DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 8 (MExN): Nagaland State MP to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio spoke during the recently held budget session in Parliament and touched on many topics including the ongoing turmoil over ULB polls in Nagaland, the Indo-Myanmar border fencing issue, connectivity issues in the state and the need for inclusive development in the region.
In his speech, the Nagaland MP informed that the state is “now facing problem for about two weeks because the voice and the wishes of the Tribal Hohos are not respected and going against the spirit of Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which give them special protection.” He further appealed that “good sense should prevail.”
He further informed that the ENPO and the tribe Hohos, including Myanmar civil societies have protested against the international border fencing between India and Myanmar (Nagaland area 215 km - from Pillar no. 139-146). “I hope that voice and desire of the people will be respected to maintain good relationship with the local people in the border areas,” he urged.
Regarding development, Rio stated that unless the North East is developed, India will not be developed. He urged for the Look East and Act East policies to be made into a reality, to bridge economic development with ASEAN countries. He meanwhile lamented that the original proposed Trans Asian Highway from Guwahati- Dimapur- Senapati- Imphal- Moreh- Myanmar has been diverted to Guwahati- Silchar- Jiribam- Tupul avoiding Naga areas, and appealed that the original plan should be restored.
Further, the MP said that the Dimapur- Tizit 257 KM Railway Line costing 4274Cr appeared in the Pink Book of 2013-14 as “awaiting NITI AAYOG approval, completed the techno economic and included in new project.” Railways and highways, he affirmed, need to reach remote areas especially the eastern part of Nagaland.
He added that the Chiethu Airport proposal in Kohima has been lying in the cold storage for one and a half decade. The MP stressed that local air strips need to be developed and regional airline set up, especially to tackle situations during emergencies and calamities.
Rio also suggested top priority towards infrastructure, connectivity and human resources, while stressing on the need to set up a medical college, engineering college, tech institutes, centre of excellence for education etc.
Regarding the Naga political issue, the MP said that the Naga people are still struggling to resolve the larger issue. “We all pray and hope that the present negotiation which is going on for the last 20 years will be consummated soon and peace restored,” he said.
