tuensang 

•    Dr Akato Sema, Dy CMO, Zunheboto 

•    Nounesenuo S Iralu, Dy Project Director, Planning & Transformation, attached to P&AR (PIMS)

•    Tsupithong Y Yimchunger, Economics & Statistics Officer, Dte of SE

•    Chichamo Kikon, ASI, IGP (INT), establishment 

•    Kevepfulu-u Ritse, ASI, CP Dimapur 

•    Hav Talirenba Mozer, Office of Commissioner of Police Dimapur 

•    Bhaktalal Giri, Scaleman, office of assistant director F&CS Mokokchung 

•    M Yankiuba, Peon, office of DC, Tuensang

•    K Thou, Peon Planning & Transformation