File Photo.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 27
Stating that the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) had been demanding a separate State called 'Frontier Nagaland' since over a decade back, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that although there has been tremendous progress in the 60 years of our journey as a state, a lot more remains to be done in terms of all round development particularly in the Eastern districts.
In his budget speech at the ongoing 1st Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) here today, he said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has, on more than one occasion, given assurance that the Central Government will work out an arrangement in consultation with the ENPO and the State Government to address their aspirations for a degree of autonomy and speedier economic development.
“The State Government has already recommended the formation of an autonomous region for our brothers and sisters belonging to the Eastern Areas, and we reiterate that the State Government will render all possible support in making this a reality. We have collectively urged upon the Government of India to extend a special economic package to the eastern region, and we are confident that this will be realized and implemented in the coming months,” Rio said.
Rio maintained that there is a great potential for growth and progress in the Eastern Areas of Nagaland, and the people have tremendous capacity to contribute towards Nagaland's rise and India's growth.
“Nagaland is a small state and any division of it will further weaken us. Any call for division pains us; rather we are for greater unity and we desire the integration of the contiguous Naga-inhabited areas to live under one administrative umbrella,” Rio said adding that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had unanimously adopted 6 resolutions for integration of the contiguous Naga-inhabited areas in 1964, 1970, 1994, 2003, 2015 and 2018.
“While the developmental deficits and economic challenges of the Eastern Region needs to be addressed with serious intent, I must place on record our position that we will always stand for unity of the Naga people at all costs. Let us strengthen our bonds of oneness and work as one united force so that the Eastern Region will emerge as a shining star of Nagaland, and together we will all make greater contribution in nation building and give opportunities to our youth to be part of India's rise and growth,” Rio said.
