It was the Congress party which gave Art 371 (A) to protect Naga identity: Sonia
DIMAPUR, February 7 (MExN/NNN): “Now we have the opportunity for the permanent resolution to the long standing Naga political problem, which is honourable and acceptable. We will finalise the agreement as soon as possible.” This was the comment of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi during her election campaign rallies in Nagaland today. However, Sonia Gandhi did not give any hint on the probable time frame to ink the settlement paper on the Naga issue except pointing out that it will be “as soon as possible”.
The AICC President claimed that Congress was the only national party that was conscious, well aware and understood the special circumstances prevailing in Nagaland. She said the Congress have always been committed to preserving Naga identity. “Congress party gave the Article 371 (A) for the protection of the Naga culture”, she said while adding that it was the Congress party which had introduced Article 371 (A) that protects the Naga identity, culture, tradition and practices.
Sonia Gandhi also said that the Congress party was the one that had first invited the NSCN (IM) for talks. “And the talks are continuing till today,” she added.
Sonia talked about the Congress party’s unwavering endeavour to settle the long pending Naga political problem and said it was not the BJP-led NDA government but Congress which invited the NSCN (I-M) for talks.
She said that the people now have a historic opportunity for a permanent resolution and expressed the party’s commitment to take the peace process forward and to do its utmost to ensure that the agreement is finalised as soon as possible.
“So brothers and sisters, peace is within your grasp after a very very long time, a vote for Congress party is a vote for realising this dream,” Sonia said in her speech which lasted for around 15 minutes.
