Government sparing no effort for uplift of eastern Nagaland — CM Rio

Dr. Neiphiu Rio being felicitated during the 8th cultural fiesta-cum-general conference of the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation on Tuesday.

• DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday admitted that there is so much to be done in the field of education, health care, road connectivity, communication and infrastructure development in the eastern part of Nagaland.
• 
  
• The chief minister however assured that his government is committed to doing everything for the uplift of eastern Nagaland.
• 
  
• Rio was speaking at the 8th Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) cultural fiesta-cum-general conference on the theme ‘Deliverance through ethnicity concord’ held at Parade Ground, Tuensang.

Also read: Government offices in Kohima get two working Saturdays off

• 
  
• According to him, eastern Nagaland has been tagged as ‘backward’ because the region was left unadministered by the British for a long time. Its headquarters was established at Tuensang as Naga Hills Tuensang Area only in 1957, which led to a delayed start in education. In contrast, mainland Nagaland saw the early arrival of Christianity, followed by education, he said.
• 
  
• Stressing on the importance of unity and oneness amongst the Nagas, the chief minister said that, “only when unity comes can the Government of India take us seriously.”
• 
  
• Rio urged every hoho, tribal leaders and national workers to unite and form a strong bond between them for the successful conclusion of the peace talks.
• 
  
• “Naga people should speak for their rights—one tribe and one organisation speaking will not do,” he said.
• 
  
• He also reiterated that his government is strongly opposed to the restriction of free movement at the bordering areas inhabited by the Nagas on both sides of India and Myanmar.
• 
  
• He also shared that he had requested the Home Ministry to lift the Protected Area Permit restrictions, allowing outsiders to visit the state freely and thereby promoting tourism.
• 
  
• Additionally, the chief minister urged the students’ communities, administration and police to be very careful in issuing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Indigenous Certificate to the illegal migrants.
• 
  
• Asserting that Nagas are very lucky because the British have passed an act to safeguard the unique cultural and customary law of Nagas, which is being followed till now, he urged the student community to protect and uphold the rich historical, cultural and traditional values of the people in the days to come.
• 
  
• Further, Rio informed that the Union government has declared the Right to Education for all ages, and Nagaland is in the process of providing quality education, which can enable the students to compete with others.
• 
  
• The chief minister was accompanied by Minister of Power & Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye; Advisor Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi; Advisor Minority Affairs and Sericulture, Imkongmar; Advisor Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards and Relief and Rehabilitation, S Kiusumew Yimchunger; Advisor IT, Communication, Economic and Statistics and Evaluation, Sethrongkyu; MLA Lima Onen Chang; MLA Imtichoba Chang; MLA Benei M Lamthiu and host of dignitaries.
• 
  
• Other highlights of the day were welcome address by president of ENSF, Chingmak Chang; short speeches from Minister for Housing and Mechanical, P Bashangmongba Chang and president of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), A Chingmak Chang. Solidarity speech was delivered by president of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Medovi Rhi.
• 
  
• Later the chief minister declared the cultural feast and inaugurated the cultural exhibition and tribal stalls.