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(From L- R) TR Zeliang, Rajnath Singh, PB Acharya and Neiphiu Rio at Naga heritage village, Kisama on December 8.[/caption]
Kohima Bureau
Kisama, Dec. 8 (EMN): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed towards fulfilling the aspirations of the Naga people.
“The central government is committed to do its best to fulfil the aspirations of the Naga people for a brighter tomorrow with all the honour which you richly deserve,” Singh said while speaking as the chief guest on day-eight of the Hornbill festival at Naga heritage village, Kisama on Dec. 8.
The union minister, in his address, shared that Nagaland has an opportunity to lead Northeast states to the path of peace, stability, prosperity and growth.
On his maiden visit to the state as union home minister, Singh extended greetings to the people of Nagaland, while congratulating all participants and performers for putting together a brilliant display of the best of Naga dance and music, and further the kind of hospitality and richness of culture experienced.
“This enchanting festival which marks the onset of the festive season in the state charms not only visitors from the rest of India, but also from all over the world,” Singh said while appreciating the leaders of the state for conceiving the Hornbill festival.
While stating that Indian economy is among the fastest growing economies of the world, and that India today commands a very respectable status in the world community, he went to the extent of saying that every citizen of the country is proud of his/her nationality.
To this, Singh emphasized the need to focus on energy and resources on growth and development and to ensure Nagaland is one of the best performing states in the country.
Singh also appreciated the role of Nagaland girls in various walks of life and further encouraged them to continue their efforts. He commended the role of the state government in raising Nagaland's 15 IRB (Mahila battalion) and setting up women police stations in Kohima and Dimapur for safety, security and empowerment of women.
He shared his admiration of the role of Naga regiment and IRB personnel who have played a critical role in combating left-wing extremism in affected areas of Chattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.
“Naga youth are excelling themselves in the fields ranging from fashion, music and crafts. The country is proud of you,” Singh said and underlined the need to invest in skill development for youth to ensure that they are able to get gainful employment.
While emphasizing the need for Infrastructure development as the key for Nagaland to catch up with advance states in terms of economic development, the union minister stated that overall connectivity can create opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses and further in making Nagaland the gateway to South East Asia.
“Nagaland, with its rich natural resources and talented people, has limitless possibilities. Enduring peace can help realize the immense potential for economic gains, jobs and prosperity. Tourism can be a major driver of growth,” the union minister said and expressed his happiness that the country was making great strides in every sector including business, industry, trade, education and culture,” he said and went on to say that India has the potential of being the most vibrant, strong and powerful nation of the world.
Singh also highlighted the efforts of the government to ensure that the growth is equitable - with regional balance and ensuring that all people and regions are taken care-of, and benefitted.
“The Northeast region including Nagaland, being special focus area, it is being ensured that all north-eastern states become equal partners in nation's growth story,” he added.
Singh also underscored that amongst other initiatives taken in his ministry, Delhi Police had been asked to ensure that people from NE are treated with respect. And to have a harmonious and better interpersonal relation, a special recruitment drive for people from the NE to serve in Delhi Police was made for diversity and inclusiveness, he informed.
The home minister further informed that his ministry was in the process of finalizing a revamped free movement regime on Indo-Myanmar border to ensure that people living in border areas face no hardships.
“While doing so, steps are also being taken to promote border trade by establishing land custom stations. This would also ensure that illicit drug trafficking and other illegal activities are curbed at the border,” he added.
After the programme, the union minister also visited some of the tribal morungs, before heading for Kohima. He was also accompanied by Dr. Hari Krishna Paliwal, adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, while Governor PB Acharya, Member of Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio and other legislators also attended the programme, among others.
Chief Minister TR Zeliang appealed to carry the message to the government of India of the imperative need to resolve the Naga political issue before the ensuing state assembly elections scheduled next year. It may be mentioned that Zeliang conveyed a similar message to the President of India.
“We have witnessed 20 long years of the peace process and another two years after signing of the framework agreement (Aug. 3, 2015). The GoI and NSCN (IM) have been in dialogue for a very long time and today the six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) have also entered into a dialogue with the GoI,” the CM said.
He also credited the tribal hohos, church, civil society, NGOs and NNPGs for bringing the various factions together to a common platform.
“The fact that different factions and armed groups have now come together seeking a solution is indeed very encouraging. As the 21st century world advances rapidly into the next millennia, our people will not want to be left behind but be proud partners in the march ahead with the times. Yet, this dream and vision of ours can be fulfilled only if there is permanent peace in our land,” Zeliang stated.
On the annual Hornbill festival, Zeliang observed that the festival has gained much popularity. “Despite the remoteness of our state and lack of adequate infrastructure, the festival attracts tourists from both our country and different parts of the world. The uniqueness of this festival is that it provides us a common platform to showcase the vibrant culture of the Nagas in its full glory,” Zeliang said.