Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 17
Legislators today debated on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address of March 15 at the eleventh session of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. While repetitious views on the need for early settlement of the Naga political issue were echoed by the legislators, concerns were also raised on the policies related to interest of farmers, the rural poor and combating climate change and global warming in the State.
On Naga Political issue
“Peace can only come to Nagaland if we genuinely and sincerely want it,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, Levi Rengma who affirmed the belief that each Naga has a responsibility to bring peace and development in our land. It is the responsibility of not just the 60 MLAs but all the public of Nagaland, affirmed Rengma.
Positing that it is the responsibility of the legislators to speak out the truth, PHED Minister Tokheho Yepthomi urged for the need to solve the Naga political issue when there is opportunity- the opportunity of a single party in the state because such kind of arrangements may not continue.
Perhaps countering to the over emphasis on the much praised single party in Nagaland, Kaito Aye’s riposte “There is no money that’s why we are all together,” set the august house in laughter. Aye viewed that the financial constraints in the State had led to the unification of the parties, else had there been money all the parties will be fighting among each other.
Meanwhile, MLA Imkong L Imchen impressed upon the need for the government to settle boundary issues with Assam. “We have nothing to lose if we settle boundary issues with Assam,” said Imchen positing that the boundary issues must be resolved between the two states so that both can co-habit peacefully and prosperously.
Need to prioritize rural areas
MLA Kaito Aye urged the state to protect the interest of farmers and to shift its priorities to the rural areas. Review and renew policies and make new approaches that protect the interest and well being of farmers, expressed Aye. Asserting that equal treatment must be meted out, Aye mentioned that there is a need to review the activities of the government.
Parliamentary Secretary for Higher and Technical Education, Deo Nukhu also shared views for the government to give priority to the rural areas and remote districts.
Law and order
Expressing concern over the law and order situation in the State, Tokheho Yepthomi viewed that forgiveness is a must to live together. “It is not just the responsibility of the administration and police but we all must give efforts to resolve this issue. Time for us to look for a better way to live a better life but if we continue to think in a negative way we can never live as peaceful citizens,” said Yepthomi who also shared concerns on the dangers of armed groups. “No tribe should form any kind of forces with an aim to defend themselves. It will only destroy them. We must encourage people not to have that kind of arrangement for self destruction,” Yepthomi maintained.
Concerns over marketing, monopoly
Bringing some new perspectives and fresh ideas, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, Parliamentary Secretary for Geology and Mining suggested several policies and measures.
On Agriculture, Dr. Aier suggested that the State focus on two objectives - agro-products in State market and value added products. Citing the example of ineffective ginger plantation in Mokokchung which drove the farmers to huge losses due to failure from the part of the government in marketing the products, Dr. Aier pressed the need to find markets once the products are in surplus.
To celebrate World Environment day on June 5, Dr. Aier proposed that all the 60 Legislators plant 1000 trees each in their own constituencies, in an effort to fight against climate change and global warming.
Further sharing concern on the monopoly of business in Nagaland where a few powerful business tycoons control the whole market in the State thus depriving the young entrepreneurs to progress, Dr. Aier asserted that the State must protect and safeguard the Naga business people. “Our Naga brothers and sisters should not be deprived and drained under the monopoly of the few,” said Dr. Aier who recommended the setting up of a committee to study the different types of market control in the state and implement a regulatory board to monitor business activities.
Lack of coordination among departments
Lack of coordination among departments is a setback to progress and development, viewed Toyang Changkong Chang, Parliamentary Secretary for Fire and Emergency Services and New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Department. Expressing concern on the grim reality of unemployment in Nagaland, Chang pointed out that even in the government sector, job opportunities has reached a saturating point.
Education in Nagaland is exam oriented. Departments must move from stereotyped curriculum to a more productive value oriented, he said.
Legislators Vikho-o Yhoshü, Mmhonlumo Kikon, Dr. TM Lotha and B.S Nganglang also debated in the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address.
