CM for amicable settlement of Assam-Nagaland border issue

‘Public co-operation and support on oil exploration important’

EMN
Dimapur, November 7

Chief Minister TR Zeliang today reiterated that Assam-Nagaland border dispute should be settled amicably through people to people dialogue and mutual understanding as suggested by the Supreme Court of India.
Speaking at the Tokhu Emong celebration in Wokha local ground, Zeliang said the Supreme Court has set December 3, 2014 as the deadline for both Assam and Nagaland to settle the dispute through mutual understanding between the two governments and people at the border. He said he had met his Assam counterpart Tarun Gogoi recently in this connection and apprised him of his willingness to settle the dispute amicably through mutual understanding as suggested by the apex court. However, the Assam Chief Minister opted for settlement by the court, Zeliang rued.
He said if the two states fail to settle the dispute before the expiry of the deadline set by the apex court, the issue will go back to the court and it will become uncertain when the settlement will be arrived at.
“If we hand over the case to the court, we don’t know when the settlement will come. It may take another century again and unexpected situation will keep erupting anytime and people of the two states at the border will be the sole sufferers,” Zeliang said. Therefore, the shortest and best option will be settlement through mutual understanding, he opined.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister applauded the Boro Kachari and Assamese Bihu dance troupes of Friendship Forum of Golaghat and Wokha district who participated in the Tokhu Emong celebration. The participation of the two dance troupes from Assam has rekindled the traditional bond of the Nagas and Assamese people, he said and expressed confidence that exchange of cultural programmes between the people of the two states will continue and help foster peaceful coexistence.
The Chief Minister also announced two days restricted holiday for Kyong community from next year onwards to celebrate Tokhu Emong.
Oil exploration
The Chief Minister called upon all the people to cooperate and support the oil exploration in the State as it will benefit the people and State as a whole. Asserting that Nagaland cannot continue to sustain and grow by solely depending on the Centre, he said the time has come for the Naga people to explore all available resources to stand on its feet for growth and development.
Zeliang said Nagaland is the only State in the country which has its own Petroleum and Natural Rules and Regulations and where profit of oil exploration goes to the people. Reminding that oil exploration is for the benefit of the people, he urged the people to take advantage of the freedom given by government of India.
Rural Development Minister CL John, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, said without festival no tribe, state or country is complete.
Stating that religion, culture and festival are integral part of all communities or nation, he, however, cautioned that festival should not be misused.
Appreciating the dance troupes from Assam for taking part in the Tokhu Emong celebration, CL John said Nagas and Assamese are friends since time immemorial and urged the people to strengthen the age-old spirit of friendship in the days to come.
He also said presently there are many rumours doing the rounds on the status of present government while calling upon the people not to be swayed away by such false rumours. He asserted that the present government was formed with full understanding and asserted that it will complete its full term.
“Nagas like to talk only politics and waste their time without doing real works. So don’t believe in all these rumour about the government,” he said.
The day-long celebration was marked by cultural items and Tokhu Emong feast.