Will never allow any unauthorized exploitation of our mineral wealth: Gen. (Retd) Metha
Chizokho Vero
Porba village (Phek) | August 14
Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) Kedahge Gen. (Retd) Viyalie Metha today stated that the FGN will never allow any unauthorized exploitation of its mineral wealth. Unfurling National flag on the occasion of the 66th Nagaland Independence Day celebrated by FGN here today, Gen. (Retd) Metha said “It is outrageous that India continued its wanton exploitation of our mineral wealth such as oil, coal etc. India has no right whatsoever over our mineral proprieties.”
In his address, the Kedahge also called upon the people to recall national history that hitherto our ancestors customarily lived in their own respective self-governing villages were brought together under one umbrella as a nation by our leaders led by A.Z Phizo, father of the Naga nation.
On the International Cease-fire Agreement signed between FGN and the Government of the Republic of India which took effect on September 6, 1964, the Kedahge said that “Even though India unilaterally abrogated the agreement, the FGN maintains and holds true to our commitment till today”.
“And for the benefit of both India and Nagaland, we shall maintain peace till the final settlement is achieved,” the Kedahge said.
Further, Gen. (Retd) Metha said that taking advantage of its efforts to maintain peace in the land, “the enemy with its monetary power aimed to create division among the Nagas with the help of its henchmen of few renegades and some educated materialists, hoping to fool our people publishing wild propaganda through the media with intent to prolong their occupation in Nagaland and putting up jumble of offers, on the other hand, factions trying to sell out Naga nation, demanding Monetary Package plus Bhutan status- Greater Nagalim- Shared Sovereignty- Supra Body Status- (so called) National Government- Alternative Arrangement- Pan-Naga and what next?”
The Kedahge said that factions were made by India and India is responsible to deal with its own problem, adding “But Indo-Naga conflict continues till India withdraws its occupational forces from Nagaland. Naga people had endured Indian militarized tyranny for over sixty years and if the matter could not be resolved in the way it should, then we will be left with no choice but to seek other alternative to redress our case.”
A message of Adinno Phizo, president Naga National Council was also read out on the occasion. The occasion also witnessed conferring awards to two leaders for their long service, which included Achiyi Vadeo, Joint Secretary Naga National Council and B. Pashin, Vice President Naga National Council.
The programme was led by Lhüprüra Swüro, Midan Peyu Chakhesang region. Special prayer for the day, short speeches, folk songs and dance also marked the occasion. Acknowledgement was done by N. Kachüno, Chaplee Kilonser while vote of thanks was proposed by I. Temjenba Lkr, Kedallo.
