Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak on arrival at NDPP general body meeting in Kohima on September 16. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 16
The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) today reiterated its support for the early resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue that is honourable and acceptable to the people.
This was resolved at the first General Body Meeting 2023 (GBM) of NDPP here at the State Banquet hall, Kohima after it victory in the state general election 2023.
The NDPP made an appeal to all the negotiating parties in the Indo-Naga political talks, especially the Government of India, to urgently expedite the process of bringing about a final settlement to the vexed Indo-Naga political issue that is honourable, inclusive and acceptable to all sections and stakeholders.
The house appealed the people of Manipur and the Governments of India and Manipur to bring an end to the ongoing imbroglio and put a stop to the violence that has gripped the entire State for the last four months and bring about normalcy and peace at the earliest.
The house congratulated the Chief Minister and the Party leadership for their foresight in giving tickets to two women candidates thus enabling Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu in becoming the first women representatives to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) in the history of the State.
The house conveyed its appreciation to the members of the 14 Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) for having tabled the Nagaland Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Bill 2023 which has been referred to the select committee with the inclusion of 33% reservation for women.
The house puts on record its appreciation to all the political parties for coming forward in support of the leadership of the Chief Minister, thus enabling to put in place an opposition less government with the sole purpose of expediting the resolution of the protracted Indo-Naga political issue.
“Their magnanimity in putting aside party differences in the greater interest of the people speaks volumes of their conviction and commitment towards helping bring about a final settlement of the Indo-Naga issue,” the resolution stated.
The recently concluded 2nd session of the 14th NLA has witnessed the adoption of resolutions on many important issues that are crucial for the people of Nagaland and the housed welcomed and appreciates the members of the NLA for the decisions taken on the controversial Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Forest Conservation Act (FCA).
“These Acts have elements that could be detrimental to the future of Nagaland and the maturity and the wisdom of the members of the NLA goes on to prove their commitment in upholding the trust, faith and confidence that the people of Nagaland have reposed on them,” the resolution stated.
The house resolved to work tirelessly in achieving their slogan in taking Nagaland ‘towards a state of excellence’ and further, appealed to the people of Nagaland for their continued support towards achieving this goal.
The NDPP stand steadfast in our promises and commitments of our party manifesto and will strive towards building a brighter, vibrant and richer Nagaland, according to the resolution signed by Resolution Committee convenor Sharingain Longkumer with members Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Keoshu Yimchunger and Merentoshi R Jamir.
Naga come first: Rio
Stating that Nagaland is a ‘problematic state’, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his keynote address said “We need Centre support because we don’t have our own resources. But even if we have alliance with the Centre, our focus- “Naga come first” and that is how the Naga people continue to support us.”
Stating the party’s victory in the state general election 2023 was a collective success, he hoped that the party leaders and workers will continue to have the same zeal and make the party stronger. “I hope we will uphold the principles, ideologies and protect and promote the identity of the Nagas, promote the culture and traditions of the Nagas, our beautiful songs and dances,” he said. He said that Government of India recognised the unique history and the rich and vibrant culture and tradition of the Nagas.
Rio said that with oppositionless government in the state with common agenda on Naga political issue, it will continue to work towards finding amicable solution.
Later, Rio released the NDPP documentary film on “The People’s Voice.”
NDPP President Chingwang Konyak said that NDPP will not be mute spectator but will be proactive and do everything possible to strengthen the ongoing peace process and play the role of active facilitator to bring solution to Indo-Naga political issue. It is time for all political parties to come together and discuss how we should solve the Naga political issue, he said.
Chingwang also released the general election report 2023 of the NDPP.
MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe and MLA A Nyamnyei Konyak shared greetings on behalf of the NPF, NCP and NPP respectively.
In the second session, Nagaland State Commission for Women chairperson, W Nginyeih Konyak talked on “Gender Equality and Women Empowerment: Nagaland’s Challenges and Strategies” while NDPP Secretary and Advisor to CM & Chairman, IDAN Abu Metha talked on “Economic Potentials of Nagaland & North East India.” Hekani Jakhalu Kense, Advisor, Industries & Commerce spoke on “Future of Entrepreneurship and Industrialization for Nagaland’s youth” while Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Minister, Women Resource Development & Horticulture spoke on “Elevating Livelihood through horticulture, handloom and textile and women development.” A topic on “Sustainable Rural Development and progressive agriculture” was delivered by Metsubo Jamir, Minister, RD & SIRD.
Earlier, the first session was chaired by Merentoshi R Jamir, Vice President and spokesperson NDPP while NDPP Treasurer Dr John Murry delivered welcome address. NDPP Secretary General, Abu Metha gave the progress report of the party. Vote of thanks was proposed by Vikali A Zhimomi, President, NDPP Women Organization.
