Appeals neighboring states to appreciate Naga rights
Kohima, August 11 (MExN): The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government in Nagaland State has reiterated its role as an “active facilitator” to the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations between the Government of India and Naga Political Groups.
The Government reiterated its commitment to “pave the way for an alternative arrangement that may arise from the political agreement.” In that, it urged all sections of Naga society to “come together under a spirit of unity and oneness so that together we strengthen the peace process and create an environment that is congenial for successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations.”
The PDA coalition also appealed to neighboring states to appreciate the Naga rights so that a harmonious coexistence could take root in the region. This was resolved at a meeting of the elected members of the PDA Government and members of the PDA Coordination Committee held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima, on August 11. Six resolutions were adopted as a result.
“The PDA coalition Government will continue to play the role of an active facilitator in the ongoing political negotiations,” stated the first of the resolutions, signatures to which were appended by Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, Dy. CM, Y Patton, Ministers Kaito Aye and Tongpang Ozukum, and Advisor cum NPPLP Leader, Imnatiba.
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly has passed resolutions on four occasions affirming the “desire of the Naga people for the integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas.” While continuing to lend support to this“legitimate and democratic right of the people,” the PDA coalition appealed to neighboring States to “appreciate the history and democratic rights of the Nagas under a spirit of mutual respect so that we can live together as good neighbors under an environment of harmonious coexistence and brotherhood.”
The PDA also appealed to negotiating parties, especially the Government of India, to “expedite the peace process and respond to the voice of the people by bringing a political solution that is honorable and acceptable to the people, at the earliest.”
Natural disaster
The PDA Government expressed condolences to the members of the families “who have lost precious lives” and extended concern to “all citizens who have been displaced and those facing difficulties in different parts of the State.”
It also extended appreciation to the GoI and the central agencies for “positive response and timely interventions during the time of natural calamities being faced by Nagaland.”
The coalition government in the State acknowledged the efforts of the administration, police, para-military forces, the disaster management agencies for “tireless efforts in combating the forces of nature and for extending assistance to the people impacted by the calamities.”
The PDA Government also extended appreciation to all who have “come forward to extend assistance and support to the efforts of relief and rehabilitation.”
“The contributions of one month's salary from PDA MLAs and party functionaries, donations from government employees and individuals, who have contributed in a voluntary manner to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund is appreciated,” the PDA government maintained.
