Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said an epoch should be made in this general election by electing women candidates and challenged the party workers to work hard.
He was addressing the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) 8th Western Angami Assembly Constituency (AC) campaign kick-off programme for Salhoutuonuo Kruse at Khonoma Community Hall, Terhotsiese.
With the view to give equal opportunity and advocate the message of women empowerment and gender equality, the party had given ticket to Salhoutuonuo Kruse for 8th Western Angami Assembly Constituency (AC) and Hekani Jakhalu for 3 Dimapur-III AC, he said.
Recalling that the first woman Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha from Nagaland was Rano Shaiza from Khonoma, he challenged the people that history should be repeated this time round for the NLA seat.
He maintained that in the upcoming general election to the 14th NLA, the NDPP party should create history to encourage and motivate women from all walks of life.
He called for the collective effort of all party workers, to keep their guard strong at all times till the last fight.
Rio also briefly dwelled on the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) withdrawing its decision to abstain from taking part in the election. Welcoming the move, he also highlighted the steps of the state government by forming a committee and subsequently recommending an autonomous council, realising the deficiency of development in the region.
Attended the 8th Western Angami A/C campaign kick-off for Mrs. Salhoutuono Kruse @k_salhoutuonuo. We can make our democracy more vibrant by acknowledging the fact that women not only have the right to vote and to elect but also to be elected. #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality pic.twitter.com/pVQQVpaxeZ
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) February 9, 2023
Meanwhile, Rio said after over 26 years of ceasefire negotiations with the Centre, NSCM (IM) signed the ‘Framework Agreement’ and the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) signed the ‘Agreed Position’, with the Government of India, ‘but disunity of the groups have kept the solution prolonged although recently, they have come to an understanding -- Joint Accordance -- which then led the state to face election’.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also concerned for the early resolution of the Naga political issue in order to pave the way for a new era, ushering in progress and development, as well as provide opportunities to the youths.
He asserted that the government will continue to be the facilitator of the Naga Issue and exuded hope that it will be resolved during the next term of the government.
Rio pointed out that the impending census and delimitation will take place soon and maintained that ‘delimitation should be done justly unlike the last time to deliver justice to all’.
The chief minister also stated that post solution of the Naga issue, the Centre had disclosed that there will be an addition of 20 seats in the legislative assembly, while the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats will be increased to three.
Further, he urged the people of the state to avail the Chief Minister Microfinance Initiative (CMMFI) scheme and Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
The NDPP Candidate, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, shared her vision for equal infrastructural development and representation of urban and rural areas, youth and women empowerment, skill development and employment, to improve the quality of life the people by enhancing good governance, peace and security and to create a model constituency.
She acknowledged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the NDPP party for stressing on women empowerment and assured to work towards fulfillment of the same.
Meanwhile, Kekhrienuo M Mor, President Women Organisation, Kohima region NDPP acknowledged the chief minister and NDPP party for giving the party ticket to a women candidate, thereby scripting history and encouraging the electorates to keep the momentum to emerge victorious.