Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 23
Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu today said that it is high time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home minister Amit Shah and 60 legislators of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) to be sincere and ‘walk the talk’ on the Naga political issue.
Moving amendment on the Motion of thanks to the Governor’s Address in the first session of the 14th NLA here today, Azo stated that the reflection of Naga political issue on the Governor’s Address was only a political gimmicks and “this will be raised only at the fag end of the tenure.”
Azo claimed that NPF champions the cause of Naga political issue, and ‘substantiated’ the same by highlighting how the Democratic Party of Nagaland was formed on October 21, 1963 under the chairmanship of A Kevichusa, in view of the trouble situations and conflicts between India and Nagas.
He called upon all the members to walk the talk and bring about a logical conclusion to the Naga political issue.
He also suggested for re-constitution of Joint Legislators Forum to take up the issue in right earnest.
Dwelling on RIIN and illegal immigrants, he claimed that Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland are the “breeding grounds of all illegal migrants” and urged the State Government to tackle it with prompt and effective mechanism.
‘Restructuring of Nagaland Police’
Moving another amendment, Azo argued that the State police have been “reduced to only static duty and VIP duty and nothing beyond that,” with large component of the force is utilised in providing bodyguard/ house guards.
There is no force available for genuine police works, he maintained, calling for a clear policy.
He pointed out that out of approximately 26,000 police force, 19,000 is Armed Component (Almost 70%). The Civil Police i.e, DEF, Police Station, Crime Branch, Int, Economics Offence Wing etc. is hardly 25-30%.
This is exactly contrary to all other states. Now with the change in situation, the focus should be more on strengthening the civil police,” he said.
Accordingly, he said that serious re-organisation and restructuring of Nagaland Police are needed.
Among others, Azo suggested for appointments through open recruitment process; non-political interference in the transfers or during investigation of cases or disciplinary proceedings against the police personnel; constitution of a Directorate of Prosecution for independent and sufficient Public Prosecutors; and review of Police Budget.
LJP (RV) extends support
Meanwhile, Leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Legislature Party, Dr Sukhato A Sema assured the party’s full support to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his council of minister in resolving the long-vexed Naga Political issue.
Participating in the discussion, Dr Sema lauded the initiative taken so far and said that he had appraised LJP (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan, who assured to take up the matter with Prime Minister and raise the issue in the parliament at an appropriate time.
He appreciated the State Government’s move to make Medical College Kohima into functional operation during the academic year 2023-24, to be followed by second college in Mon.
He also appealed members to extend every possible support to the State Government attempt to bring AIIMS institute to Nagaland.
Aye, Imchen on Naga political issue
Meanwhile, Minister for Roads and Bridges, G Kaito Aye requested all the members to give more concern towards the Naga Political Issue and bringing it to a logical conclusion.
The people and the government of the day have been trying its best and “now, the ball is in the court of the negotiating parties and Government of India,” he said, further requesting for members’ joint efforts.
Advisor, Information & Public Relations, Soil & Water Conservation Imkong L Imchen, meanwhile, asserted: "We are 60 but one on the Naga political issue."
“We cannot be over critical over the Naga issue as the House has passed several resolutions in the past to bring the issue to an amicable settlement,” he added.
He further noted that negotiations should not be one-way traffic and the approach should be rational and acceptable to both the negotiating parties and a spirit of accommodation should be there with flexible diplomacy.
Imchen lauded the Government of India for its commitment and sincerity to solve the Naga issue and said that rigidity would not bring any solution.
He thanked the Governor for mentioning about the foothill road in his address and requested the government to take up its construction within this financial year.
Bashangmongba lauds govt
Joining the discussion, Minister for Housing & Mechanical Engineering P Bashangmongba Chang appreciated the government for listening to the voice of the people of Eastern Nagaland.
“I believe that the team constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to address to the demand of the people of Eastern Nagaland will definitely come into a harmonious and sustainable conclusion,” he said.
He also lauded the State Government for its commitment to facilitate the entire process and also for widening the existing single lane road to intermediate lane in NH-202 and Mokokchung to Chare by the PWD (National Highways).
Various up-gradation and construction of roads/Bridges projects under the department of PWD (Road & Bridges) will not only provide connectivity but ultimate improve the economy and living of the people and the state, the minister said.
Yanthan supports Governor’s Address
Supporting the motion of thanks to Governor's address, Nagaland’s Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan said that policy, programmes and achievements of various departments, as mentioned in the address, speak volume about the pace of development the state is witnessing. He attributed the same to strong and decisive leadership of the Chief Minister and a stable government.
He also welcome establishment of the first Nagaland’s Medical College in Kohima. These are testament of the PDA Government's sincerity and commitment towards the cause and welfare of the people of Nagaland, in keeping with the Government's motto "Towards the State of Excellence," Yanthan added.
