Governor La. Ganesan’s maiden speech lists pressing issues confronting state

KOHIMA — Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan, in his maiden address to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, took on pressing issues confronting the state including the unresolved Naga political issue, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) election, and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO)’s Frontier Nagaland demand.

Addressing the second day of the ongoing first session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, he said the “unresolved” Naga political issue is creating “hurdles” to the state’s progress and hence needs to be resolved at the earliest.

He said the newly formed government that commenced its new term is mindful of the long-standing unresolved Naga political issue, which has impacted every sphere of the society, and created hurdles, especially to the economy and the progress of the state.

“Our people, the society at large, owing to the unique challenges and constraints created by the decades long unresolved political issue, has not been able to fully grow and realise their fullest potential that they would have otherwise. In some way or the other, the smooth march of the state on the path of development and prosperity has been affected. We need to hence resolve the Naga political issue at the earliest possible”, the governor said.

He added the government will be “pro-active and continue playing the role of a sincere and active facilitator for strengthening the ongoing peace process for bringing an early solution”.

“We remain committed to not coming in the way of an agreement that is arrived at through the peace process that is honourable, acceptable, and inclusive”, he added.

On ENPO demand

He said that the government of India has taken initiative in regard to the ENPO’s demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ and a team constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs is holding consultations with ENPO for a harmonious and sustainable resolution of the entire matter.

He added that the government is committed to assisting the entire process so that everyone moves together to suitably address the grievances of the people of eastern Nagaland, bridge the development deficit and bring these areas on par with the rest of the state at the earliest possible.

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‘ULB critical for equitable development’

Under the directions of the Supreme Court, the state government, with a view to ensure grassroots’ democracy in cities and towns, has initiated the process for conducting the long-overdue ULB elections.

“These elections, and constitution of the bodies as per the provisions of the Constitution and in compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court, are critical for the equitable development, growth and progress of our cities and towns”, he said.

He called upon everyone concerned to come forward and assist in the successful conduct of the elections in the interest of the people and the state.

On the recently concluded general election, he said the active and full participation of the people was evident, which vindicated the people’s deep faith and trust in democracy and the core values of the Constitution.

The people of the state have risen to the occasion and helped further deepen and strengthen the roots of democracy, the governor said.

‘The coming back of the NDPP-BJP alliance government showed enormous faith reposed in the ideals and the work done by the government in the last five years by the people of Nagaland. It has also highlighted in no small measure the seminal efforts of the government in reaching out to all, seeking their support, and consciously working for everyone’s welfare, development and progress,’ he stated.

He further called upon the legislators to keep public welfare and their interests paramount while deliberating on any matter.

The governor also informed that the government remains committed to ensuring the maintenance of law and order and a peaceful atmosphere in the state. He informed the state police would endeavour to improve the forensic capabilities for scientific investigation, better presentation of evidence before the court of law and enhance the conviction rate.

Under India’s chair, about 200 meetings at various levels are being held across the country including Kohima, where it will host the ‘Business 20 Meet’ on April 5. He sought assistance and participation from the people for the various G20 events and the meet in the state.