Chizokho Vero
Kohima | May 17
A visibly jubilant looking Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while commenting on the victory in the Lok Sabha and By-elections in the State today, said that the fresh mandate will give the DAN government a new enthusiasm in fulfilling “our commitments and in delivering the goods to the people.” Speaking at the thanksgiving service for successful conclusion of Lok Sabha and By-elections polls in Nagaland here today, Rio said that the DAN government has embarked on a comprehensive action plan to reach the fruits of development to the grassroots.
“Beginning next month, the state government will launch district level road shows, or jamborees in every district headquarter to highlight the activities and achievements of the various departments and also to create general awareness on the many welfare programmes and policies of the government, so that the targeted sections can better avail from various schemes of the government,” Rio said adding that each jamboree will also feature capacity building exercises, and showcase the festivals, music and cuisines of the districts concerned.
In this respect, he called upon the party organizations to extend cooperation and assistance to the government agencies in every possible manner. While informing that the DAN government has initiated new policies and programmes, Rio assured that his government will continue to focus on strengthening of infrastructure, improving human resource, continuing its policies of youth empowerment, upliftment of the farming sector, promotion of capacity building and development of industries and commerce etc. All this will be pursued vigorously, Rio said.
“This year, we aim to train maximum number of person in skill upgradation, in both the government and non government sector. This policy is being given special impetus due to the fact that human resource development is the most basic requirement for achieving progress and prosperity,” Rio said while adding that the DAN coalition is committed to finding the best formula for bringing rapid development and accelerated progress of the people. “We still have a long way to go before we can catch up with the rest of the country,” he said and stressed on the need to take a mature political decision which will benefit the people.
Rio thanked the people of Nagaland for once again reposing faith and confidence in the DAN government by giving it a “conclusive mandate” and added that the huge victory margin was among the highest in the country. “Though we have just one seat in the Lok Sabha, the margin of our victory has made the rest of the country take notice of our presence.”
He also pointed out that the “people’s mandate is a vote for unity, peace and reconciliation” and that it was a mandate that supports “our peace initiatives and the DAN government’s political stand”. Rio said that the victory was a reaffirmation and renewal of the peoples mandate to the government and demonstrated the fact that the people have firmly placed their confidence in the DAN coalition. “The voices of the people have given a befitting answer to all the criticisms and wild allegations that have been made against us by our adversaries. In democracy, there is no higher court than the people’s court, and once again, the people have reposed their faith in us,” Rio said. Rio also stressed on the need to realize “that we carry a huge responsibility, as the people have firmly placed their destiny in our hands.”
As a party workers and public leaders, he said, we must renew our dedication and commitment towards the cause of our people, instead of resting on our laurels, because it is only on the basis of our performance that we can continue to enjoy the people’s confidence. Rio also assured that the NPF led DAN government will work tirelessly to uphold the uniqueness and the identity of the Nagas “wherever they are and we will fully pursue to develop them politically and culturally while working to emotionally integrate all our people.”
“Nagas enjoy a special status and our unique history has been duly recognized. In 1873 under the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, the Naga territories were given special protection and the Indian Union has given us special status under Article 371 A of the Constitution of India,” he said adding that the state is now in the 47th year of statehood and definitely matured enough to be governed by “our own people through our own regional party along with the like minded central parties and leaders.
He also stated that the NPF led DAN government will uphold the aspirations of the people and listen to the voice of the masses, adding “it is our endeavour to deliver the goods to the people and respect the people’s mandate in all humility.”
Congratulating all the successful candidates, the Chief Minister also called upon them to continue to be committed to the people’s welfare, “and together we shall not leave no stone unturned in our endeavour to uplift our people.” “Victory is not an end, but rather it is the beginning of a new, exciting and challenging journey,” he said.
NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, agriculture minister Dr. Chumben Murry, forest minister MC Konyak including the CM Chang, Deo Nukhu, Kejong Chang, Aloh Wangham and Azheto Zhimomi also spoke on the occasion.
