Chizokho Vero
Kisama | October 20
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today emphasized that one of the most important issues that needs to be addressed by the country is to resolve outstanding political issues and insurgencies in the Northeast region.
“Unless there is an air of political stability created by removing insurgency and violence, the region will continue to lag behind,” Rio said while speaking at the Eclectic Young Leaders Connect 2 under the theme “Connect, Exchange, Strengthen” at Bamboo Hall, Kisama organized by Youthnet in association with Government of Nagaland.
He said the Government of India must have the will to resolve the political issues and at the same time, the people of the region must understand the ground realities and appreciate the problems of the Government of India. There is also reason to believe that many of the problems we face are, in fact, created by us, Rio said.
“How much longer will we allow these self created burden to come in the way of our youth achieving their dreams and their aspiration?,” he questioned and adding that a time has come for us to allow our youth to strive for their dreams and pursue their aspiration in order to become equal citizens of the global village.
Also stressing on the need for the people of the region to understand the basic reality that unity is strength, Rio said “We must derive our strength from our collective unity and make it the engine of our progress.” He asserted that all the states have strengths and weakness, for which, they must help each other to improve together as a collective and united people.
He stated that the extraordinary capacity of Manipur in the field of sports and games must be extended to all sister states, Sikkim’s model of successful and sustainable tourism should be a lesson for the others, Meghalaya’s success in macro and community based farming needs to be replicated, Assam, a resource for capacity building in all fields and Mizoram model in overcoming insurgency is a national asset.
Rio pointed out that there are many more strengths and qualities that are unique to different people and different states of the region. These qualities, he said, must be taken advantage of and a spirit of mutual cooperation and collective team work must be the mantra which will be driven by emotional oneness.
“This should be the principle behind the aim to connect, exchange and strengthen.” Rio stated that today, the people of the region may feel disconnected and distant but the onus is on us to determine our own destiny. If the present generation of leaders and the youth of the region rise to the occasion, the day is not far when, this region will become the nation’s biggest and most priceless asset.
He said the north eastern region including Sikkim is one of the most crucial region for the country-economically, geographically and politically. Yet the region remains backward and underdeveloped in all aspects.
He regretted that the infrastructure was poor, the economy was weak, there is absence of industry and commerce, job opportunities and employment is virtually nonexistent, there is political instability and violence insurgency and social unrest.
“This is the picture in most parts of the region, except for few pockets. All these reasons, and more, have created an environment of neglect and disappointment where there is little or no hope. This has shaped a sentiment of neglect which has become difficulty to address.” Rio said.
Apart from the negatives and low-downs, Rio also stated that there has been silver lining in the midst of the dark clouds. Despite the challenges, despite the hurdles and despite disadvantages, the youth from the NE have risen above the ordinary and have emerged as winners and champions. There are dozens of examples of people belonging to every part of the region, who have gone on to attain excellences and success at the national and international stage.
He also stated that persons from this region have occupied some of the highest position of the country and have gone on to inspire the people of India on all walks of life. This proves that despite the obvious challenges, our people are equally capable, if not better than anyone else. “Just imagine, how much more our youth will achieve, if we had equal opportunity and facilities like the rest of the country and the world.”
The Chief Minister also stated that the reasons that have created a region that is behind the rest of the country, are many and multi-dimensional. It is indeed true that a majority of mainland Indians would have little or no knowledge of this part of the country, which is definitely India, but unfortunately an unequal India.
He stated that it is an urgent national need for mainland India to appreciate the north east, understand the north east, and make the people of the region feel; as much as part of India as any citizen would in any part of the country.
“Let us keep in mind that less than one percent of the landmass of the region is directly touching mainland India and more than 99 per cent of our geographical boundary is international,” Rio said adding that the feeling of distance, disconnect and neglect that this region feels with the rest of the country is a national concern. It is a national issue and that needs to be addressed by the nation.”
Further, Rio said the gathering is indeed a galaxy of people we are proud of and who have stood out as icons for the youth of not just the region but also for the country. He was confident that the discussions and deliberations will definitely have positive results toward drawing the roadmap for the region to strengthen itself through mutual cooperation and partnership.”
Congratulating the Youthnet, Rio said “This gathering of young leaders is indeed a significant event that brings the best of the region, belonging to all profession, under one roof to address issues that are central to every part of the region. It is initiatives like these that can bring about positive change not only in the mindset of the people here, and in the mainland, but also physical change that has the potential to overturn the destiny of the people towards a more progressive future.”
.jpg)
