Top priority to solve Naga issue: Governor
KOHIMA, MAR 23: Underscoring the DAN Government’s priority on peace and development, Governor Nikhil Kumar today said that realizing the importance of peaceful and conflict free environment to fulfil the developmental aspirations of the people of the State, the Government is according utmost priority towards finding a ‘just and honourable settlement to the long drawn Naga political problem.’
Delivering his 37-minute maiden address on the first day of the sixth session of 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which got underway here today, Kumar said that the Government is determined to find a just and honourable settlement to the Naga political issue and that the Government has been playing the role of constructive facilitator in the ongoing political dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN.
In order to monitor implementation of the ceasefire ground rules, a standard operating procedure has been put in place by the Government of India through which the security forces and the state administration could work hand in hand to achieve the objective with minimal use of force, Kumar noted while also highlighting the setting up of State Level Strategy Group and District Level Co-ordination Committees for strengthening the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and defusing situations, which are likely to jeopardize public tranquillity and peace. The Governor lauded the various efforts taken by the Government with the help of civil societies, churches and the NGOs saying they have yielded positive results in the form of reduction in the level of hostilities among the factions. He appreciated the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the civil societies and churches for their contribution to the peace process. “My government records its deepest appreciation to the people of Nagaland for extending their support and cooperation to the Government in its endeavour to usher in an era of peace and development in Nagaland, thereby making it a people’s government,” he said.
Kumar also expressed happiness that the political dialogue has been renewed at the highest level and hoped that an honourable settlement acceptable to the people would be brought soon.
Further, outlining the key achievements and policies of the Government, the Governor assured that the Government will not sit on its achievements, but redouble its efforts with all sincerity to the task of creating a vibrant Nagaland, where peace and tranquillity prevails and economic prosperity reaches out to the needy and the poor.
He also challenged the legislators saying that as members (MLAs) representing the hopes and aspirations of the people of the State, they would guide these efforts in the right direction through their deliberations and decision to make Nagaland strong and prosperous.
