Nagaland State Government will continue to facilitate peace process: Governor
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | March 15
Nagaland Government will continue to take active part in facilitating the peace process among the various stakeholders, Governor P.B. Acharya said on Tuesday.
Addressing members of the legislative assembly on the first day of the 11th session of the 12 Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the Governor appealed all sections of the society to be “large-hearted” and supportive of the peace process for the sake of the future generations.
The Governor also stated that consultation process amongst the various stake holder groups was going on actively with the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015.
Acharya said the unilateral abrogation of the ceasefire by NSCN (K) in March 2015 had caused much anxiety among the people and the State government and civil societies have been appealing the GoI and NSCN (K) to resume the ceasefire.
“My government appreciates the joint efforts of the Naga Hoho and the Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO) who, on the request of the Parliamentary Working Committee of Nagaland Legislators Forum, went to Myanmar in February, 2016 and conveyed the desire of the Government of Nagaland and the people for resumption of the ceasefire to the authorized representatives of NSCN (K),” he said.
Acharya also appreciated the efforts of the Parliamentary Working Committee, which went to New Delhi in July 2015, and again in February this year, to meet central leaders of various political parties to apprise them of the history and situation of the Naga political issue, and seek their support for an early political settlement.
On the unfortunate murder of an innocent couple near Shamator on February 6 which led to problems in Kiphire, Pungro and Shamator areas, Acharya said the situation has been brought under control due to the collective leadership of the government agencies, civil societies and members of NLA.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a DIG of Police has been constituted to probe the February 6 incident and subsequent acts of arson and destruction of properties at Kiphire, Pungro and Shamator.
“These incidents also require introspection within the civil society,” he said while appealing the people of the state to assist and cooperate with the SIT in apprehending the culprits.
Acharya also maintained that safety of the minority community in any area should be the prime concern of the majority community in that area. “The tendency for exacting revenge must be avoided, and the law be allowed to take its own course,” he said.
The Governor further said a 240-strong State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was launched on Republic Day. The SDRF personnel will be deployed at eight strategic district headquarters, with the objective to respond quickly to natural calamities across the state, he added.
Video conferencing facility with all district courts and district jails has been installed and the Kohima bench of the Gauhati High Court has been provided with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Acharya announced that financial assistance to World War- II veterans has been enhanced from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 per month with effect from 2015-16.
He said the power department completed and commissioned the one MW Tehok mini hydro electric project on January 29 in Chen in Mon district.
The new and renewable energy department also commissioned the Mayemong hydro-electric project in May 2015, which was supplying power to Choklangan and Wui villages in Noklak sub-division, he added.
The Governor was confident that “this August House” will deliberate on various issues concerning good governance, the development of the state on all fronts, and the welfare of the people, and that collective effort would take Nagaland forward in every aspect.
MLA, Vikho-u Yhoshu moved the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address. MLA Namri Nchang seconded the motion.
Meanwhile, it has been informed that there will be no session on March 16. It will resume on March 17. Chief minister TR Zeliang, who also holds finance portfolio will present state budget on March 17.
