Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other dignitaries at the celebration of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Kisama on August 12. Morung photo
And hopes for NSCN (IM) and GoI to come to an understanding
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 12
Even as Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio launched the Government of India’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign in the State on August 12, he also hoped that the Central Government and the NSCN (IM) would soon come to an understanding and resolve the protracted Naga political issue.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign is a celebration of the 75th year of India’s independence and urges citizens to hoist the Indian national flags in their homes. Rio called upon citizens of the state to actively participate.
“For any country, to achieve 75 years Independence, it deserves a special celebration because many sacrifices have been made and we salute those pioneers and those people who had sacrificed and suffered for the freedom of India,” Rio said while speaking at the celebration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at World War II Museum, Kisama.
Rio maintained that Nagaland also fully participated in the 75-week countdown to the celebration, which started from March 12, 2021. “Every year, we celebrate Independence Day but this year is a special celebration, which every house can participate,” he said.
He informed that the state has ordered 4.5 lakh flags, “so that it can reach all nook and corner and can be hoisted in all houses from August 13 to 15.”
Hoping that that the flag will reach everybody, he said “As a token of your participation, you are requested to buy; that shows your commitment and your respect for the freedom of India.” Flags are available at the Deputy Commissioners’ offices, administrative centers, BDOs, village councils and post offices.
At the same time, speaking to the media, the CM hoped that the Centre and the NSCN (IM) would come to an understanding soon to solve the protracted Naga political issue. A resolution is yet to be found, as the NSCN (IM) has been persistent in its demand for a separate flag and constitution of the Naga people.
Stating that ceasefire and political dialogue is going on, he said “We should all work towards the resolution of the Naga issue so that there is peace in our land and there is progress and development not only for ourselves but for generations to come.”
The Press Trust of India (PTI) reported the Nagaland CM as saying that “discussion for a solution to the Naga political issue is on and I hope they will come to an understanding soon.” The NSCN (IM) and Centre's interlocutor A K Mishra will now have to meet and discuss the contentious issues, he said, according to PTI.
"Our resolution is very clear. It states that the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister should invite the NSCN (IM) and go minutely into the competencies and any difference between the Centre and the Naga outfit on it can be worked based on the Framework Agreement,” the CM was quoted as saying.
Rio said the NSCN (IM) and Mishra had held a virtual meeting and discussed the issue after the appeal of the Parliamentary Committee. "We are hopeful that they will soon come together".
While the NSCN (IM) was for a joint statement with the Centre's interlocutor, Mishra had informed him that since the Framework Agreement is still alive "there is nothing more (statement) to be given," the CM reportedly said. The CM further stated that the State Government is unaware about the details of the Framework Agreement, according to the PTI report.
Along with the CM, other legislators and State Government officers also encouraged people to participate in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.
Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, Er Zale Neikha also spoke during the occasion and appealed to all villages under Southern Angami area to hoist the Indian national flag in their respective homes from August 13 to 15.
Advisor for Technical Education and Elections, Medo Yhokha wanted to see that the national flag which was hoisted by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today at Kisama, mark the momentous and historic occasion and “continue to lead, guide, influence and inspire us so that we, together can contribute to our nation building in the days ahead.”
Chief Secretary, J Alam also encouraged one and all to actively participate in the campaign. The programme witnessed cultural presentation and concluded with vote of thanks by Abhijit Sinha, Home Commissioner.
