Hopes that Indo Naga political settlement ‘brings us more unity’
GUWAHATI, MAY 20 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today assured of coexistence with neighbouring states and stated that although the states of the Northeast region may have different background, history and culture, nevertheless, the region is one entity.
Addressing the 3rd Conclave of the North East Democratic Alliance at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium in Guwahati today, the CM said unless the sister states coexist with one another, the region will face problems. “We need one another and I feel strongly that we have to coexist,” the Nagaland CM was quoted as stating in a press note from the CMO.
He meanwhile expressed confidence that Naga political issue would be resolved soon and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP led NDA Government’s sincerity towards the Naga peace process. “In this, I seek the support of our sister northeastern states and I assure you that Nagas do not mean to go against any State or any people but instead I hope that settlement brings us more unity and oneness and we will see that you are not deprived. The apprehensions which you fear will be mutually agreed upon so that we will co-exist in harmony,” Rio stated.
On the issue of inter-state border disputes, the Nagaland CM recognized the prolonged border issue with neighbouring States, particularly Assam, with regard to which there is a long-pending case in the Supreme Court.
“I was very happy the other day when Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma told me that the Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal and we all should start talking and we should find an amicable settlement to our border issues. I fully support this and I feel that our neighbouring states should all come together to solve these issues because there are small things that can keep us divided for long time to come,” the Nagaland CM said.
Meanwhile, Rio highlighted the poor air connectivity in Nagaland; and while appreciating the UDAN scheme, also appealed to the Government of India to expedite its implementation to boost regional air inter-connectivity. He also rued the fact that there is only one route connecting Dimapur to Delhi via Kolkata. It is important, he asserted, to connect the North East States with one another as this will bring the people closer together and foster better relations among states.
Lauding national BJP President Amit Shah for setting up the North East Democratic Alliance, Rio said that this was the right platform for leaders of the region to sit together and work for the common interests and common problems for the good of the region.
“We look forward to working together with the sister Northeast states,” he said, and placed on record his appreciation to the BJP for taking all smaller parties on board and treating them as equal stakeholders saying this was real democracy. The Chief Minister further mooted the idea of having a Working Group which could meet more often. Rio meanwhile thanked BJP national president Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the rank and file of the BJP, the Nagaland State unit of the BJP and all alliance partners for supporting the NDPP, thereby becoming a part of the NEDA family as its newest member.
“Today, with the support and cooperation of the NDA Government at the Centre and the NEDA, we have a strong and stable Government and we will continue to serve the people with utmost sincerity,” the CM added.
A host of Ministers and Advisors led by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton from Nagaland attended the Conclave which was graced by Amit Shah, national BJP president as the chief guest. The conclave was attended by the Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura, including a host of other dignitaries.
