Morung Express News
Kohima | July 11
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today urged the Naga factions to listen to the voice of the Nagas and stop all illegal activities, extortions, killings, ‘criticism’ and other unlawful acts. He called to them to collaborate with the Naga leaders to bring a peaceful solution to the Naga political issue.
In his reply during general discussions on the budget here today on the floor of the House, Rio appreciated the contribution of Naga “national workers” for fighting for “our right and our identity.” Appreciating the Opposition for wanting the Naga political issue to be settled peacefully, Rio said all the sixty elected members should come together to think collectively and bring about a solution that would be best-suited for the people. “We are not a part of the talk but we can play effective facilitator,” Rio said adding that it can put forward suggestions and feelings of the people.
Further, Rio pointed to the need for political parties to sit across the table, discuss and carry the mind of the Nagas to the Government of India and Naga underground factions. Rio said political party differences should be overlooked and the time has come to think collectively and not individually. He called for ‘better understanding and more cohesion’ to work for the Nagas. He said blame games will not bring any solution. Rather, he said, leaders from all political parties should work together as Naga leaders.
Rio said he had personally met the AICC President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh recently and on behalf of the party offered “unconditional support.” Rio acknowledged the opposition Congress for recognizing “our support.” The chief minister also said ‘we are in a process of bringing peace and harmony in the state’ and that the voice of the Nagas is becoming louder as fear has ‘gone away’.
While welcoming ‘all the positive criticism’ on the budget from the opposition, he nonetheless admitted that there ‘may be some failures.’ He urged the departments to introspect and assured that the government will look into the matter and he would supervise. On the health sector, the chief minister said the department is doing very well but then there is always room for improvement. In the communitized health centers, he said, the department would buy medicines and distribute them to as many places that are without pharmacies.
Rio also voiced concern on the need to revamp the industrial sector by weeding out defunct entrepreneurs and giving importance to the genuine ones. He said the government has made tremendous progress in the agriculture sector after the declaration of the ‘Year of Farmers’. The government was awarded a gold medal for Rural Sanitation and the UN Award as well, for good governance in addition to other new initiatives taken up in various sectors and departments. The government has also implemented quality-control actions while a number of schemes and programmes have been initiated for the youth, especially in the field of sports. He said the government has also been taking up initiatives for youth employment in various sectors like hospitality, aviation, music and crafts. Around 7, 000 youths have already benefited, he said.
Stating that many Naga youth already got placement outside the state in star hotels, multi-national shopping malls, airlines and call centers, he said that “we need to do more.” “Youth are our hope and future,” he said and assured that the government would continue to work for the welfare of the youth. Referring to government owned farms in several departments like Veterinary & Animal husbandry, agriculture, horticulture, he said the farms are demonstration farms with an intention to train the people on how to rear and grow.
Stating that government cannot do business, he said it is the youth and entrepreneurs who have to learn and do business. Referring to ‘bogus’ pensioners, ‘bogus’ teachers, and scams, he sought cooperation from the opposition. “We are not sitting idle,” he said. Rio also claimed that the law and order situation in the state is ‘under control.’ On the creation of a number of new administrative headquarters, he said that minimum required posts have been created and the district administrative reforms committee has been formed and assessments are being made to determine the backwardness of the areas or tribes.
(With inputs from DIPR)
