Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 21
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today stated that in his 11 years as Chief Minister of Nagaland, he and his cabinet have not been invited at any point by the Government of India to discuss on Naga political issue. Rio said this in the assembly session here today.
The chief minister said that he was informed from the reliable sources that Manipur chief minister and Arunachal chief minister were called for consultation by GoI, but he as chief minister of Nagaland was never invited for discussion on Naga political issue.
Responding to the remark made by CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi that he has not been honest to the people and told him to be honest to the people, Rio said he has been honest to the people of Nagaland and DAN government too works “honestly,” for which it won the election for three consecutive terms and he is serving as chief minister for 3rd term. He, however, said that UPA was not honest to them.
Rio said the Joint Legislature Forum comprising of 60 legislators of the NLA resolved to pursue together to the vexed Naga political issue for early settlement, adding that DAN government is playing as an active facilitator.
Rio said that it will continue to pursue for early settlement of the Naga political problem, adding that it is the prayer and wish of the Naga people that early settlement will come, where the people live in peace and pursue developmental activities and bring peace and prosperous Nagaland.
CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi said GoI must be updating the status of the peace talk to the chief minister of Nagaland, adding that at least some information should be given to this House.
Earlier, in response to question raised by Tokheho on the present status of political negotiation between GoI and Naga political groups, home minister, G.Kaito Aye said that the the state government is not a party to the negotiations.
“The latest information is that political negotiation is not carried forward now due to non-appointment of interlocutor by Government of India,” the home minister said.
