Dimapur, September 29 (MExN): Secretary General of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Abu Metha participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program under the aegis of the United States Department of State in September.
NDPP Media and Communication Committee in a press release informed that Abu Metha was the only person to participate in the programme from the region on a project that reflects the focus of the Trump administration, the Indo- Pacific Region. He was selected by the United States Government for the participation.
In Washington DC, Abu Metha participated in a podcast interview that was aired and broadcast to a global audience. The interview was hosted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a recognised and acknowledged global thinktank.
Metha highlighted the need for a political solution that is democratic and the aspiration of the Nagas to live together as members of the same family. He voiced confidence that the Government of India and the Nagas would arrive at a democratic solution.
He recalled the statement of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had stated at Kohima in 2003 that India acknowledges the unique history of the Nagas. In line with this approach, the Modi Government had signed the Framework Agreement and he stated that “two decades was good enough time for confidence building, better understanding and appreciation of each other for a solution to be arrived at.”
On being asked about the NDPP’s alliance with the BJP and priorities of the PDA Government, Metha said that the BJP understood the pulse of the people and had a pre-poll alliance with the NDPP and that the PDA Government under Neiphiu Rio was focusing on improving infrastructure, building roads and ensuring good and transparent government.
He stated that “generations of Nagas have grown up under an environment of conflict and violence and these aspects had negatively impacted lives and society.” Metha stated that, the realisation of peace through a democratic solution would pave the way for a new era of development and progress. “We have a vibrant and capable younger generation who need to be given real peace and opportunities”.
The IVLP Program was specifically in line with the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the US Government and it is the first IVLP project specifically under the Indo-Pacific strategy. The project consisted of leaders from 12 countries and included programmes in the States of Maryland, Florida, Arizona, Montana, Hawaii and the District of Columbia. The programme touched the cities Washington DC, Baltimore, Miami, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Helena and Honolulu.
