Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. (Morung File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 26
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said as far as the Indo-Naga political issue is concerned, he felt that both the opposition and ruling benches are on the same page that an early and honorable political solution is the need of the hour.
Stating that there have been positive developments in the peace process which indicates that the Naga issue has struck the right chords in the national political scenario, the CM made this observation: The Naga political movement has travelled far and long, across several decades, there is no better time than now to bring it to its logical conclusion through a solution.
Responding to the Leader of Opposition’s query to enlighten the House on the initiatives of the PDA government on the Indo-Naga political issue, Rio extended appreciation to the Speaker, the opposition leader and all the MLAs for reconstitution of the Joint Legislators’ Forum on the protracted issue.
“I can say with confidence that the unity, which we have shown on this issue, will send the right signal to all sections of the people,” he said.
He maintained that time and again, it was emphasized that unity across the Naga family is the one single factor which will truly strengthen the peace process, and will strengthen the process while also ensuring that Naga negotiating parties will derive strength and confidence to take the talks to its logical conclusion.
“We have maintained a consistent stand that we will facilitate the peace process and we support the cry of the people for a solution that is honorable and upholds the political rights of the Nagas in a just and democratic manner, and one that is inclusive and acceptable to the people,” Rio stated.
He also asserted that the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs which has recommended for early finalization of the Naga Peace Accord must be welcomed. “These are very positive developments and it shows that the Naga issue has struck the right chords in the national political scenario,” he added.
He further appealed to all sections of the Nagas to come together under a spirit of unity and oneness to create a congenial atmosphere for the peace process, while also appealing to the negotiating parties to listen to the voice of the people and bring the talks to its logical conclusion through a democratic process.
