Kohima, February 12 (MExN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) today stated that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s visit to Myanmar was a significant and path-breaking visit that is bound to have positive impact for the Naga people, especially those living in Myanmar. Congratulating Rio for the first ever official visit of a Nagaland chief minister to Myanmar, NPF Press & Media Bureau in a release expressed that Rio has “successfully brought the welfare of the Naga people to the forefront in the most positive manner.”
Stating that Speaker of the Myanmar Parliament had described the visit as historic and important, NPF said Rio’s meeting with the Speaker, Myanmar Union Minister for Border Affairs and the Chief Ministers of Mandalay and Sagaing have highlighted the plight of the Myanmar Nagas and at the same time his efforts will go a long way in enhancing bilateral relations between India and Myanmar. “His efforts towards uplift of the Nagas in Myanmar, strengthening ties between the people of the two countries and promoting peace and goodwill have been rightly acknowledged by the leaders of Myanmar,” it added.
It also affirmed that the visit of the Nagaland chief minister will surely contribute towards confidence building measures and increase people-to-people-contact, which will ultimately improve development and human progress.
The party further acknowledged the aid package announced by the Prime Minister of India amounting to 25 million US Dollars, over a five year period, for the border regions of Myanmar, including the Naga inhabited regions. It expressed hope that this momentum will be carried forward and enhanced during the Prime Minister’s visit in March 2014.
