‘We trust justice will be done to Naga society’

(Top) Nagaland Governor RN Ravi and CM Neiphiu Rio with others during civic reception programme. (Bottom) Section of crowd attending the civic reception programme held in honour of Nagaland’s Governor RN Ravi at NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima on August 16. (Morung Photo)

Rio conveys to Nagaland’s Governor RN Ravi 
 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 16

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that RN Ravi is a household name who has been studying about Naga history, affairs, particularly politics and situation in Nagaland. 

In his address at the civic reception in honour of Nagaland’s Governor RN Ravi here this morning at NBCC Convention Hall, Rio said that Ravi has been associated very closely as an interlocutor and is at core of the Indo-Naga peace process.

The CM said that Ravi was the driving force behind the 3rd August 2015 signing the Framework Agreement and today on the basis of Framing Agreement, “We have hoping against hope that it will bring us a settlement which is honourable and acceptable to the Naga community.”

Rio also appreciated the Government of India for reiterating the uniqueness of the Naga history and “reassuring the Article 371 (A) is a solemn and sacred commitment” to the Naga people.”

“We hope that we will have busy activities and we look forward for working with you for a settlement,” the CM said.
Rio wanted to see that peace prevail in the state and developmental activities are pursued and the youth are forged ahead with the competitive world.

Extending cooperation to Ravi, the CM said “We trust that with your support and guidance we are hopeful that justice will be done to the Naga society and the masses will be contented with the outcome.” He said that people have high expectation from Ravi.

“We learnt that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to you that you have come to Nagaland with an objective to resolve the Naga political issue, the negotiation which is going for the last 22 years,” Rio said.

Rio hoped that Ravi coming to Nagaland as Governor at this juncture would pave the way for the breakthrough “that we have been hoping all these years.”

 Frontier Nagaland demand clearly based on domestic problems and historical right: ENPO
Congratulating RN Ravi for his appointment as Governor of Nagaland, Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) president Kekongchim Yimchunger said “ENPO appreciate your pragmatic approach and dedication in the ongoing Naga political talks between the Naga political groups and the Government of India under your able and visionary and leadership.”

Making a clarification in regard to ‘Frontier Nagaland’ demand, he said the demand is clearly based on domestic problems and historical right with no ill intention to any particular community or group. 

“For ENPO the word Nagaland is so dear to us that we had put forward our demand as "Frontier Nagaland" which clearly signifies that we are still Naga inspite of our demand, what a blessing it would be if we had two Nagaland. 
In this, ENPO appealed all Naga brothers “to remember us in your prayers.”

On Naga political issue and about the identity of Nagas as a whole, he said that ENPO is also a part of it, and in this regard in for the people of ENPO had been contributing and sacrificing towards the Naga political issue right from its inception till date and will continue to do it in the days to come. 

Stating that Nagas are living under the shadow of uncertainty surrounded by confusions with no clear future, ENPO appealed Ravi to bring out the best possible solution for the Nagas without compromising the identity of Nagas at the earliest possible time. 

“We are hopeful that you will not forget the people of Eastern Nagaland and deliver justice on every aspect who are crying for justice right from the inception of Nagaland state,” said Kekongchim.  

 
Nagas desire for political settlement: TPO
Tenyimia People’s Organization (TPO) president Timikha Koza said that Ravi have associated with the Nagas and thus, understands the Naga political history very well. 

“More than anything, the Nagas desire for a political settlement at the earliest,” Koza said in his welcome address at the civic reception programme.

“We want you to be the people's Governor who will give and guide the Naga people from your heart. A Governor who will not take advantage of the weakness of the Naga's but a Governor who will build and strengthen the strength of the Nagas which will bear testimony of your commitment to peace. In doing so, you will leave behind a legacy which will remain in history and especially in the hearts of the Naga people for generations,” Koza said.

 
We believe the time is now: CNTC
Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) president N. Matong Jamir said, “Besides your other important assignment as the interlocutor to Naga peace talks, we believe that Naga peace talk will be surely be expedited and concluded with you as the bridge between Indian and the Nagas.”

“We have been praying for healing and reconciliation and we believe the time is now. We have been yearning for peace for too long and now we want it to be reality,” Jamir said.

He said that the CNTC strongly believed and hoped that “during your tenure as the Governor of Nagaland and during your time as the interlocutor to Naga peace talks, we would be able to see the protracted Naga issue coming to a logical conclusion and peace ushering in throughout the Naga inhabited areas.”

Earlier, Nagaland’s chief secretary Temjen Toy in his concluding remark expressed optimistic that the appointment of R.N. Ravi as Governor of Nagaland will instill new hope for Nagaland.

Earlier, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Nagaland pronounced prayer.  A song titled "Any dream will do" was presented by Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club while Sürümi Cultural Society, Kohima performed cultural dance. Baptist Revival Church, Kohima and Purple Fusion also performed at the programme.