Dimapur, August 18 (MExN): The Naga Hoho has expressed sadness over the demise of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India on August 16 at New Delhi, after prolonged illness.
The Naga Hoho in a condolence message issued by its President, P Chuba Ozukum stated that late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an ardent politician, a poet and a real orator with whom India irrespective of political affiliation, fell in love. “He was a political icon and a transformer of the Indian society taking it to greater heights.”
“Today, the Nagas have lost a man who felt deeply for the Naga cause,” Naga Hoho expressed with regret over the demise and said, “In fact he was the first Prime Minster of India who acknowledged the unique history and situation of the Nagas in 2002.” During his term as the Prime Minster, Naga people had a great hope to resolve the Indo-Naga problem but unfortunately his stint as the Prime Minister ended before the Naga problem could be resolved, it added.
“Looking back, his zeal and determination to traverse the 72 kilometers road from Dimapur to Kohima spoke volumes of his love for the Naga people, it was then he committed to grant the four lane road between Kohima-Dimapur, the two important towns of Nagaland which was a remarkable memory for the Nagas and will be fondly remembered in all years to come,” the Naga Hoho stated.
The message added that his sympathy and love for the Nagas was clearly understood when Vajpayee as the Prime Minister in 2003 granted financial aid to Nagaland to waive out the entire deficit and start with zero deficit budget by granting 1050 crores. “This was a feat which no Prime ministers had ever done for Nagaland in its past 55 years of statehood and in the history of Nagaland Legislative Assembly.”
“The Nagas have indeed lost a valued leader who could relate to the Naga problem,” the Naga Hoho added and prayed for “his soul to rest in eternal peace.”
