No peace unless there is solution: Neiphiu Rio

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 15

With Nagaland slated for Assembly elections in early 2023, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that poll contenders are working hard in preparation, while the people are also looking forward, albeit, more in terms of a “festival.”

“But for me, I am not looking forward to an election, I am looking forward a solution to the protracted Naga political problem, because unless there is a settlement, (unless) there is solution, there is no perfect peace in our land and artificial peace is there and there is no peace of mind,” Rio said while speaking at the platinum jubilee celebration of the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) at Phek town.

He stressed on the need to rearrange the whole state and “also change our mindset to become a better society and survive as a people.”

“I want solution because that will bring a new hope for the youth, the students and for the future,” Rio maintained.

He said that the 60 members of Nagaland Legislative Assemble came together and formed the opposition-less United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government and that the government wants the Nagas to be united.  While coming together, the members (MLAs) have expressed that they want solution to the Naga problem, he added.

Meanwhile, Rio said that the Oting incident was ‘most unfortunate’ where 14 precious lives were lost and many injured for no fault of theirs.

He said, “For the first time, the Government of India and the Army admitted their mistakes and there’s a public hue and cry for repeal of AFSPA.”

He stated that the Government and the public are demanding for repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

He pointed out that once AFSPA is lifted the responsibility will come to the state police, the public, the civil societies and “if there is a continuation of Naga insurgency, or disturbances, at anytime if there are activities of disturbances in any places or districts, it (AFSPA) can be re-imposed even though it can be lifted.”

“Lifting is no problem but can we take the responsibility? And if the Nagas want to continue our aspirations, our movement, the youth of today, the student community, the leaders, the Nagas as a whole including the Naga political groups, we should make an agreement,” he said adding that the youth and the public has to decide “whether we will give a mandate through violence or non-violence.”

He said that this should be very firmly decided by the Naga people.

The responsibilities now lie on the public, particularly the voice of the youth and the students will be very important, he said.

“Today, Naga society is thoroughly divided be it Naga political groups, be it over-ground leaders, we are thoroughly divided and unless we unite we do not have hope for our future,” Rio said, making a clarion for all to unite in order to build a vibrant society.