Morung Express News
Kohima | March 23
Nagaland Chief Neiphiu Rio today said that the undergrounds factions should listen to the people’s call for peace and reconciliation. Replying to the opposition’s question on equi-closeness policy, Rio made it clear that unless the warring factions of the Naga underground movement understand the reality, unity and reconciliation remains a distant dream. He further said that “Forgive and Forget” should be the platform to solve the Naga political problem.
Though the government can appeal to the undergrounds to restrain themselves from their factional feud, they (the government) cannot control the latter from pulling the trigger, Rio said. However, he assured that the state government would continue to work for the return of peace, and in bringing an honorable settlement to the long-drawn Naga political issue.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the government’s stand on its equi-closeness policy while pointing out that due to this policy the state has witnessed much improvement in law and order. “There is peace and harmony for the last three years”, because of our policy, Rio said, reiterating that the DAN government fully supports the peace process.
He said that of late some members of the DAN alliance and the opposition had become critical of the equi-closeness policy because of political reasons. Rio made a direct mention of some of the DAN alliance member like Huska Sumi.
Rio admitted that downsizing had led to many efficient leaders not finding a berth in his cabinet. Otherwise, Rio said he knows they can really work for the people. Rio attributed the rousing criticisms from within the DAN allies to dropping of prominent legislators due to the downsizing exercise.
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