KOHIMA, MAY 4 (MExN): Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio today pointed out that failure of the parliamentary system to appropriately include and reflect time-tested traditions, customs and aspiration of the people in systems of governance, would bring about ‘Constitutional divide’ between the people and the Government. “Unless the people are closer to the Government, democracy would be bereft of its spirit and meaning’, he said while addressing the members of legislatures and delegates during the 10th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference (NERCPA) which got underway today at the new Assembly Secretariat Complex, Kohima.
The Chief Minister also stated that in a constitutional democracy, the legislators who carry with them the mandate of the people, has to take the lead over the other organs of the state in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the people they represent, and try to become harbingers of change.
Rio also felt that the NERCPA may employ what is called “Parliamentary Diplomacy” to its best use, by joining the chorus with other institutions, on crucial matters affecting the region. He reminded the Parliamentarians not to forget the common culture, history, culture and also centuries of history of co-existence despite the inter-state disputes.
To promote and strengthen Parliamentary democracy of the North East region, Rio said that he visualizes a new role for NERCPA, as an agency for empowering youths, farmers and other entrepreneurs to become catalysts of change and development.
Rio said that the North-East region is full of potentialities and possibilities in the form of tourism, arts and crafts, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, aromatic and medicinal plants, rural industries and hydel power. In order to convert these inherent strengths into advantages and ‘economic benefits, “we need infrastructure for development, particularly good road, rail, water and air connectivity”, he said.
Rio suggested that the conference pass a resolution for strengthening the existing border trade points with Myanmar and Bangladesh by constructing proper highways connecting these stations from both sides of the border. He appealed to the Parliamentarians of the North East region to infuse more life into the NERCPA, so that this unique regional forum becomes a catalyst of change.
Rio released the NERCPA souvenir and formally declared the NERCPA deliberations open. Nagaland Speaker and Vice President, NERIPSTR, Kiyanilie delivered the welcome address, while Speaker, Tripura and Acting President NERCPA, R.C. Debnath delivered the presidential address.
The programme was followed by a plenary session, on the subject “Development of roads and communications opening border trade and commerce: a scheme for self employment – an instrument for solution of youth unrest”. speakers, deputy speakers, MLAs from the legislative assemblies of the North East, secretaries of legislative assemblies of the North East, and officers from state assemblies are attending the conference.
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