DIMAPUR, MAY 15 (MExN): The Nagaland GB federation officially met the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on May 14 at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima and submitted a representation. The President of the Nagaland GB’s Federation, L Shalem Konyak informed that the representation dealt with developmental issues in Nagaland and the settlement of the Naga political issue.
The representation urged the President to “expedite the long pending Naga political settlement at the earliest.” It also called upon the President to facilitate in the improvement of the National highways in the state. Another issue brought out by the representation dealt with the development of foothill roads in the state, which links all districts of Nagaland, especially the districts of Mon, Longleng, Tuensang, Mokokchung and Wokha. It added that the people of the aforementioned districts“are facing difficulties to travel crossing the state of Assam with heavy tension.” It also informed that “short cuts and safety roads” are available within Nagaland, i.e. from Dimapur to Niuland to Mon.
The NGBF representation also briefed the President on the historical role of the GBs as custodians of Naga customary laws, practices and traditions and its usage from time immemorial. It stated that the insititution of the GBs existed prior to the coming of the British. It added that this institution strengthened in view of the need for representation in the villages on behalf of the government.
It stated that the GBs have been mediators and have acted as a peace mission “to curb the bloodshed and fratricidal killings amongst the Naga national workers.” It added, “Under the initiative of the GBs, a written ceasefire between the different groups (factions) was also achieved.”
