Dy CM TR Zeliang stresses need for cordial ties with Centre

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang said that unless the state fosters a cordial relationship with the Centre, a small state like Nagaland can neither achieve a solution nor progress in development activities.

He made this statement while addressing an election rally for the PDA consensus candidate on Monday at Peren Town Council Hall.

He highlighted that the existence of 24 factions is adversely affecting the state’s economy and emphasised that if they are not serious about uniting and resolving the protracted Naga political issue, their posterity will never forgive them.

TR pointed out that after Modi assumed power at the Centre, he visited Nagaland on November 30, 2014, and engaged with all civil societies. After listening to the voices of the Naga people and elected members, he was fully convinced and determined to resolve the Naga political issue. Subsequently, in his presence, the Framework Agreement was signed between the government of India and NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015, and the Agreed Position was reached on November 17, 2017.

He maintained that without political willpower from the top, such political agreements could never have been signed and added that people should not solely blame the government of India for the delay in solution; instead, they should introspect and consider their own shortcomings, including fragmented NGOs and disunity among groups.

Highlighting that the Naga people accepted the ceasefire agreement between NSCN-IM and the government of India signed in 1997 during Congress rule both at the centre and in the state, he said that this was one good thing they did for the Nagas.

However, he questioned whether, after signing the ceasefire, any steps were taken forward or any progress was made towards a solution. He maintained that not only no step was taken forward, but also the relationship between the state government and the negotiating group NSCN-IM turned ugly.

Asserting that the elected representatives are united and have come together to establish an opposition-less government for the sake of addressing the Naga political problem and its early solution, he said that the 60 elected members alone cannot bring about a Naga solution unless the people shed their differences and come together with one voice for one solution.

He said that as coalition partners, all 60 MLAs stood by the aspirations of the Nagas regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Following the fight against it, Parliament amended the Act to exclude Nagaland. Additionally, it was emphasised that the NLA had adopted resolutions opposing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and would work with the Centre to follow up on these matters.

Meanwhile, it was noted that the NLA had discussed the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024. He said that the NLA entrusted Nagaland BJP leaders with the task of meeting the chief minister of Assam to request reconsideration of the stand taken. This initiative was subsequently supported by the state BJP leadership.

TR clarified that the NDPP is in alliance with the BJP primarily for two reasons—for development and the protection of the rights of Nagas, and to bring the Indo-Naga political issue to its logical conclusion.

He said that the PDA consensus candidate, Dr. Chumben Murry, is not a stranger to the people of Nagaland but a highly qualified veteran politician who was elected as MLA for two terms and had decided not to contest the election in 2023.

He described Murry as an intellectual, sensible, patient, and charismatic leader. He called upon the people of the state to put in their strongest effort to get him elected with a thumping majority. Additionally, he urged the people of the state not to engage in any work on April 19, but to exercise their franchise.

On the occasion, speeches were also delivered by Ilherie Ndang, vice president of NDPP; Namsilung, president of BJP Peren District; Akua Iheilung, president of NPF Peren Division; and Sorai Hegwang, working president of the Youth Organisation, NDPP 7th Peren Assembly Constituency.