Chizokho Vero
Englan (Wokha) | November 10
Reiterating that the DAN government supports the ongoing peace process, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today repeated the government’s stance to ‘pave way’ for an alternative arrangement in the event of a permanent settlement. “We want peace. We want settlement of the Naga political issue,” said Rio while inaugurating Extra Assistant Commissioner HQ at Englan in Wokha district.
Saying that the state possesses vast areas of oil deposits in the districts of Wokha, Mokokchung, Mon, Peren and Dimapur, the chief minister felt that a time has come for exploration of mineral resources in the state. In this regard, the chief minister called upon the landowners, public and government to arrive at a mutual understanding so oil exploration will take place in a ‘healthy manner’.
Saying Wokha district is the richest district in Nagaland in terms of soil, viable climatic conditions, mineral resources and agri-horticulture potential, he complimented the contribution of the Kyongs to the Nagas in many ways. He maintained that the people of Nagaland have been benefiting much through the Doyang Hydro Project and surplus production in agri-horticulture from this district.
Also stating that the rays of progress and development can move faster when public support and cooperation is there, he urged to focus with seriousness for all-round development of the state. Terming unity as the biggest weapon for development and progress to take place, Rio pointed to harnessing unity and peace to reap the fruits of ‘developmental packages’.
Y. Patton, Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining, also legislator from 37 Tyui Assembly Constituency, said Englan range consists of about 15-20,000 population but still backward. He urged for more attention to the people of this range. Urging the people to maintain unity, Patton also called upon them to cooperate with the government so developmental packages in every possible way can be facilitated.
“We need peace and security” said home minister Imkong L. Imchen in his speech. He said development will take place only when there is peace. Also, minister for Agriculture Dr. Chumben Murry said “we want to be at par with the rest of the world,” and strongly felt that special attention must be given to this area on the developmental front. The living condition of this range still needs improvement in many areas, he said.
K. Thungdemo Lotha, president of the Englan Range Gazetted Officer’s Forum said the creation of EAC headquarters at Englan has ‘touched the hearts of the people of Englan range with a reality’ while saying it looks forward to the government for speedy development and progress in the days to come.
