Nagaland’s Governor RN Ravi takes salute from parade contingent of 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn during 72nd Republic Day celebration in Kohima on January 26. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 26
Nagaland’s Governor RN Ravi today said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi loves the Naga people and holds them in high esteem. “He is committed to restoring an enduring peace in the region with utmost regard to the wishes of the people. He is anxious to ensure that while India is taking giant leaps to the Moon and Mars, our people of Nagaland are not left behind,” Ravi said in his address to the 72nd Republic Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima.
Ravi said that, in a democracy there is ample space for resolution of differences through peaceful dialogue. “However, there is no space for politics by gun. Those who believe in such a politics shall always remain outliers in a democracy,” he said.
Governor said that the unrealistic, self-destructive and divisive politics has exhausted the people of Nagaland. “The primary stakeholders have made their positions abundantly clear that the era of gun must end without further delay and enduring peace must be restored. They have made it clear that unresolved issues, if any, be pursued through dialogue post-settlement.”
Ravi said that the initiative of the state government in holding a comprehensive meeting with broad spectrum tribal and civil societies on October 15, 2020 in Kohima that reiterated the popular sentiment that “the armed groups must come together to facilitate One-Solution for the sake of the people- is appreciable.”
“This sentiment was reiterated on 18th December 2020 in a Joint Statement of the Chief Minister and the Leader of Opposition,” Ravi said.
Ravi said that in a time when India is rapidly progressing and changing dramatically, “we must make effort and advance with the rest of the country. “I commend those who continue to draw inspirations from the founders of the State to realise their dream of a progressive Nagaland and urge those who have been led astray to join mainstream. There must be no doubt in any quarter that Nagaland is and shall remain an integral part of the Republic of India. Any scheme to disintegrate this Republic shall face the brunt of this great Nation,” Ravi said.
Ravi earnestly urged “those friends who are still standing between the people and the peace to see the writings on the wall.”
“The people of Nagaland and Peace can no longer be kept a hostage. Together, let us prosper for an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
